Should a suspension lift change my rear axles position?

[Byron Leftwich]

I have a 73 scout 2 with a 1in body lift, 4in rough country suspension lift, 1in larger shackles, and 285/60R 18 tires. I finally got the chance to put all 4 tires (still in the process of being restored so it hasn’t been run) and I noticed that the rear axle seems to be pushed forward about 2-2.5 in off center. I was wondering if this is just my eyes playing tricks on me? Will the axle line up again when the leaf springs loosen up? Is it possible that I installed the leaf springs backwards? Is there a way to adjust the shackles or use a different type of shackle to correct the axle’s position? I’m only running a 31 3/4in tire and it is very close to running into the quarter panel. Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated before I start cutting into quarter panels.
Thank you ihpa community

 

[Winchested]

Nope this is 100% normal with lift springs, they don't make them long enough to account for the shortening of the spring due to the "lift arch".

Rough country is the known worst springs you can put on a Scout because they're spring rate is rediculously high.

Only way to change is swap to Sky jacker soft rides and even with them thye will still ride rougher due to the shackle angle.

Only real fix for that is cutting the hanger off and moving it back 1.5-2" to account for the Short leaf springs and get you a decent shackle angle back.

As far as the axle moving forward, you can remedy that by drilling a hole 1" forward on the spring perches to move the axle back 1". To get that stock look.

 

[int77345]

that is an odd shackle angle, my 4 inch skyjackers do not have that angle in the shackle and they ride pretty well
my rear wheel is a little FWD though.

 

[ihpartsjeff]

Completely normal. When the suspension compresses the rear axle moves rearward. Moving the axle back may cause the tire to hit the back of the wheelwell as the suspension compresses. As you build your Scout, and add more weight to the back half with a hard top, back seat, spare tire, etc, it will compress the rear springs giving you a better shackle angle and the tire appearing more in center, although it will always be a little forward of center due to what I just explained.

 

[Byron Leftwich]

Nope this is 100% normal with lift springs, they don't make them long enough to account for the shortening of the spring due to the "lift arch".

Rough country is the known worst springs you can put on a Scout because they're spring rate is rediculously high.

Only way to change is swap to Sky jacker soft rides and even with them thye will still ride rougher due to the shackle angle.

Only real fix for that is cutting the hanger off and moving it back 1.5-2" to account for the Short leaf springs and get you a decent shackle angle back.

As far as the axle moving forward, you can remedy that by drilling a hole 1" forward on the spring perches to move the axle back 1". To get that stock look.

Thank you much for the info and your quick response, I should have joined this forum years ago!

Another question, I’m not super concerned about getting the axle centered for stock look as I’m worried that the wheel will hit the front of my rear quarter panel. Not really going to do any treacherous off roading other than the occasional dirt road on a way to a vineyard. In your opinion do you think my rear quarter panels will be safe in this current setup?

Also starting to hear how not great RC suspension is, I’m strongly considering swapping the 4in RC springs for 2in skyjacker springs because my front drive shaft isn’t lineing up with the front axle wo binding and was told that it would better align with 2in suspension lift then a 4in, and would drive better. Does that sound correct? And would 2in SJ springs center the axle? I’d be willing to loose some hight to improve the ride and functionality. Not wanting to have the hangers cut off and moved if not nessary.
Thanks again for your advice!

 

[Winchested]

The 2.5" would be my reccomendation. It doesnt have near as much arch as the 4" so it will look more centered in the wheel well.

The driveshaft bind is a known issue on 4" lifts and solved by rotating the pinion up with shims, however it makes your Caster worse which neccessitates a Cut and turn of the front Axle.

If you follow Jeff Jackson (JJinTN) on Instagram he can show you some photos of his different scouts with different lifts. Pretty sure he did the drill new holes in the perches to center it back up on one or two of his Scout II's.

 

[Byron Leftwich]

Completely normal. When the suspension compresses the rear axle moves rearward. Moving the axle back may cause the tire to hit the back of the wheelwell as the suspension compresses. As you build your Scout, and add more weight to the back half with a hard top, back seat, spare tire, etc, it will compress the rear springs giving you a better shackle angle and the tire appearing more in center, although it will always be a little forward of center due to what I just explained.

Thank you that’s a helpful explanation. So if I was to swap the 4in RC for 2in SJ soft rides and kept everything else the same would I still need to have the front axle cut and turned for drive ability? And would the smaller lift keep the wheels more centered? I’m trying to weigh my options and cost. Not comfortable doing a cut and turn myself and have not found anyone in MN that I’d trust to do that modification.

 

[Winchested]

You don't absolutely need a " Cut and Turn" in any sense, but it makes road driving far more comfortable as the steering will self center (caster will be like most modern vehicles with 4-7 degrees of caster).

with the 2.5" lift guys get away with just using shims to rotate the caster so it's not negative.

1980 was the only year scout that came with more than ZERO degrees caster, and they only put in 2 degrees.

Yes the smaller lift would keep the wheel more centered in the rear opening.

 

[int77345]

something to think about...... iv been driving my scout sense i was 16. and with a 2.5 inch lift from 18 years old to when i was 38 years old. that was the year i got the cut and turn, IH Parts performed the work, it is a night and day difference. all those years of constant steering input to go down the road felt normal back then, but now i would never go back to those days.
if you can afford it defiantly do the cut and turn, if you cant afford it now you can always save up for it. if you plan to drive your scout a lot, this is the best modification for drivability there is

 

[Teton Scout]

Jeff, interesting, I have the opposite rear axle alignment situation on my 1969 800A. A few years ago I purchased the CPT suspension kit from IH and the axle was moved to the rear an inch or two. I tried to find a thread on this with no luck. Is there a simple way to get the axle to move forward a bit....It's been a few years since I did the work but I am now starting work back on the Scout after a hiatus. If I recall, the driveline had enough play to allow for the slight movement rearward. Thanks, Jon