I have a 78' CJ7 w/ BD 4" YJ springs, MORE Shackle reversal, and More 1/2" lift shackles on all 4 springs. I just picked up a good deal on some TeraFlex shackles. Are they going to improve anything over what I have already? What are the Pro's and Con's of the TeraFlex over traditional shackles?

Thanks,
Jeff

This has been beaten up pretty bad on the boards, but the thing I have heard is that you have to be careful of them unloading during corners, assuming you're talking about the revolvers. Try a search using this exact term on google:

"teraflex revolver" site:pirate4x4.com

or use this link:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=t&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLJ,GGLJ:2006-08,GGLJ:en&q=%22teraflex+revolver%22+site%3apirate4x4%2ecom


Be sure to include the quotes just like shown above and it will give you a search of all of the discussions on here about them. What I'm regurgitating is second hand word of mouth as I've only had links and coils. Check out the discussions though.

This was about the only thread I could find on the revolvers that was somewhat worth reading:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23630

I think you'll find the majority of the people, not all - but the majority, will say to stay away from them.

(KEY)Your Rear &/or front--- drive shaft(s) and shock's will need to be long enough to let the R's work...


I did all the reading and research on them..(most post are all about how bad they are for people that never ran them) Then I talked to people that do run them on the trail and they all liked/loved them.

I put some on my YJ but only in the rear and I love them and the flex they added. Yes they will help you but if your rig is not set-up right they can hurt you. If you need a little more flex they are the ticket. They will act just like any coil suspension out there and you will have to learn how to use them just like you did when you pit your like on. I have a very balanced rig but I wanted more flex and I planed on skipping SOA right to 4link Coil-overs..

I liked my front the way it was and didn’t want to mess it up with any moving parts… I like my steering the way it was and I know R’s would mess with it.. Would it be a bad thing … Don’t know and didn’t want to know… Just my personal pref.

Nothing is a fix/work for everyone type deal. Take a good look at your rig and what you want from it. Talk to people that have R’s and wheel them..

You say you have them so put them on..4 bolt's and your done... Then take them for a spin... If you like keep them if not take them off... Make sure to wheel the same trail and try line that will push your rig…

Here is were R’s saved me from a flop….
http://x402.putfile.com/2/5809391241.jpg
My rear Driver side would have been a good 6" higher and would have floped me...

I ran them on the fron of my CJ7 for a while with a 4'' sprung under. They allow for a ton more droop, but steering wasn't so great since they move around a bunch. I've heard of them unloading on people who have used them on the rear when they are climbing ledges causing the vehicle to bounce around a bunch. Personally I didn't feel that the added flex was worth it, but try it for yourself. You may find that you like them. Just be sure to check brake lines and drive shaft clearance before flexing it out all the way though.

upnover-x - middle line of the waterfall on Chinaman's gulch? :grinpimp:

Yup..... :smokin: I just wish that trail wasn't a two hour drive.

I thought about doing these myself for a while,but I found some things out I didn't like about them. First thei tendenzy to unload. But the main thing I had an issue was with this. Once you put them on you will be limited by your shock length. This is why some people have put them on then reported that thet werent that impressed with the flex afterwoodords. If you put them on you will need tp put on longer shocks for you to get the full flexing benefit out of them. This is why I just chose to go with 1 inch extention shackels. Good luck to you.

The big thing with goofy shackles is how you drive.

If you are one of those guys who likes to idle over everything and pulls a winch line before he'll hit the gas, then yes, most likely you will enjoy running a revolver style shackle. If you like to use the gas pedal to get over obstacles, then no, I'd avoid them like the plague.

The two big issues are as follows:

1- You now have nothing keeping body roll in check. Anytime the vehicle encounters a sidehill, the thing is going to want to pitch like mad as the revolver droops, exaggerating the sidehill and quite possibly rolling the vehicle sideways.

2- You will experience serious axle wrap under power... it's awful, especially if the revolvers are starting to droop. This is hard on u-joints, and makes the vehicle a major PITA to operate.

For me, I'd never even entertain the thought of running them, but I've seen them used successfully on the trail by the recreational creepy-crawl types.

Hans

upnover-x - middle line of the waterfall on Chinaman's gulch? :grinpimp:


next time climb the next crack left. ;) :evil:

i'll have to find the pics.. its a fun climb.

next time climb the next crack left. ;) :evil:

i'll have to find the pics.. its a fun climb.


heres me on that line...
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/balsax/Image2.jpg

The two big issues are as follows:

1- You now have nothing keeping body roll in check..........
2- You will experience serious axle wrap under power...

1. Just like every coil rig on god's green earth.

2. I could see that happing. But you would have to be a lead foot. If you're talking SOA I agree 100%. But SUA I just don't see this as a problem. Unless the drive causes it.

If you are a "Watch how I can smoke my tires" type driver I agree they will not work for you and this is were most the Con's/bad post come form. "I was only pushing 5G's RPM & bouncing like crack head on a pogo stick... and the dame thing's busted" who would of Thunk? It’s all the R's fault.

As always... It comes down to how you drive...... I crawl first the throttle/bump when needed and back up to get a better line. I even walk away for another day....:smokin:


BV Chinamans...The left line will be done…… but not with the hard top on… :flipoff2:

Balsax... What's up with the rock stacking???? lol Did you make it?

I'm not sure I can becasue of my rear bumper/tire carrier. Maybe once I go to 37's?

heres me on that line...

:smokin:

chinamans is a nice run to wind down on after carnage canyon.

good times.

Pro: Will up your mall rating by +5 for ramp contest ability
Con: Make you hump rocks like a Viagra Junkie

I used them for a while and they worked fine after I put a center limiting strap on the axle.

They are a decent bandaid for cheap short leafs, but are still just that.