Topic: Shackle reversal parts/pieces

[rwing1]

This is the shackle included with the FullTraction reversal kit..... isn't this similar to an XJ shackle? or anybody know where else you could get one to build your own reversal system.....  Anyone that has done this think it's worth the work for ride quality?  And I know this has been discussed several times but does this work with stock height springs or just lifted(higher arc)?

[Jeffy]

   I really don't like that design.  The problem is that setup will give you 1.5-2" lift because it's using the stock hanger points for shackle mounts.  The other problem is, that setup really hangs down from the frame.  It really lives that shackle exposed.

With that said, you can use them with lifted or stock leafs.  You might run into problem with some lifted leafs since they are longer then stock.

If I was going to buy a SRS, I'd probably go with the Trailmaster setup.  This is the same as the Rough Country and the Fly-N-high since they pooled their resources.  Their kit requires grinding off the old hanger and drilling some holes through the frame or you can weld.  MORE used to have a lot of buzz around it until people figured out that the buggy springs are more gimic then useful.  They also sold a regular kit which I think they still sell.  They also sued to have a kit that was punched out but not welded together.  So you have to weld all of the brackets together.  I think you only save $50 though.

[rwing1]

Actually the lift was a plus of this design for me..... I looked at the MORE kit too.... and was considering a blend of the two... MORE front perch parts and the shackle for the rear.  Near as I can tell most of the SRS kits offer about 1-2" lift depending on the rear hanger options.  Even the MORE kit shows a hanger below the frame for the rear shackle position, which near as I could tell would be about the same as the Fulltraction wouldn't it?  The big question though is will the ride really change that much over front shackle,stock hieght springs that are kinda soft anyways?  Jeffy don't you have a SRS in your rig?  Maybe I was imagining things when I looked at the pics.  Nice rig BTW

[Jeffy]

Actually the lift was a plus of this design for me..... I looked at the MORE kit too.... and was considering a blend of the two... MORE front perch parts and the shackle for the rear.  Near as I can tell most of the SRS kits offer about 1-2" lift depending on the rear hanger options.  Even the MORE kit shows a hanger below the frame for the rear shackle position, which near as I could tell would be about the same as the Fulltraction wouldn't it?  The big question though is will the ride really change that much over front shackle,stock hieght springs that are kinda soft anyways?  Jeffy don't you have a SRS in your rig?  Maybe I was imagining things when I looked at the pics.  Nice rig BTW

The shackle arrangement on the Fulltraction is a lot longer then the MORE, I believe.  I believe it's hanging down around 8" from the frame.  MORE uses a hole through the frame with their regular kit. (not the Bolt-On)  This adds no lift.  The problem with the lift is that it's basically a lift shackle which can throw off the camber a bit.  That is unless they lower the front hanger down more then normal.  Moving teh hanger further down will reduce you approach angle, too.

The Trail Master/Rough Country/FNH had the shackle go through the frame, adding no lift.

The ride will change, BUT if you're running front trackbars, it will still feel like crap.  If you're running front trackbars, I'd recommend removing it before spending a bunch of money on a SRS when your jeep is otherwise stock.

Keep in mind there are cons to a SRS.  Because the axle will not move backwards under compression, your driveshaft might be too long.  If it ever bottoms out, it will crack your transfer case in half.  Also, with no trackbar, the suspension might be too soft.  You also run the risk of increased bumpsteer under hard braking.  Offroad, SRS's don't give you any advantage and in some cases gives you the opposite.

If your Jeep is otherwise stock, I'd experiment by taking the trackbars off.  It will make a huge difference in ride quality.  Just be aware that the steering may feel a bit dead compared to before since things are allowed to move around now.

Oh and I don't have a SRS.  I'm SOA up front and SUA in the back.  I don't need anymore lift up front and the Jepe tracks fine on road.

[Bounty Hunter]

Stay away from a SRS, they reduce traction when offroad.  Unless done correctly by sleeving the frame and mounting the shackles higher than in the above pic, you'll get poor handling and the rear eye of the spring will kill your breakover angle.