To Anyone With Shackles...

[Cujo]

I have cRustys 1.5" extended shackles, and I just happened to be looking around under my rig today and noticed that the lower outboard rear bumper mounting bolts had been contacting my shackles during compression. The bolts are installed with the threaded portion facing forward, (toward the shackle), and there is about 1" of the threaded shaft coming through the nut. I noticed a dent on each shackle where the bolt had been hitting. I don't know how much this affects articulation, but it certainly can't help. And considering the rear bumper is held on by 8 bolts, I just took the 2 offensive ones out. Just thought ya'll might like to know so you could check yours.

[xj92]

Mine did that too. I replaced them with shorter bolts from a local hardware store.

[Jeepin Jason]

That's one of the things I like the RE shackles, they've got cutouts to clear the bolts. They're only 3/4" lift shackles though, not 1.5" like Rusty's... And for some dumb reason RE put the zerks on the wrong side... :rolleyes:

http://jeepin.com/features/rexdalbum/images/DSC01072.jpg

[SV1CEC]

Don't worry, you are not alone. This is typical of Rusty's design philosophy, let the customer find out the hard way, and of course, don't warn him in any way.

As for your lube fittings, you may easily change them with bent ones, in that way they will be accessible without removing the shackles. That's what I did with mine.

Rgds

[JnJ]

Do we have an ignore option on these new forums?.......

[Jeepin Jason]

FYI, the Tera shackles (what I used to run) as well as the ones from Rocky Road Outfitters will all have the same bolt clearance problem as Rusty's do. The Daystar shackles probably will as well.

Regarding the zerks on RE's shackles, I just jack the back end up with my Hi-Lift a bit, maybe 4-5", this droops the suspension and pulls the shackles far enough forward to give me access to the zerks. A seldom as they need to be greased, it's not that a big deal.

I do think it's interesting that RE advertises them as 1.25" lift shackles, but when you measure them, they're only 3/4" lift... :anon:

[MaXJohnson]

Originally posted by SV1CEC
As for your lube fittings, you may easily change them with bent ones, in that way they will be accessible without removing the shackles

This whining gets real old. :rolleyes:

Did RE "warn" you about the zerk or did you find out the "hard way"

Common sense dictates a look-see when you install a moving part to check for clearance.

[Jeepin Jason]

who's whining? :confused:

To me, common sense would dictate a manufacturer would place service items (ie: zerks) within reasonally easy access. RE putting the zerks on the wrong side is just a screw up on their part, plain and simple. I saw that when I first pulled them out of the box. No big deal though, but it does kinda make ya wonder what they were thinking when they put them there...

And as for the shackles hitting the bumper bolt, again, not that big a deal. Just cut off the end of the bolt or replace it with a shorter one. Nothing to get all concerned about, but it may not be something everyone's aware of. Heck, I had my Tera shackles about a year before I discovered they were hitting that bolt.

[JnJ]

Originally posted by MaXJohnson
This whining gets real old. :rolleyes:

Did RE "warn" you about the zerk or did you find out the "hard way"

Common sense dictates a look-see when you install a moving part to check for clearance.

Ditto! Jason, he was not refering to you.

[Jeepin Jason]

:D Ok, I was getting confuzzed there for a bit... :angel:

[SV1CEC]

Originally posted by MaXJohnson
This whining gets real old. :rolleyes:

Did RE "warn" you about the zerk or did you find out the "hard way"

Common sense dictates a look-see when you install a moving part to check for clearance.

I guess that since JNJ was not referring to Jason, and since he quoted my writings, he was referring to me.

However, I didn't mention anything about RE things, so they obviously didn't warn me about anything. So I am confused too.

As far as I am concerned, if someone develops a part for a particular model, he should either make sure that the said part does not interfere with standard OEM components, or he should clearly mention it in the instructions. I understand that most of you Jeepers out there are die-hard mechanics, but this does not necessarily imply that each and every one of us is. Some of us, enjoy our trucks, but not the mechanics of it. I am not one of these people, I can understand that a moving part needs to be checked for clearence, but that does not mean everyone else does.

If some of you are willing to live with no instructions, or with poorly designed parts, that's fine, it's your right, I have no problem with that. But I sure as hell have also the right to "whine" when I pay my hard earned money and get inferior products.

