XJ Shackle help needed

[01XJ]

I have been having a loud clunk coming from the rear of my XJ and i have narrowed it down and found the problem. I have rusty's 4.5" full leafs in the rear and stock shackles and every time i hit a decent bump i get a very loud clunk in the rear and what is happening is the shackle is slamming up against the back of the frame/bumper. I have looked into shackle relocation brackets and longer shackles but i dont want any additional lift in the back because the jeep sits level right now. Here is a pic of what is happening and im wondering if it is possible to remove some of the stuff circled in red so the spring doesnt slam into it anymore or if it would cause structural problems?

 

[XJEEPER]

You can definitely remove the area in red to increase spring travel, but you will need to reinforce the surrounding area.

 

[Will3161]

They might make boomerang shackles for that...or you could make some yourself. a lot easier than trying to modify the structure.

 

[Gravy]

those two answers above are your two best options

 

[N-Smooth]

when you add longer shackles they will hit one of the bumper bolts. you can cut the bolt shorter or just take it out. either way

 

[DOSS]

Over time that will fix itself.. similar to the self clearancing fenders

 

[01XJ]

Over time that will fix itself.. similar to the self clearancing fenders

Its not happening soon enough i cant stand it:-\ Im going to try longer shackles see what that does but that loud clunk has to go now! Noises make me crazy