81 CJ7 5.7 Vortec/4L60E/dana 300

Down to the frame and working on axles and suspension.

I am going to run 62" WMS-WMS dana 44/60 or 60/60. Still trying to find a front with 4.10's if possible.

I have some 4" Trailmaster springs and plan on doing SOA. Is that too much lift? I figure I will gain another 4" on the SOA. Should I buy different springs(1" Superlift)?

Does shackle reversals really work or gain me anything? Is it worth the work to fab them? I do mostly mud and high-speed fire roads/trails.

Thanks

:question:

i'm thinkin trailmaster = stiff. 4" plus the 5" of spring is pretty tall. what tire size ya runnin? if its 38 or bigger that might be ok. keep it as low as possible is what i say.;)

Shackle reversal + high speed trails = possible frame damage. I would think about reinforcing the frame from front fender forward. M.O.R.E. sells em or you can cut them yourself with a plasma cutter in about 5 minutes.

uummm, ok. what are you talkin about. no shackle rev + high speed means out of control ramming a tree frame damage!:rolleyes:

Originally posted by FULLSIZE
uummm, ok. what are you talkin about. no shackle rev + high speed means out of control ramming a tree frame damage!:rolleyes:
LOL

Frame damage= frame damage. I didn't say" better not do the shackle reversal" If you don't think it's a good idea to strengthen the frame when doing it then:eek:

Originally posted by FULLSIZE
i'm thinkin trailmaster = stiff. 4" plus the 5" of spring is pretty tall. what tire size ya runnin? if its 38 or bigger that might be ok. keep it as low as possible is what i say.;)

Yea, they are kind of stiff, which is OK for the road and high speed, not so good for rocks. I have to wear out some 33 cooper's I have then I was thinking 38's. Do you think I should put the stock springs on the SOA? Or leave the 4" springs without SOA.

Originally posted by FULLSIZE
uummm, ok. what are you talkin about. no shackle rev + high speed means out of control ramming a tree frame damage!:rolleyes:

I have noticed that the front end dances at speed with the current setup 4" trail master, front shackle, narrow track, in fact it has gotten downright scary though I have managed to keep the rubber side down :eek:[2 wheeling with the wrong 2], but I attributed it to the narrow axles mostly. I thought I could gains some "compliance" with a shackle reversal. It's smooth when I have some weight on the Jeep, and I thought adding the heavier tranny and axles would make it just right. [currently have a TBI/SM420 and going to a Vortec/4L60E]

So does anyone acutally have a shackle reversal on a CJ and can speak from personal experience as to it's benefit. I planned on adding a rear sway bar, not sure how to tie the front other than the sway bar. And like the idea of diconnect so I can get the flex[frame] when needed.

i've got a shackle reversal and i can tell you it rides much nicer but also has more of a tendency to dive at stops unless i dial up the front ranchos. go with stock springs and the rubicon express add a leafs this will keep you lower. also go wider than 62" especially if you are planning on going fast. remember try to keep it low and get out the sawzall to fit the tires

ya, what he said.:D

Originally posted by swamper502
i've got a shackle reversal and i can tell you it rides much nicer but also has more of a tendency to dive at stops unless i dial up the front ranchos. go with stock springs and the rubicon express add a leafs this will keep you lower. also go wider than 62" especially if you are planning on going fast. remember try to keep it low and get out the sawzall to fit the tires

If I remember correctly, my stock springs were kind of droopy, but they did ride nice. I think I will try the add-a-leaf as you recommend, that should make them pretty "progressive"[soft at the top]. And not do a shackle reversal, don't need it with the flatter springs?

By the way I picked up a 75 chevy K20 today complete for $700[with 350 4 bolt/th350], has eight lug 44 in the front and a 14 bolt in the rear, I think it's 4.10 or 4.56[no tag, have to turn the tires]. How is your 14 bolt? What is the width, it's close to 62" isn't it? I had lined up a Dana 60; but this comes matched with tall gears so......less money, less work. It is huge, it looks like a 1 ton axle. Not sure if the rear will wag like an old vette with all that weight back there......:roxy: he!he!

Big Mahalo for all the help, this is a great post forum.