My opinion only.

[XJEEPER]

Pre-qualification of the following statement: It is directed to any and all manufacturers/consumers that it applies to, so if the shoe fits, cram your foot in it.

"As long as consumers are satified with mediocre products, then mediocre manufacturers will continue to supply them with such."
JDT

[CJS]

I understand that most of you Jeepers out there are die-hard mechanics, but this does not necessarily imply that each and every one of us is. Some of us, enjoy our trucks, but not the mechanics of it. I am not one of these people, I can understand that a moving part needs to be checked for clearence, but that does not mean everyone else does.

If you are ordering aftermarket suspension products for your personal use than I guess you better be somewhat of a mechanic or learn to be. Basically they are telling you to stop whining b/c it gets old when someone has one problem that they let everyone know about over and over when it has no relevance to the original post.

[MaXJohnson]

Well said, CJS :)

Your point about the inexperienced is right on the button. If someone doesn't have a lot of experience with modifing vehicles, maybe he/she should let someone else do it, or expect to make mistakes and learn by them.

I've finished a project and had parts left over, stripped threads not noticing they were reversed, broke parts with inappropriate use of the BFH, burned up something that was closer to the torch than it should have been, etc, etc, etc. It's all part of the learning process.

P.S. I was referring to the whining about the shackles while happily modifing the RE part without complaint. Seemed like a double standard. It is sooooo... easy to bash Rusty.

[1986xj]

Originally posted by Jeepin Jason
who's whining? :confused:

To me, common sense would dictate a manufacturer would place service items (ie: zerks) within reasonally easy access. RE putting the zerks on the wrong side is just a screw up on their part, plain and simple. I saw that when I first pulled them out of the box. No big deal though, but it does kinda make ya wonder what they were thinking when they put them there...

And as for the shackles hitting the bumper bolt, again, not that big a deal. Just cut off the end of the bolt or replace it with a shorter one. Nothing to get all concerned about, but it may not be something everyone's aware of. Heck, I had my Tera shackles about a year before I discovered they were hitting that bolt.

I'm thinking they put them there so they would be out of harms way and not get snapped off if you were dragging them over rocks,
Mike B.

[RCP Phx]

Originally posted by 1986xj
I'm thinking they put them there so they would be out of harms way and not get snapped off if you were dragging them over rocks,
Mike B.

Say what??????????
If you hit your upper shackle bushings on rocks,that would be interesting to see!

[1986xj]

Originally posted by RCP Phx
Say what??????????
If you hit your upper shackle bushings on rocks,that would be interesting to see!

You being from the land of smooth high traction rocks may not understand that us on the east coast have jagged pointy rocks, slippery moss covered boulders, roots, stumps and things like that. Over here if it's under the Jeep it will be drug over a rock or a root will get up under there and snag something. I've seen plenty of times where a shackle has been drug starting from up at the hanger when trying to back up over a rock to "try" to get a better line over an obstacle. Any Zerk fitting pointing down in an acessible place, where I wheel, would not last long at all.
Mike B.

[SV1CEC]

Originally posted by CJS
If you are ordering aftermarket suspension products for your personal use than I guess you better be somewhat of a mechanic or learn to be. Basically they are telling you to stop whining b/c it gets old when someone has one problem that they let everyone know about over and over when it has no relevance to the original post.

Excuse me, but wasn't the original post about Rusty's shackles hitting the bumper bolt? I replied to this issue by saying that I had the same problem too. I then offered a solution for the zerks issue raised by Jason.

Weren't those two related to the original post?????

And as far as I remember, I've never again mentionned anything about Rusty's shackles hitting the bolt or their zerks fittings, in this or in any other forum. I had mentionned my problems with his rear springs and shocks several times, but not these. So please do not flame me for things you think I've said.

[SV1CEC]

Originally posted by MaXJohnson
Well said, CJS :)

Your point about the inexperienced is right on the button. If someone doesn't have a lot of experience with modifing vehicles, maybe he/she should let someone else do it, or expect to make mistakes and learn by them.

I've finished a project and had parts left over, stripped threads not noticing they were reversed, broke parts with inappropriate use of the BFH, burned up something that was closer to the torch than it should have been, etc, etc, etc. It's all part of the learning process.

