I will be helping a freind go SOA on his 84 CJ7 this week and I have a few questions. He will be going with RE 1.5" SOA springs, and a MORE shackle reversal to clear 36" SX's. While we are doing this we wanted to extend the wheelbase a few inches, so here's my question. If we mount the fixed end as far forward on the front bumper as possible, how do I know where to mount the shackle, and how do I know what angle to mount it at if I don't have any weight on the springs. I will be doing the same with the rear, mounting the shackle as far rearward as possible, but I will have the same problem. If these are dumb questions, flame away, but I'm used to coils. If there is anything else I have overlooked please feel free to let me know.
Thanks
Jaromy

I like for my shackle to be around 45 degrees when my spring is flat. I would use a flexible tape measure (like you use when getting fitted for a suit) and measure around the arch of the spring from eye to eye and use that measurement from your fixed point and make the shackle angle 45 degress. Also you can use a c clamp to hold the shackle hanger to the frame or tack welds and mount every thing up and see what your shackle angle is then change it to the desired angle.

I don't know if that really makes sense. That just me.

Couldn't you just measure the eye to eye distance between the fixed point and frame point of the shackle now, then copy that to the later configuration? If the springs are made for a CJ, I would think that would work.

Couldn't you just measure the eye to eye distance between the fixed point and frame point of the shackle now, then copy that to the later configuration? If the springs are made for a CJ, I would think that would work.

EXACTLY!

Originally posted by ChadLloyd
Couldn't you just measure the eye to eye distance between the fixed point and frame point of the shackle now, then copy that to the later configuration? If the springs are made for a CJ, I would think that would work.

I think that would work. I don't know if the RE SOA springs are the same as stock CJ 7 springs but I'm sure I could find that info. My only other concern is the shackle angle. 45 deg. which way?
Thanks
Jaromy

i would have to think the springs are gonna be the same as stock because they dont' expect you to move the mounts for them when installing them. and if you make the eye-to-eye measurement the same as the stock measurement then you dont' have to worry about the shackle angle because its only going to fit one way, unless you went w/ different length shackles.

Originally posted by 1GreatTJ

My only other concern is the shackle angle. 45 deg. which way?
Thanks
Jaromy

Umm, you'll want the shackle laid back.

Originally posted by doctor_G


Umm, you'll want the shackle laid back.

Like I said I am new to the whole spring thing, but I thought I saw somewhere that you could have the shackles mounted either way, maybe not at a 45. The whole newbie thing makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

You don't want them pointing toward the spring. Bad things happen.
The ride would be harsh and you take a chance at inverting the shackle into the frame rail.

Originally posted by doctor_G
You don't want them pointing toward the spring. Bad things happen.
The ride would be harsh and you take a chance at inverting the shackle into the frame rail.

That's the info I was looking for.
Thanks
Jaromy

yes.. with wieght on the vehicle.. you want the shackles to be atleast 45 degrees.. or more.. ie. 50 degrees.. but at 45 you have equal travel forwards and backwards which translates to the spring compressing.. or drooping.. some springs.. that flex alot.. require more angle.. ie. 50 degrees.. this allows your springs to droop more.. than compress.. without the shackle being inverted.. and stuck up against the frame.. giving you a rough ride.. not allowing the spring to do its job.. and is dangersous when you pry that shackle out..