Ive been messaging ihparts folks about getting some bilstien shocks and having to measure the distance from the top shock mount to the bottom one im only getting 21 inches in the front with a 3 inch lift. The current 16 year old shocks have a spec of 24.7" extended, and was expecting to get a measurement closer to that. 21" is whats to be expected from stock springs...the ride is very stiff. Any ideas?
Springs not extending fully?
- Thread starter mikeptag
- Start date
FDChappie
Well-known member
Looks like you're running stock shackles with lift springs. With an increased arch in the spring, longer shackles are needed to allow for increased movement of the spring eye as it flexes. See how your shackle is almost directly in line with the spring? That's what is limiting the droop.
Ah yeah.
Also, I have an old receipt for the lift springs with the part number and an old catalog in with the receipts that shows the lift kit. I'm counting 4 leaves in the catalog picture front and back. However the truck now has 6 in the front and 7 in the back! Would adding leaves also require longer shackles?
At this point what would be better for improving the ride and handling: properly sized shackles and/or removing the extra leaves?
Also, I have an old receipt for the lift springs with the part number and an old catalog in with the receipts that shows the lift kit. I'm counting 4 leaves in the catalog picture front and back. However the truck now has 6 in the front and 7 in the back! Would adding leaves also require longer shackles?
At this point what would be better for improving the ride and handling: properly sized shackles and/or removing the extra leaves?
FDChappie
Well-known member
Both. What can happen with shackles that are to short is that as you can see you don't get full droop and when the springs are compressed the shackle can flip forwards and lock into place.
Plus some descent shocks like the bilstiens you can get here. Big improvement in ride by switching to the bilstiens on my Scout 2. I'm running a 4" rancho lift which is one of the stiffest spring sets you can get.
Plus some descent shocks like the bilstiens you can get here. Big improvement in ride by switching to the bilstiens on my Scout 2. I'm running a 4" rancho lift which is one of the stiffest spring sets you can get.
If I just remove the extra springs wouldnt that put the balance back? For example the rancho lift kit, and the "ord" kit on my vehicle (installed in 1980!) do not include longer shackles.
Later in 1994 the next owner decided to add leave springs, but didnt upgrade the shackles.
Would I gain more movement, go from 21 inches to say 24-25" by removing the extra springs? Is that extra 4-5 inches important???
Then, conversely, I have to think that the extra leaves were added for a reason. The owner that did used the Scout to travel throughout baja mexico (and wrote a book thats how I know) and probably needed to load it down with gear.
Im not concerned with hauling a lot of weight, just a system that rides smooth and handles stable. Does extra leaves help stability? I just might be driving it this winter.
Later in 1994 the next owner decided to add leave springs, but didnt upgrade the shackles.
Would I gain more movement, go from 21 inches to say 24-25" by removing the extra springs? Is that extra 4-5 inches important???
Then, conversely, I have to think that the extra leaves were added for a reason. The owner that did used the Scout to travel throughout baja mexico (and wrote a book thats how I know) and probably needed to load it down with gear.
Im not concerned with hauling a lot of weight, just a system that rides smooth and handles stable. Does extra leaves help stability? I just might be driving it this winter.