P.S. I was referring to the whining about the shackles while happily modifing the RE part without complaint. Seemed like a double standard. It is sooooo... easy to bash Rusty.

Where are the "double standards"? Please read my post again, I didn't mention anything about RE shackles. I am using Rusty's ones and these are the ones I modified.

Here is what I wrote:


Don't worry, you are not alone. This is typical of Rusty's design philosophy, let the customer find out the hard way, and of course, don't warn him in any way.

As for your lube fittings, you may easily change them with bent ones, in that way they will be accessible without removing the shackles. That's what I did with mine.


So I am not applying different standards to different manufacturers. I hope that this clarifies the issue.

[CJS]

This is typical of Rusty's design philosophy, let the customer find out the hard way, and of course, don't warn him in any way.

I guess I'm wrong then, this comment wasn't biased but instead was based on your vast experience in aftermarket suspension. It also related to the original post b/c if one person has a problem ( a minor one at that, easily fixable) and you have the same problem then I guess you are justified to flame Rusty. I didn't flame you, I simply stated the obvious just as everyone else did:rolleyes: .

[KarmirXJ]

Originally posted by MaXJohnson

NAXJA member

90 XJ with enhanced NVH, new alternator, homemade front bumper with reciever hitch and shackles, Rusty's disconnects, replaced axles with 4.10 gears, BFG MT's, rockcrawler wheels, KC Highliters, brake pads, Kevin's track bar, new drag link, extended brake lines, factory replacement unit bearings, Rusty's 3" lift with 1 3/4" spacers, homemade rock rails, homemade skid plate, factory gas tank skid, Optima redtop, hood hinge spacers, K&N filter with homemade airtube, new water pump, new fan belt, new fan clutch, late model water neck, aluminum pressure tank, new rod bearings, oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket, new oil cap, Modine radiator, full gage cluster, Hurst shift knob, Pioneer tuner/cd player, front and rear 6pt roll bars, 3 replacement window cranks, drivers door window winder mechanism, Sun tach, Cobra CB, Firestick antenae, homemade safari rack w/HiLift mount, homemade traction bar, new rear axle seal and bearing, noslip locker, Flowmaster 50 series and new tailpipe, new temp sender(factory and aftermarket), new vacuum manifold, new clutch, clutch slave and fluid line, 1 new headlight, cabin & intake temp gage, drivers door window regulator, homemade rear bumber with reciever hitch, gerry can and tire carrier, tailight guards, extended Yakima 4-bike carrier, first aid kit, hd backup light, rear brake shoes, transmission main shaft, drive line u-joints, Monroe rear shocks w/hi-clearance mounts, new valve stems, replacement steering box, dual hocky puck bump stops, manual secondary fan switch, new oil filter, another alternator, powersteering high and low pressure hoses, upper & lower radiator hoses, Rusty's upper & lower control arms, aftermarket speakers front and rear and some other stuff...


WOW! thats a nice sig:D

[XJEEPER]

Great use of bandwidth too..........:flame: :bawl:

[SV1CEC]

Originally posted by CJS
I guess I'm wrong then, this comment wasn't biased but instead was based on your vast experience in aftermarket suspension. It also related to the original post b/c if one person has a problem ( a minor one at that, easily fixable) and you have the same problem then I guess you are justified to flame Rusty. I didn't flame you, I simply stated the obvious just as everyone else did:rolleyes: .

Of course and my comment was biased. If you had the same problems I had with Rusty's parts (springs, track bar, shocks), you would be biased too (more details in my site, at the sig).

And no, the comment wasn't based on my vast experience on after-market suspension kits, since I am new into the Jeep staff, although not new in 4x4's and in altering suspensions in general, but that's another issue.

And I do not think that you stated the obvious like everyone else, from the ten or so persons who participated in this discussion, only you and MaxJohnson found my comments either irrelevant to the thread's subject (??) or biased.

I assume that some of you guys do not want to hear bad things about the manufacturers, I am sorry, I do not agree with you. I believe that the role of such forums is to inform people about product short-comings. If that is not their raison d' etre, please let me know. If that is the case, I would gladly shut up and never participate in a discussion again.

