Aftermarket Shackle Needed?

PapaGeno21 · Oct 7, 2008

Ok guys, I wanna install an RE 4.5 SF kit.

Heres my issue.

I cant get my stock shackles out, so I got in contact with an RE parts dealer and he will sell me a 4.5 kit but instead of running the 3.5 pack with RE's shackles he will remove those and just put in a 4.5" leaf pack.

He said RE doesnt reccommend it though due to flex.

Will it actually matter? I mean will something break or go wrong if I dont use the other shackles?

Thanks.

Muddy Beast · Oct 7, 2008

IIRC if you don't have the correct shackles (longer shackles for larger leafs) then when you fully compress the leaf the shackle wont give it enough room to flatten out, so it will ripple up so to speak, like a wave, and cause quicker wear on your leafs.

~Scott

bcmaxx · Oct 7, 2008

Muddy Beast said:
IIRC if you don't have the correct shackles (longer shackles for larger leafs) then when you fully compress the leaf the shackle wont give it enough room to flatten out, so it will ripple up so to speak, like a wave, and cause quicker wear on your leafs.

~Scott

I'd like to know more, I'm running 4.5 re leafs with stock shackles and notice less flex in the back, what do they recommend for shackles?

PapaGeno21 · Oct 7, 2008

RE Reccommends you run the 3.5's with their extended shacke for it to be 4.5

I understand how it works as I had extended shackles on my other jeep with 3.5" leafs but I cant get the damn shackles out.

Muddy Beast · Oct 7, 2008

bcmaxx said:
I'd like to know more, I'm running 4.5 re leafs with stock shackles and notice less flex in the back, what do they recommend for shackles?

Do I sense sarcasm?
I ment a longer shackle than stock...not that you should get an X amount of length shackle because your leafs provide Y amount of lift.

:laugh3:

~Scott

P.S. Sorry Arsonist, I suppose I didn't help you much...I'll let someone with a little better knowledge take over. (Free bump!)

RCP Phx · Oct 7, 2008

You will get a better ride and more flex w/ the 3.5's and a longer shackle vs the straight 4.5's!

Blaine B. · Oct 7, 2008

$hit, let em give you the bigger leaf packs and then buy some shackles as well. You'll want to go bigger eventually. It isn't IF, it's WHEN....

Starboard M · Oct 7, 2008

For my first lift I had the 4.5'' leaves and stock shackles. Flex was fine. Ride was a bit harsh, but I dont think a shackle would have helped.

edit: Found some pics. Keep in mind these are 4+ years old, so things have changed a bit.

Those are 32s in the pics.

edit2: Wow, talk about some messed up pic sizes!

PapaGeno21 · Oct 7, 2008

Thats not too bad!

Thanks for the pics that helped a lot!

jeep pox · Oct 7, 2008

i was running 5.5 RC leafs took out some leafs and added a 1.5 shackle it flexes and rides way better. the shackle makes a huge difference. BTW just do a quarter panel cut and you can remove the shackle with a impact wrench.

Aftermarket Shackle Needed?

PapaGeno21

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Muddy Beast

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bcmaxx

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PapaGeno21

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Muddy Beast

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RCP Phx

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Blaine B.

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Starboard M

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jeep pox

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