What shackles are you running with SOA lift and stock Comanche leaf springs?

[Ricky8227]

Alright decided to just cut off the factory leaf hangers that the previous owner cut and moved back, and I’m going to just weld them back in the original position. I am ordering general springs stock Comanche leafs and will be running those. And I will be ordering a new custom length driveshaft as well. What shackles should I run? 

[pizzaman09]

Are you aiming for stock ride height?

[Flexj]

Currently running the stock shackles on my SOA. I have a set of adjustable ones I would like to use, but I would have to redrill the shackle bolt forward to keep the ride height and ride quality the same... 

[ghetdjc320]

Are you going to run those GS springs SOA? I ran the GS 4 leaf pack SOA on a Dana 35 with stock MJ shackles and was sitting at 7” of lift (which never settled) over stock 4wd specs. GS springs have a nice free arch which which provides a mild lift when run SUA, but will require either stock MJ shackles or longer such as JKS or Core. SOA will be sitting pretty tall. 
 

Do you have a slip yoke eliminator installed on your transfer case? I don’t see a slip yoke in the driveshaft itself. The reason I mention this is that, when you shorten your wheelbase by moving the hangers back to stock position, your already steep driveshaft angle will get worse. I had some quite terrible driveshaft vibes when first going SOA on the GS springs until installing an SYE. 
 

Again I’d suggest considering going back to SUA with the gs springs 

[Ricky8227]

4 hours ago, ghetdjc320 said:

Are you going to run those GS springs SOA? I ran the GS 4 leaf pack SOA on a Dana 35 with stock MJ shackles and was sitting at 7” of lift (which never settled) over stock 4wd specs. GS springs have a nice free arch which which provides a mild lift when run SUA, but will require either stock MJ shackles or longer such as JKS or Core. SOA will be sitting pretty tall. 
 

Do you have a slip yoke eliminator installed on your transfer case? I don’t see a slip yoke in the driveshaft itself. The reason I mention this is that, when you shorten your wheelbase by moving the hangers back to stock position, your already steep driveshaft angle will get worse. I had some quite terrible driveshaft vibes when first going SOA on the GS springs until installing an SYE. 
 

Again I’d suggest considering going back to SUA with the gs springs 

The thing sits already super tall in the rear. Previous put together a 6 pack leaf spring in there. So I would think getting the gs springs would lower it and inch or 2? Wanting to keep SOA cause I don’t want to have to re weld the perches back on the bottom. 

[Ricky8227]

4 hours ago, Flexj said:

Currently running the stock shackles on my SOA. I have a set of adjustable ones I would like to use, but I would have to redrill the shackle bolt forward to keep the ride height and ride quality the same... 

My problem is I need to get new shackles and stock mj ones are not available so I was thinking just getting the adjustable core ones for the xj. Those will work correct?

[ghetdjc320]

6 minutes ago, Ricky8227 said:

The thing sits already super tall in the rear. Previous put together a 6 pack leaf spring in there. So I would think getting the gs springs would lower it and inch or 2? Wanting to keep SOA cause I don’t want to have to re weld the perches back on the bottom. 

The number of leaves doesn’t set the lift height. It’s the free arch and spring rate that set ride height. The GS springs provide a mild lift around 2” on most applications. When you run them SOA on a on a larger tubed axle, you’ll get plenty of lift. I’d say you’re looking at at around 7”. 

[Eagle_SX4]

3 hours ago, Ricky8227 said:

My problem is I need to get new shackles and stock mj ones are not available so I was thinking just getting the adjustable core ones for the xj. Those will work correct?

If you are talking about the core4x4 adjustable shackles. I wouldn't run them. I don't like the idea of having threads used as an adjustment on a shackle. The lock nuts will probably loosen when flexed and then it probably won't ride well after. 

 

I recommend the JKS shackles. I have been very happy with them on my truck. However they are about 1 inch longer than factory shackles.

 

You can also get OEM style XJ Cherokee shackles brand new. Those would also be a good option. Especially since you want to lower it a little. Also would be the cheapest option.

[Ricky8227]

8 hours ago, Eagle_SX4 said:

If you are talking about the core4x4 adjustable shackles. I wouldn't run them. I don't like the idea of having threads used as an adjustment on a shackle. The lock nuts will probably loosen when flexed and then it probably won't ride well after. 

 

I recommend the JKS shackles. I have been very happy with them on my truck. However they are about 1 inch longer than factory shackles.

 

You can also get OEM style XJ Cherokee shackles brand new. Those would also be a good option. Especially since you want to lower it a little. Also would be the cheapest option.

Are the Jks shackles for an xj? 

[Eagle_SX4]

They fit both the Comanche and Cherokee. The Cherokee will get more lift from them than a Comanche due to factory shackle length.

[boxyjeep]

I'm running 4WD leafs in a “low” SOA setup.  I’m using XJ shackles, removed the overload leaf, and made my own low -profile spring perches.  Sits around 6.5” lift.

[Ricky8227]

4 hours ago, boxyjeep said:

I'm running 4WD leafs in a “low” SOA setup.  I’m using XJ shackles, removed the overload leaf, and made my own low -profile spring perches.  Sits around 6.5” lift.

Looks great! When you say 4wd leafs, are you saying the factory mj 4wd drive leafs? Not GS springs? 

[boxyjeep]

31 minutes ago, Ricky8227 said:

Looks great! When you say 4wd leafs, are you saying the factory mj 4wd drive leafs? Not GS springs? 

Factory 4WD MJ leafs.

[Flexj]

On 5/3/2025 at 7:59 PM, Ricky8227 said:

My problem is I need to get new shackles and stock mj ones are not available so I was thinking just getting the adjustable core ones for the xj. Those will work correct?

So I actually have the core4x4 ones sitting in a box not installed yet, the only reason why is because they give you another like 1" of lift minimum and I don't want to go any taller... Ive been considering drilling a new hole for the shackles forward of the old mounting location to correct the shackle angle a bit and possibly allow me to use the adjustable shackles... However I'm in no rush to do that since its sitting right about where I want it to. Using a cherokee shackle like others said may be your best option.