[Royce]

This sounds like JU. :)

[GI-John]

Originally posted by Royce
This sounds like JU. :)

Sure does.

[SV1CEC]

Originally posted by John-Boy
Sure does.

Royce and John-Boy,

Do you care to elaborate on your answer? I am not sure of what you mean. Shall I participate in JU only, because NAXJA members do not want to hear my comments, or vice versa?

Many thanks

[GI-John]

Sure I'll elaborate. The bickering between people in this thread is the reason for the comment.

Jeepsunlimited.com is a very large Jeep community website.

At one time several of the people here (to include myself ) would frequent, learn, post and have fun on the XJ forum. Many still do.

Over the years it went from being an informative and technical forum to a forum where people bicker, argue, flame, and generally act like idiots. You have to be very careful about the information you get from the site because there are so many people who just don't know what they are talking about but claim they do and put out bad info.

I myself still go there, but less and less because the questions have migrated from technical questions to things like

"what type altezza's should I get"

" post pics of your bling bling rocker guards" etc....

(yes, an exaggeration, but check it out for yourself)

I would suggest that you stay here and use JU for less technical stuff. I'm sure that you have some experience and insight to share with the rest of the group.

There is just too much good information and knowledge for you to go elsewhere.

John

[SV1CEC]

Originally posted by John-Boy
Sure I'll elaborate. The bickering between people in this thread is the reason for the comment.

Jeepsunlimited.com is a very large Jeep community website.

At one time several of the people here (to include myself ) would frequent, learn, post and have fun on the XJ forum. Many still do.

Over the years it went from being an informative and technical forum to a forum where people bicker, argue, flame, and generally act like idiots. You have to be very careful about the information you get from the site because there are so many people who just don't know what they are talking about but claim they do and put out bad info.

I myself still go there, but less and less because the questions have migrated from technical questions to things like

"what type altezza's should I get"

" post pics of your bling bling rocker guards" etc....

(yes, an exaggeration, but check it out for yourself)

I would suggest that you stay here and use JU for less technical stuff. I'm sure that you have some experience and insight to share with the rest of the group.

There is just too much good information and knowledge for you to go elsewhere.

John

Thank you Sir. This was exactly the reason I came to NAXJA.

Rgds

[Jeepin Jason]

Originally posted by 1986xj
You being from the land of smooth high traction rocks may not understand that us on the east coast have jagged pointy rocks, slippery moss covered boulders, roots, stumps and things like that. Over here if it's under the Jeep it will be drug over a rock or a root will get up under there and snag something. I've seen plenty of times where a shackle has been drug starting from up at the hanger when trying to back up over a rock to "try" to get a better line over an obstacle. Any Zerk fitting pointing down in an acessible place, where I wheel, would not last long at all.
Mike B.

So you've seen or had a rock or stump go up over the leaf spring jam up into the FRONT of the shackle hanger box??? :confused:

If you look closely, you can just see the tip of the zerk (light colored dot) sticking out from the "front" of the shackle bushing:
http://jeepin.com/features/rexdalbum/images/DSC01110.jpg

You've seen something jam up in THERE???

[1986xj]

Originally posted by Jeepin Jason
So you've seen or had a rock or stump go up over the leaf spring jam up into the FRONT of the shackle hanger box??? :confused:

If you look closely, you can just see the tip of the zerk (light colored dot) sticking out from the "front" of the shackle bushing:

You've seen something jam up in THERE???

Yep if it was on the back side, I have seen things jammed up in there. But it looks as though it's in a well protected spot on the front side... proving my point that it was put there in front for that reason.. this all started because there was a complaint that it was hard to get to on the front side...
Mike B.
Geesh it "do's" feel like JU here on this thread.

[Jeepin Jason]

Originally posted by 1986xj
this all started because there was a complaint that it was hard to get to on the front side...
Mike B.
Geesh it "do's" feel like JU here on this thread.

NO, it wasn't!! I originally commented that while I liked the RE shackles because of the cutouts to clear the bumper bolts, I was unhappy that they put the zerks on the wrong (ie: back) side! :confused1

http://jeepin.com/features/rexdalbum/images/DSC01072.jpg
http://jeepin.com/features/rexdalbum/images/DSC01125.jpg