Shackles and such

[WahooSteeler]

Ok, I know that XJ and MJ leaves are not interchangeable, but what about the shackles?

 

Also, what are bar pin eliminators?

 

Thanks for the education.......

[HOrnbrod]

Ok, I know that XJ and MJ leaves are not interchangeable, but what about the shackles?

 

Also, what are bar pin eliminators? Thanks for the education.......

 

The shackles are interchangeable. The XJ shackles are about 1" shorter than MJ shackles, so installing XJ shackles on an MJ will lower it about 1/2", and vice-versa.

 

Bar pin eliminators are used to eliminate the bar pin mounting (duh) for a little better articulation and they add about an inch to the shock length. See here:

 

http://summitoffroad.com/zjbarpin.html

[WahooSteeler]

Thanks. That's a big help because there are a lot of 2" XJ shackles floating around for sale and now I know I'd only net 1".

[CWLONGSHOT]

XJ shackles are 3.5" long, eye to eye.

 

MJ shackles are 5.5" eye to eye.

 

Shackles only lift one end of your leaf spring. For this reason, you will only net about HALF the lift compared to the inches of increased shackle length. I know that can read confusing. Here is an example:

 

A 6.5" long shackle (eye to eye measurement) will only net you approx .5" of lift on your MJ. A MJ shackle on a XJ will net approx 1 to 1.25" of lift.

 

CW

[tjbliley]

I just installed a set of chevy 2" drop shackles on my MJ. I got me a good inch or 2.

[WahooSteeler]

Skyjacker has some 2" shackles in their budget Manche lift, so by 2" I assume that is there ADVERTISED net lift. I figured I'd wait to find a used pair of those (or similar) and hopefully still be able to get some coils and spacers from MJeff to complete the job.

[Pete M]

I wouldn't assume that. They could be idiots and selling 2" lift XJ shackles or even advertising shackles that are 2" longer than MJ shackles (thereby netting only 1" in height).

Never assume any company knows the ins and outs on an MJ. :D

[WahooSteeler]

Uh, yeah, that's why I put ADVERTISED in caps....LOL :brows:

 

The simple solution would be to call Skyjacker and all of the others and confirm the @NET amount of lift each one's shackel SUPPOSEDLY provides. Or better yet, just get the overall length of the shackle.

[Pete M]

The overall length from hole to hole is your best bet.