Question about the Reverse-Shackle setup

P

Patrick Morris

Member
Hi. I was wondering how the rs setup all by itself affects lift and caster?

For example, my Scout II has Skyjacker 2.5" springs and the CPT 5"-long shackles. If I were to switch over to the rs setup and keep these springs how would that affect the static height? Go up a little? Down a little?

And the caster. Any effect on how the spring angle would be tilted?

Actually, knowing the rs bracket dimensions might help... As in, how much vertical stand-off (drop) from the frame at the front and at the rear? Does anyone have these numbers handy?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm happy with my current height, but I wouldn't mind a better suspension design. (I'm about to do a cut-n-turn on my d44 as well.)

Edit: For what it's worth, I did measure my current spring drop at the front and at the back:

front: drop is 6.25" from center of spring eye to frame surface.
Rear: drop is 2" from " " " "

just from a rough scaling I took off this image I'd determine that the drop at the 'fang' is 5.0". Is this correct?

http://www.IHPartsAmerica.com/store/graphics/00000001/img_0296.jpg

And it's hard to tell from this pic, but it looks like the drop at the rear is also roughly 2".

http://www.IHPartsAmerica.com/store/graphics/00000001/100_3174.jpg

So unless I'm totally clueless, the rs kit would lower my ride height by .5 to .75", and maybe roll back the caster to toward positive, slightly. Does this sound at all right?

Patrick
 
Last edited:
patrick morris said:
hi. I was wondering how the rs setup all by itself affects lift and caster?

our kit is somewhat adjustable when it comes to lift and caster change. Depending upon where you drill the hole in the frame and length of shackle used will determine overall lift and castor change. However, even in its tallest setting the reverse shackle kit does not lift the front of the Scout no more than about 3/4".

For example, my Scout II has Skyjacker 2.5" springs and the CPT 5"-long shackles. If I were to switch over to the rs setup and keep these springs how would that affect the static height? Go up a little? Down a little?

see response above as I believe that should answer your question.

And the caster. Any effect on how the spring angle would be tilted?

ditto. Again, depending on where you drill the whole will determine if and how much of a castor change can be incorporated when installing the r/s kit.

Actually, knowing the rs bracket dimensions might help... As in, how much vertical stand-off (drop) from the frame at the front and at the rear? Does anyone have these numbers handy?

the front spring mount is 4 3/4" from center of the hole to bottom of frame. At the rear again that measurement varies depending on where you drill the hole and the length shackle used.

The reason I'm asking is that I'm happy with my current height, but I wouldn't mind a better suspension design. (I'm about to do a cut-n-turn on my d44 as well.)

it's always best to perform your cut and turn after installing the reverse shackle kit.


Edit: For what it's worth, I did measure my current spring drop at the front and at the back:

front: drop is 6.25" from center of spring eye to frame surface.
Rear: drop is 2" from " " " "

just from a rough scaling I took off this image I'd determine that the drop at the 'fang' is 5.0". Is this correct?

http://www.IHPartsAmerica.com/store/graphics/00000001/img_0296.jpg

And it's hard to tell from this pic, but it looks like the drop at the rear is also roughly 2".

http://www.IHPartsAmerica.com/store/graphics/00000001/100_3174.jpg

So unless I'm totally clueless, the rs kit would lower my ride height by .5 to .75", and maybe roll back the caster to toward positive, slightly. Does this sound at all right?

I would say if you installed the sleeve in the frame towards the bottom of the frame and went with the 6" shackle that it would be approximately 1/4" lower from where you are currently. That is just an estimate as lift at the shackle side is also a variable depending on how much angle you set into the shackle.

Patrick
Click to expand...

Hi patrick. Sorry for the late reply as I have been out of town and the guys have been buried in work. See answers above in red. Hope this info answers all your questions.
 
Thanks for answering. Very thorough, and I see what you mean about variability. So to keep the height closest to the same, I should mount the rear shackles as shown in this post?

http://www.forums.IHPartsAmerica.co...odneys-1980-turbo-diesel-Scout.html#post15042

I suppose height and caster could further be adjusted by using some kind of spacer between the fangs and the frame. But I don't imagine you'd recommend it, and I kinda don't like that idea very much for esthetic reasons anyway.

And yep, I know a cut and turn should be done after any spring issues are sorted out. But the rs is a down-the-road maybe project, and the c-and-t is a definite change I want to make by the end of summer (I.e., before desert season begins).

What I really need to do is try to sort out the spring-mount issues I have now. And dealing with the issues is easier and much cheaper than converting to rs, so I want to see how well it works out. If it doesn't, I'll sh**-can the factory mounts and try rs.
 
patrick morris said:
thanks for answering. Very thorough, and I see what you mean about variability. So to keep the height closest to the same, I should mount the rear shackles as shown in this post?

http://www.forums.IHPartsAmerica.co...odneys-1980-turbo-diesel-Scout.html#post15042

I suppose height and caster could further be adjusted by using some kind of spacer between the fangs and the frame. But I don't imagine you'd recommend it, and I kinda don't like that idea very much for esthetic reasons anyway.

And yep, I know a cut and turn should be done after any spring issues are sorted out. But the rs is a down-the-road maybe project, and the c-and-t is a definite change I want to make by the end of summer (I.e., before desert season begins).

What I really need to do is try to sort out the spring-mount issues I have now. And dealing with the issues is easier and much cheaper than converting to rs, so I want to see how well it works out. If it doesn't, I'll sh**-can the factory mounts and try rs.
Click to expand...

If you have spring hanger issues now, are contemplating the reverse shackle and going to do a cut and turn, take my advice and just get it over with. But otherwise yes if you so decide to you would want to install the kit as in rodney's build up.
 
Does the kit flex better or worse or about the same as the factory Scout II set up, when using the same springs. I would think about the same? I am going to get this kit this winter when the 4 wheeling season is over….
 
int77345 said:
does the kit flex better or worse or about the same as the factory Scout II set up, when using the same springs. I would think about the same? I am going to get this kit this winter when the 4 wheeling season is over….
Click to expand...

The kit will increase your suspension travel when installed. The increase in travel comes from the longer than stock shackles.
 
Hey Jeff,
just looking at rodney's 1980 td Scout thread, you used 4" softride springs. Would you still recomend them? Is the sd33 a lighter engine than an sv?
You set the rear shackles at 15 degrees, is that always the case?
Also, the caster was 2.7 degrees, is that enough or closer to 6 the better?
Thanks
 
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