I have a 84 cj7 that i have recently purchased. The previous owner replaced the shackles. They are lifted but i am not sure how much, they need to be replaced and i dont know how to tell how much i need. When they replaced them it looks like they put a different size shackle on them, when they tightened them down the bolts pulled the ends in and now when you stand in front or behind itlooks like the shackles are leaning. Any help would be nice Thanks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

The stock shackle length is 3" bolt to bolt. You get roughly 1/2 inch of lift with every extra inch of shackle. Shackle lifts are not a good idea if they can be avoided. I would recommend buying a set of greaseable shackles with polyurethane bushings. No more than 4" in length, stock length is best for alignment and handling. They will cost more than a set of stock shackles but will work better and last longer. If you want more lift buy a lift kit. Longer shackles throw your frontend alignment off and put more stress on the bushings which wears them out and causes poor handling. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

thanks jp it does road walk real bad it kinda feals like the springs are shifting on the highway (major road walk on rough roads) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I build my on H-bars out of 1/2"x 3" an 2"x2" square tube, If you can weld you will save money.

i guess i need to take off my shackles i measured them and they were about 6 1/2 inches so i think i will remove them and go with a spring lift anyone have any thing to say about a helper sprig lift good or bad

stiff ride. that's not all bad though. it gives good road manners with full air pressure (though a stiff ride, good handling) and a reasonable off road ride with floatation tires aired down to 10 psi or so. don't forget to lower the bumpstops if they're not already. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

thanks I have found one that will give me a 1.5 in lift for $145 w/o shocks that sound reasonable? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />