Topic: Ordered my body kit and flares.

[dexetr30]

I ordered my 7" flares today for the YJ. This weekend I'll be dropping the shackles height down 3" so I'm thinking that doing so will lower my suspension about 1.5". Is this about right? Also, I ordered a 3" body kit but now I'm wondering if maybe I should have gone with maybe a 2" or even a 1" kit. Any suggestions

 :D

[YJmechanic]

one thing it is a body lift not kit you about gave me a heart attack thinking you were putting a body kit on you jeep.  and body lift should be kept as low as possible.  you are better off with the shackles and a 1" bl

[Jeffy]

Dropping 3" off the shackles will give you 1.5" less height.  I really don't recommend body lifts over 2" and even that's a bit tall.  1-1.5" is adequate.   You can take those 3" blocks and cut them down though.  You'd need to buy new bolts though.  Or else return it or sell it.  If you cut them down you can either makes 3 1" lifts or two 1.5" or one 1" and one 2".

[dexetr30]

Thanks for some answers guys. I'll drop the shackle height this weekend.  That will bring me down to 5.5 " from bolt to bolt. If memory serves me right stock shackles are 4". So, is 5.5" ok for safety issues?

Since I'm dropping the suspension 1.5" then to make up tire clearence with the body I should only need a 2" body lift. So... when the 3" body lift arrives I'll send it back in exchange for a 2" body lift.

Has anyone ever boxed in a set of shackles? I'm thinking about doing this to add some strength to them. I'd buy a better set but money is an issue right now. I figured welding some 1/4 plating to the front and backs of the shackles would really do some good.

[Jeffy]

Thanks for some answers guys. I'll drop the shackle height this weekend.  That will bring me down to 5.5 " from bolt to bolt. If memory serves me right stock shackles are 4". So, is 5.5" ok for safety issues?

Since I'm dropping the suspension 1.5" then to make up tire clearence with the body I should only need a 2" body lift. So... when the 3" body lift arrives I'll send it back in exchange for a 2" body lift.

Has anyone ever boxed in a set of shackles? I'm thinking about doing this to add some strength to them. I'd buy a better set but money is an issue right now. I figured welding some 1/4 plating to the front and backs of the shackles would really do some good.

Stock shackles are usually 4.5" eye yo eye.  So if you're are 5.5", you will have a .5" height increase.  The max I'd ever recommend is 1.25" lift or 7.5" eye to eye.  Even that is a bit tall thought I used to run them with no problems.  You could go to .75" lift if you really need the height.  .5 to .75 is fine and shouldn't exhibit any problems.

For a budget build, it's probably best to spread the lift around and not let one thing take all of the lift.  This will help keep driveline angles as well as steering geometry happy.  So .5-.75 in the shackles then 1-2" in the body will be fine.  Then you could combine it with a 2.5" lift and call it good.

[Chad]

love to see some pictures of these flares

[dexetr30]

love to see some pictures of these flares

I'll post some pics as soon as I get them and they are installed. :twisted: