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suspension question

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:19 am
by Jumpinjacks
I need to lift my Sj, I currently have standard springs with 2" lift shackles but the front springs are knackered. My mate has scrapped his sj and given me his standard springs from it as they are better condition.
I also bought a calmini reverse shackle kit for the front not long ago, but haven't fitted it.
I have been reading up on here and as I have two sets of rears, was wondering if I could use the rears up the front, but use the top leaf from the fronts, so that no brackets will need to be made. Then bolt these to the reverse shackle kit, I know I won't get as much flex as I would if I used the standard rear with missing links, but surely it should still work ok and give me some lift?
What do you reckon?
I would be looking out for Bedford springs for the rear in the mean time.

Re: suspension question

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 1:08 am
by Anton
Go back to standard shackles if you can. And before thinking about rears up front, consider a virtual lift - cheapest/easiest way and often the most sensible.

Re: suspension question

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 11:24 am
by Jumpinjacks
Was not just looking to fit bigger tyres, but also raise the chassis. Would be doing a body lift aswell.
Why would it be better to keep the standard shackles rather than reverse?

Re: suspension question

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 12:44 pm
by ScottieJ
Fitting bigger tyres lifts the chassis and improves the ground clearance under the diffs. You don't need loads of chassis clearance, my chassis rails are only around 15.5" off the floor.

If you use a combo of shackle reverse and rear springs but with a front top lead you'll end up with 3-4" lift on the front so would need to lift the rear to match.

If it was me I would do a proper RUF conversion using the full length rear springs on the front and keep the shackles up front.