Shackle Placement

[TRLR8DXJ]

So I'm in the process of put the new suspension together for my Durango project and was curious if there is a proper placement for the shackle on a leaf spring suspension on the front axle. Does it need to be forward or rear of the front axle or does it matter at all. If you believe it matters please let me no what the reasoning is behind it. Thanks for the help

[TonyM]

I've had both setups. Front shackles and rear shackles. Some will say that its the same, but I assure you it isn't, and I have the stack of bent springs to prove it.

Shackle needs to be in the rear of the front axle, under the cab, with a fairly liberal angle.

What happens when the spring shackles in the front, is when your front end impacts something, or hit something in droop, its much easier for the spring to fold backwards and bend or break. With the shackle in the rear, this is still possible, but not nearly as probable.

[TRLR8DXJ]

So what is Fairly liberal shackle angle I've been told for optimal ride the shackle needs to be 30 to 45 degrees. So should I be leaning torward the 45 degree angle?

[wayne]

at least a 30 * angle .or it will feel really stiff .. the springs need to hold the weight not the shackles or else you will eat bushings and shackles ..

i went thru this on my buggy .

[TonyM]

So what is Fairly liberal shackle angle I've been told for optimal ride the shackle needs to be 30 to 45 degrees. So should I be leaning torward the 45 degree angle?

I would say you want your shackle to be completely callapsed at the uppermost spot that your tire will see. The more of that angle that can be utilized, the better your ride will be, and the less likely it will fold or break while not drooped.

[stonerosan]

i've read set it up vertical with no load on the springs and you should be close. all i can say is mock up is you freind but it sucks ass and take for ever. Me and justin used a block of wood the size as the shackle between the frame and the leaf spring