Question about driveline angle with shackle lift

[Hemi Jeep]

Hello Everyone, I just installed a 1" shackle lift on my YJ. I installed it with my existing 2.5 suspension lift. Will the shims suffice for the additional 1" lift or should I go with larger shims? Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Mean Max]

T-case shims, right?

I have 2.5" springs on my YJ, then later I put on 1" shackles, and I didn't add anything else to the T-case shims at the time I put on the shackles.

Mine seems fine that way.

[Hemi Jeep]

The 2.5 suspension came with a T-Case lowering kit and shims for the rear axle. I am assuming it will be fine, but wanted other's experience/opinions.

[Mean Max]

I'd say it's a safe bet, go for it!

;)

[Hemi Jeep]

Thanks Max, If it's working for you, it should work for me. I haven't taken it for a test ride yet. The angles on the drive shaft don't look too bad.

[OhioYJ]

You'll be fine, take it out for a drive and enjoy it.

[Hemi Jeep]

Wow Ohio you were right about the shackle lift improving ride quality. I took the jeep for a ride and what a difference the shackle lift made in ride quality. I don't know if it was the shackles or changing over to Urethane bushing. The ride is much softer, but I do notice a little more sway. I am going to try and replace the sway bar and track bar bushings to see if that will lessen the sway. It's not that bad, but if I can improve it just through the bushings, why not. One more question though. Should I put in a Drop Pitman arm? I have the 2.5 suspension and then the 1" Shackle.

[OhioYJ]

Did you relocate the track bar? Or do you even still have a track bar?

If you don't experience any bump steer, and your tie-rods aren't at a horrible angle, I wouldn't worry about the drop pitman arm.

[Hemi Jeep]

Thanks for the info Ohio. Yes, the suspension kit I put in a couple of years ago, had a track bar bracket extension. I got rid of the rear track bar. Everything seems fine. Just wanted a professional's opinion. By the way, have you thought about writing a book and profiting from your knowledge. You seem to have answers that I can't find in many of the jeep books. By the way, what is bump steer?

[Mean Max]

Bump steer definition here. (http://autorepair.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-043a.htm)

[Hemi Jeep]

Thanks Max. That was fairly descriptive. So if I did happen to get bump steer (which probably would have already been evident) then to fix it (for my application) would be to install a drop pitman?

[Mean Max]

I would say so.

Or, you could just go SOA and do a high steer! :D

http://img103.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/05/08/dsc035411-46enb7xn0.jpg

[Mean Max]

Seriously though, I have the same setup on my Jeep that you're running, with no dropped pitman, and no bump steer.

I also don't run track bars either.

It wanders a bit with no track bars, but there is not really any bump steer problem that I've noticed.

[Hemi Jeep]

Thanks for the input. I guess removing the track bar (from what I have read) is one way of getting rid of bump steer. I also read that keeping the track bar and drag link at the same angle (parallel) will most likely eliminate it. Well, since I don't seem to have bump steer, I don't need to worry. It is cool to learn something new though. Hey Max did you notice your ride was softer after the shackle lift? Is it because the leaf spring can articulate better because of the longer shackles or is it because of me replacing the rubber bushings with urethane? I can't believe the difference. My YJ is almost as smooth as my LJ.

[Mean Max]

It could be a combination of both the bushings, and the shackles.

Mine seemed to ride the same after my shackle lift. But I'd say that's because my YJ had Skyjacker 2.5 leafs on it when I got it, and they're a bit too stiff for my tastes. It rides a lot like a buckboard wagon.
:rolleyes:

The SOA picture I posted is my wife's YJ with a SOA conversion. I put 1" shackles and stock height leafs with urethane bushings on it when I did the conversion, and her YJ rides 100% better than mine does.
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