[NZ]

Most of you probably know that i am having my new shackles fitted. well after 2 weeks of being in the shop, i still dont have it back and wont for a while, the shackles gave about 2" of lift, more than expected meaning the shocks dont fit at all. so.... new shocks are required in a big way and is going to take quite a bit of time to do. i will keep you updated in this thread

[NZ]

shackles arent even open, this was the only ones i got, as i was checking shock mounts and trying to get shocks off., it isnt really showing the flex properly, but you sorta get the idea, i get 11-13" of travel

[bzmarsh]

NZ, on Feb 21 2006, 09:06 PM, said:

shackles arent even open, this was the only ones i got, as i was checking shock mounts and trying to get shocks off., it isnt really showing the flex properly, but you sorta get the idea, i get 11-13" of travel

:read: In the last pic, it doesn't look like the shackle is alleviating any spring twist. Isn't it supposed to? Or am I going blind (probably the answer...)?

Edit: On second glance, I see it can't do anything with the geometry the way it is. Maybe it would when the other side droops a bit?

This post has been edited by bzmarsh: 22 February 2006 - 07:17 AM

[NZ]

If you take a close look at the bottom mount on the shackle you will see that it has rotated a small amount. now if you imagaine it lined up exactly where the top mount is (like a normal shackle would be) imagine what the spring would have to do.

yes i know that they arent idea situations, it was only up there so i could get shocks off and soem measurements.

[lowbuck_offroader]

I'd sue the person who has been working on your rig, they put the steering wheel on the wrong side (w00t)

Looks pretty good, a little more spring twist than I like to see, but once the chackles open up, that will change. I still wish those tires were available stateside, they look pretty capable.

[bzmarsh]

NZ, on Feb 22 2006, 10:23 AM, said:

If you take a close look at the bottom mount on the shackle you will see that it has rotated a small amount. now if you imagaine it lined up exactly where the top mount is (like a normal shackle would be) imagine what the spring would have to do.

yes i know that they arent idea situations, it was only up there so i could get shocks off and soem measurements.

I'm just curious because I'm thinking about getting some of them for my rig. I need more droop!

Ummm, SUSPENSION droop. :P

[NZ]

Oh ok, I should have the truck back and finished (apart from the new shocks) within a couple of weeks and then i will get some proper flex pics on a forklift.

[bzmarsh]

NZ, on Feb 23 2006, 10:08 AM, said:

Oh ok, I should have the truck back and finished (apart from the new shocks) within a couple of weeks and then i will get some proper flex pics on a forklift.

De rigueur, oui! But of course!

I could use a forklift right about now...

[NZ]

The plan is to get new rancho shocks for the back, they measure 33" extended and 19" closed (14" of travel)

then i am going to move the rear upper shock mount 2" up and 12" in towards the centre of the car so that they are on a angle.

this will atleast get me driving again, then i will look at the front shocks

[NZ]

well rear shocks are going on as i speak (wlel moutns being made) I've got hold of some tough dog 41mm bore foam cell shocks that have 10.2" of travel, ( i am loosing 2" to extended the bumpstops because of bigger tyres that are going to be fitted)

excuse the language in the calculations/picture below.



here are the specs (mine are eye/eye)
http://www.4waysuspe...com.au/foam.htm

[NZ]

I've got the truck back!!!!!!!! :headbanger:



the shackles are on as well as the rear shocks ,with their new mounts, extended bump stops and longer brake lines!



All i need to do it get the funds to do the front shocks now. (should be very soon)



here is a pick of stock, before and after.

[Gerry]

Looks good NZ.

[NZ]

here is a pic of one of the rear shackles on







and of the new rear shocks







time to get the angle grinder out and trim the fenders and then see what 35's look like on it.

[bzmarsh]

NZ, on Mar 12 2006, 10:40 PM, said:

time to get the angle grinder out and trim the fenders and then see what 35's look like on it.

Have you wheeled it, even a little bit, yet? I'm waiting for your blow-by-blow description!

