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what suspension lift to go for

Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:50 pm
by xiztrn
There seem to be very mixed views on the reverse shackles, some say they are great and some say there are issues with them. The handling improvement seems to be something everyone agree's on though but cant say im all that fussed about the better handling, just after a bit more lift to get some bigger tires on.

Been suggested that some heavyweight 2" shackles would do the trick fine but have been told they are just as hard to find (not the crappy ones on ebay that bend and break)

Any thoughts on the flex shackles?

What do you think?

Re: Calmini Shackle Reverse

Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 11:08 pm
by ScottieJ
The question is what are you trying to achieve and what is your current set up?

what supension lift to go for

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 6:46 am
by xiztrn
Currently have the 3" calmini left springs. Looking to get a couple more inches for some bigger tires, have been told that even with a couple more inches 31s may still be a little big and my 1.3 may not be big enough to cope with them?

So maybe 30s?

Re: Calmini Shackle Reverse

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 9:06 am
by ScottieJ
If you do some minor arch mods like folding over the lip on the bulkhead you should be able to clear 31s with 3" lift, the thing about shackle reverse is under compression it pushes the axle towards the bulkhead actually giving you less clearance for larger tyres, the opposite of shackles up front which push the axle fowards under compression.

Another option is to redrill the spring perches and plates to move the axle forwards 1"

Then with all that money you have saved you can by a 410 Tbox or even a rocklobster to solve the gearing :doublethumbs:

Re: Calmini Shackle Reverse

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 9:14 am
by twiss
I think he's already got a 410 transfer box in there... which is alright!
I'm still not keen on 2" lift shackles on there with the lift springs as well.

I wouldn't lift over 1" with lift shackles in combination with another sort of lift!
That's just me though, I like to be able to steer sometimes ;)

Re: Calmini Shackle Reverse

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:02 am
by xiztrn
The flex shackles give 1" lift, so a possibility?

what's the easiest way to get another inch, think I'll be happy with total 5" ;)

Re: Calmini Shackle Reverse

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:07 am
by twiss
I've got the cheapo ebay type lift shackles, but cut down to a more sensible size

just remember that the bigger tyres will give you a bit more lift as well
really you want the axles lifted, rather than the suspension

Re: Calmini Shackle Reverse

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:56 pm
by xiztrn
Yeah but the flex shackles are surely much better than just a normal 1" shackle?

they will extend to 4" when/if one of the wheels drops (in a hole for example) from looking around online general opinion seems to be pretty good.

You say axel life... how is that achieved? Just bigger tires?

I'm aware bigger tires will lift it a bit, but looking for my magical 5" mark regardless of tires... probably just being greedy but its set in my head now so ner!

Re: Calmini Shackle Reverse

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 1:01 pm
by xiztrn
Well found a new shackle reverse kit £235 delivered.

But after everything i have read and been told, dont think its the best route to go down.

Re: Calmini Shackle Reverse

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 1:22 pm
by twiss
The problem with the flex shackles is that, although the axle will drop, there won't be any weight pushing down really...

So the wheel may be on the ground, but may just spin as there's not enough weight to give it traction