drop shackles

suzukilwb · 02-15-2009, 10:15 AM

Hi all I was thinking of putting drop shackles 4inch to 8inch when open on my stock sierra what do people think of them love them hate them what do I have to do to put them on like brake lines shocks tail shaft spacers just wont to no what I would be getting into I like the idea of the lockable shackles I have looked around the net but not to much info on them and I in Australia so no spoa it suck and has anyone make them there self tell me what you think

Billjohn · 02-17-2009, 08:36 AM

I have used the drop shackles from Rocky Road Outfitters and they work well for Samurai springs. I have since moved through a bunch of suspension changes and ended up doing the YJ conversion. The drop shackles that Trail Tough sells for that conversion are a bit nicer. Remember that just adding drop shackles don't finish the job, you also have to incorporate a shackle rest to get the job done right.
I like the drop shackles, especialy when doing rough rock gardens and trails that need tons of articulation. I prefer that the tires contact the ground as much as possible. The 'tire in the air' photo shot is great for the magazines, but not as great for the nerves during the more technical trails.

Here is an older, but still very informative article on drop shackles (Rocky Road calls them their 'missing link').
Missing Link

suzukilwb · 02-17-2009, 06:46 PM

Thinks billjohn can you have a look at these ones from Climax Suspension - Quality Suspension for 4WD and Car Owners - 4WD Suspension Climax Drop Shackles tell me what you think they seam different because you can lock them in for road driving and unlock them for hard core 4wd and my car is bit of a dally driver so I think it would be good

Billjohn · 02-17-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzukilwb

Thinks billjohn can you have a look at these ones from Climax Suspension - Quality Suspension for 4WD and Car Owners - 4WD Suspension Climax Drop Shackles tell me what you think they seam different because you can lock them in for road driving and unlock them for hard core 4wd and my car is bit of a dally driver so I think it would be good

THOSE are some nice drop shackles. Three things I see that I like.

- The quality looks top notch. A closer inspection would be nice.
- The locking pins are a plus for those that overwork the steering or the brakes.
- They are designed to be self-supporting so that there is no need for a brace for them to rest against.

Go for it!

suzukilwb · 02-17-2009, 10:58 PM

Thanks for having a look I was thinking of making them with a friend I am ok with fabrication work and he is a good welder would it be worth giving it a go or just save the cash up and pay $800 for front and back sets and that’s with out $400 worth of shocks to get full flex out of them its just a thought any seductions on how I no the size of most of it its just the thickness of metal it would take tell me what you think

Billjohn · 02-17-2009, 11:38 PM

That's a bit steep... even for my tastes. And I ran Revolver Shackles for many years ($$$). If you build your own, use 3/8" to 1/2" stock and grade 8 hardware.

suzukilwb · 02-18-2009, 01:17 AM

Yeah worth it for 1 inch lift and 8 inch of drop down wheel travel but it cost $$$ alot thanks I am not to good with size of metal what is (grade 8)

Billjohn · 02-18-2009, 07:09 AM

Grade 8 refers to the stregth of the bolt/nut. Here is a better explaination than I can give...
ROCKCRAWLER.com - Grade 5 vs. Grade 8 Fasteners

suzukilwb · 02-18-2009, 11:00 PM

Thanks it big help didn’t under stand much but grade 8 is strong really strong like grand 5 brake before 8 is started when I make them I will put a pic on and if it work I will put spec on for everybody thanks billjohn

alternator · 11-18-2009, 01:53 AM

Hay, this is a great thread that answers some of my questions. Aren't there any manufacturers in the US or UK that make those lockable drop shackles? Because this would solve the problem of unstable highway driving.