Shackle flip?

I stumbled across this article and figured it would apply here:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/64-inch_leaf.html

Not needed if you're limited to 12" but looks like easy travel on the "fun" rigs. Reminds me a bit of revolver shackles but looks more controlled. Anyone try it? Would it work well crawling too?

That's the way a bunch of trucks come out of the factory. I wouldn't quite compare ot to the revolver shackle. My Ford Bronco is set up like that for example. It works very well and there are not problems with handling or anything.

Explain to me how you are going to get that to work on a Cherokee without completely redoing the rear shackle hanger.

Starboard M said:

Explain to me how you are going to get that to work on a Cherokee without completely redoing the rear shackle hanger.

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You're not. I haven't really thought about it, but I guess you'd build a bracket that hangs down. Or section the frame for room. Or move the springs inboard. Haven't gotten that far, just exploring the possible benefits :dunno:.

ok scratch the frame sectioning part, I was confused. It'd be about the same as in the link.

for a strictly desert/speed rig i would consider this

I think youre gonna need to go through the floor on that.

JXPEEJ said:

I think youre gonna need to go through the floor on that.

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Well, I guess it would be a good time to build a shock hoop then...

i did the opposite on my k5 blazer for crawling purposes. i think it would be more for the go fast stuff

Now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure how useful this is. sure, you get a ton of droop - but don't you want up-travel with a go fast rig? I guess it would help keep the rear end on the ground through anything short of goign airborn, so you get more stability out of it through uneven terrain... but you wind up with a lower ride height out of it, necessitating a shorter shackle or bigger leaf packs which both limit flex / ride quality... Unless you go longer leaves at the same time which presents its own difficulties with the XJ...
Maybe F-150 leaves or some such, flipped shackles and relocated / dropped front mounts could get you the ride height you need with flatter packs and better stability for go-fast?
Thinking out loud here, don't take anything as gospel...