What's the best way to lengthen a YJ's wheelbase?

[mbryson]

Has anyone ever seen a rear leaf spring suspention with the shackles at the front of the springs. I have often wondered why not. It seems to me that it may work better off road.
I have seen with my eyes the dissadvantages of a SRS on a rig climbing a ledges. I think of it as a SRS axle trying to push on a rope tied to the front of the rig and a non SRS axle pulling on the rope tied to the hanger.

That thought has occured to me.....

 

[Hickey]

SRS=Shackle Reversal System...

The whole idea of one is flawed for offroad use. They may help on the street but like you said you dont care about that.

I agree 1000000000000000 times.

 

[Hickey]

Has anyone ever seen a rear leaf spring suspention with the shackles at the front of the springs. I have often wondered why not. It seems to me that it may work better off road.
I have seen with my eyes the dissadvantages of a SRS on a rig climbing a ledges. I think of it as a SRS axle trying to push on a rope tied to the front of the rig and a non SRS axle pulling on the rope tied to the hanger.

Pinion/driveshaft problems would be what you would have to overcome.

 

[JeeperG]

wait I am confused now.. so is it better having the front tires forced back or scraping my shackles up an obstacle? I guess I could put Rollers on my front shackles.

I don't see the Yota guys going out and putting shackle reversal on there junk

 

[Hickey]

I don't see the Yota guys going out and putting shackle reversal on there junk

There's is already in the rear, but they have the advantage of a longer wheelbase from the outset. Their springs are also mounted horizontal, not at a sloping angle like most SR have.

 

[crimsonride]

Has anyone ever seen a rear leaf spring suspention with the shackles at the front of the springs. I have often wondered why not. It seems to me that it may work better off road.
I have seen with my eyes the dissadvantages of a SRS on a rig climbing a ledges. I think of it as a SRS axle trying to push on a rope tied to the front of the rig and a non SRS axle pulling on the rope tied to the hanger.

That does seem to make sense. Maybe I'll go without the srs at first unless I absolutely need more clearance.

 

[mbryson]

Oh, and just for future reference. 103" wheelbase with the XJ spring reversed in the rear (long part forward) and waggy in the front 'near' the stock location (as far as I know). I'm about 25" at the frame with a gutted interior and no fuel in the tank.

 

[N-Smooth]

i have a shackle reversal and i am completely satisfied with it. i don't care about what people say about them, it works for me... so who cares?

 

[Jay5.9L]

I'm assuming the same info can be applied to my CJ. Its SOA with OME springs. What is the width of a CJ spring Vs. a YJ vs. waggy? Are there any other problems with moving the axles out like steering or hitting the gas tank?

 

[mbryson]

I'm assuming the same info can be applied to my CJ. Its SOA with OME springs. What is the width of a CJ spring Vs. a YJ vs. waggy?

YJ and Waggy are the same (2.5" I believe). Early CJ is NARROW, but I think later CJ is 2.5".

Are there any other problems with moving the axles out like steering or hitting the gas tank?

Yes

 

[Jay5.9L]

Yes

Like?? How far can I move the axles before needing some major modifications?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

i have a shackle reversal and i am completely satisfied with it. i don't care about what people say about them, it works for me... so who cares?

Me too

I still use my case and point... 79-9? Solid Axle Toyota Trucks/4Runners, some of the best out of the box climbers around, all SR'd from the factory. There are trade-offs, but I would do it again in a heartbeat... of course, as RockMonkey pointed out, leafs basically suck... a properly built coil system is the true answer.

 

[mbryson]

Like?? How far can I move the axles before needing some major modifications?

I've got the front forward from stock about 2". I 'think' my steering geometry will be OK.

Rear:

(I'm running a 14 bolt so I've got a BIG pig) I've had to move my tank up through the floor and will have to ensure my bumpstops are correct on the rear. Running an XJ (long offset forward) spring off the stock, forward spring perch. I'm sure I'm back at least 7" from stock. Depending on your axles and your bumpstops, I think you've only got about 2-3" of rearward room before things get kinda interesting on up travel vs. the tank.

From what I've researched, I think you decide on your wheelbase, check your approach/departure angles, adjust your wheelbase and make things work from there. Mine is still a work in progress (but getting closer)....

 

[sloppyjoe4by]

Any latest pics mark?

 

[Caleb]

I'm assuming the same info can be applied to my CJ. Its SOA with OME springs. What is the width of a CJ spring Vs. a YJ vs. waggy? Are there any other problems with moving the axles out like steering or hitting the gas tank?

AFAIK, even the later CJs had narrow fornt springs (like 1.5"-2") and as mbryson pointed out the waggy and YJ springs are 2.5" wide. The rears on the later CJs are all 2.5" though, but you better check length on them. I know waggys a just a tad longer than YJs but are close enough that they work, I think CJs might be shorter than all of them.

 

[N-Smooth]

Me too

I still use my case and point... 79-9? Solid Axle Toyota Trucks/4Runners, some of the best out of the box climbers around, all SR'd from the factory. There are trade-offs, but I would do it again in a heartbeat... of course, as RockMonkey pointed out, leafs basically suck... a properly built coil system is the true answer.

if you have the cash a coilover/air shock is the best... that is IF YOU HAVE THE CASH!!!
i have like 150 bucks into my front suspension, thats less than the links alone would cost for running coilovers
leafs do not suck, they are just inferior to the more expensive stuff (duh)