[VirginiaJeep]

that looks great! can't wait to see it in the winch challenge! :headbanger:

[NZ]

No not yet, havent had time, the first outing will be Mud challange on saturday (friday ur time).

i should have a video and pictures from the event.

i may try to flex the back out tonight, depending on time

[NZ]

ok tried to get the shackles to work tonight, was a battle,

the rear drive shaft seems to be too long, as the shackles unfold they move the axle forward, making the drive shaft too long.



the shackles also needed some force to get them to unfold (rotated fine). i think this may have been the unrealistic situation though, (on a jack) i needed to jump on the wheel to keep it on the ground. this could also be because the bushes are nolathane and are brand new and very tight. (had only 5 miles driving on them)



anyway, i got them to unfold as much as they would with my shocks (best shocks i could get)



from resting position i get 6.7" of drop. and then 4" of compression, giving me a total of 10.7" of travel (bump stops are spaced for 35" tires) i could possible get 1.57" more drop with the right shocks but these weren't available to me.



anyway here are some pics.



this is the shackle twisting (pic doesnt show very well as the camera wasnt square to the shackle)







maximum drop at the back. the top of the guard is 49" off the ground.





the shackle drop as far as it will go with my shocks (it will got 1.57" more)









the right hand side jacked up as far as it would go, note the left hand side has also droped out as the whole back end of the truck ended up being lifted. the jack is a 60" hi lift.







once i get the front shocks on, new front brake line and shortened the rear drive shaft i will get it on a fork lift or a ramp. but for now it is ok.

[bzmarsh]

NZ, on Mar 13 2006, 11:08 PM, said:

ok tried to get the shackles to work tonight, was a battle,

the rear drive shaft seems to be too short, as the shackles unfold they move the axle forward, making the drive shaft too short.

Too short?

I lucked out when I did mine. The geometry both front and rear left me needing only about 3/8" front and rear driveshaft travel (extension and contraction).

Quote

anyway, i got them to unfold as much as they would with my shocks (best shocks i could get)

from resting position i get 6.7" of drop. and then 4" of compression, giving me a total of 10.7" of travel (bump stops are spaced for 35" tires) i could possible get 1.57" more drop with the right shocks but these weren't available to me.
...
the shackle drop as far as it will go with my shocks (it will got 1.57" more)

Maybe you need some limiting straps? I'm going to be rearranging my shock mounts so that the shocks aren't the limiting factor in my suspension travel (right now they limit the up travel in the rear).

Quote

the right hand side jacked up as far as it would go, note the left hand side has also droped out as the whole back end of the truck ended up being lifted. the jack is a 60" hi lift.

Can you lock the shackles in the folded position in case you need to change a tire or something?

Quote

once i get the front shocks on, new front brake line and shortened the rear drive shaft i will get it on a fork lift or a ramp. but for now it is ok.

Good...keep on pluggin'!!

[NZ]

bzmarsh, on Mar 15 2006, 06:10 AM, said:

Too short?

opp no a typo, it is too LONG (sorry about that), when the shackles unfold they move forward, this moves the diff forward therefore making the drive shaft too long, they move the axle forward by approx 2-3" when fully extended.

Quote

Maybe you need some limiting straps? I'm going to be rearranging my shock mounts so that the shocks aren't the limiting factor in my suspension travel (right now they limit the up travel in the rear).

the shocks have been matched as closly as possible to my required extended and collapsed length. the shock is fine with limiting the downwards travel. and im not worried about that. a limiting strap will limit my travel even more

Quote

Can you lock the shackles in the folded position in case you need to change a tire or something?

ues the shackles can be locked in the closed position which alowes no drop

[NZ]

Got the truck back today, front end has shocks on, brake lines done etc.

I only have 7.6" of travel in the front due to a chassis crossmember being in the way of the driveshaft (couldnt modify chassis) . but still plenty.

here are a couple of pics







My suspension is now totally finished, and here are the final suspension specs:



Superior Engineering Rotating Drop Shackles on all corners
New Shackle mounts
Tough Dog Foam Cell 50mm Hilux rear shocks on the rear with custom mounts to suit
Tough Dog Foam Cell 50mm GQ nissan front shocks on the front (original mounts)
50mm bumpstop spacers on all corners
Extended Brakelines
Extended Diff breathers

Travel:
Front 7.7"
Rear 10.2"















A good hard test is need now to see how they really are!