XJ Dreamin'
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Huntsville, Texas
I hope you'll excuse me if this is too noob :wave: , but...
I've been reading for some time now (threads and web) on all things XJ: OEM, Mod, Street, etc. but on one point I am still a little fuzzy. Namely, extended shackles.
Every discussion of extended shackles includes the warning that shackle extension is limited by the extension changing the pinion angle. I understand that lowering the rear of the leaf pack will change the pinion angle as the pack, the axle, and the pinion rotate around the leaf front anchor, and I understand the need to keep the pinion and output shafts parallel. Now, wedges can bring the pinion back in-line, but isn't it also possible to compensate for the rotation (and add more lift) by lowering the front anchors? Granted that adds fab work to what was basically a wrench job. Also, since the goal is clearance lowering the front anchors might result in more rock rubbing, but wouldn't it be worth it to "lower" the springs evenly, front and back, and avoid using blocks that could increase spring wrap?
Of course, if you do not have the facilities for fab work (which I do not at the moment) then a short shackle/block combo is a decent compromise. But I still have to ask, wouldn't extending the front anchors along with extending the shackles be the better mod (short of a 4-point coil-over)?
Thanks for reading. Sorry for the length,
XJ Dreamin'
'93 XJ 2WD stock, 4.0l HO, AW4, D-35c, LT235/75R15 A/Ts
I've been reading for some time now (threads and web) on all things XJ: OEM, Mod, Street, etc. but on one point I am still a little fuzzy. Namely, extended shackles.
Every discussion of extended shackles includes the warning that shackle extension is limited by the extension changing the pinion angle. I understand that lowering the rear of the leaf pack will change the pinion angle as the pack, the axle, and the pinion rotate around the leaf front anchor, and I understand the need to keep the pinion and output shafts parallel. Now, wedges can bring the pinion back in-line, but isn't it also possible to compensate for the rotation (and add more lift) by lowering the front anchors? Granted that adds fab work to what was basically a wrench job. Also, since the goal is clearance lowering the front anchors might result in more rock rubbing, but wouldn't it be worth it to "lower" the springs evenly, front and back, and avoid using blocks that could increase spring wrap?
Of course, if you do not have the facilities for fab work (which I do not at the moment) then a short shackle/block combo is a decent compromise. But I still have to ask, wouldn't extending the front anchors along with extending the shackles be the better mod (short of a 4-point coil-over)?
Thanks for reading. Sorry for the length,
XJ Dreamin'
'93 XJ 2WD stock, 4.0l HO, AW4, D-35c, LT235/75R15 A/Ts