A question about shackles

[marting]

Hi all
I am currently restoring a Series 2a, 88" and am fitting a 200TDi as part of the rebuild. I have read elsewhere that if it is intended to take the vehicle off-road it is a good idea to fit 109" shackles to the front springs. These shackles are about 1/2" longer, and they prevent the diff from hitting the sump under heavy articulation.
Are there any problems associated with fitting the longer shackles to the front of an 88". Any info greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Martin

[Blknight.aus]

yep, not legal and it will make the steering heavy because it effectively increases the castor.

if you want to lift leafers (legally and without upsetting geometry) you either get the springs reset or changed Or you extend both the mounting points downwards by the same amount (you can add shackles on one side but you must relocate the "held" end the same amount)

[marting]

Thanks Dave,
Exactly the sort of info I was after.
I will be getting the springs reset in due course, so I will keep the standard shackles and get the springs reset.
Cheers, martin

[chazza]

Are you sure the crank pulley will hit the axle?

I am fitting a 200tdi as well and I have jacked the axle as high as it will go and even if it could go further it looks as if it will miss the axle. Mine is a 109" though so it may be different,

Cheers Charlie

[Ozdunc]

If you do find the axle hits the sump, I'd suggest extending the bumpstops as well as resetting the springs.
My springs were reset but sagged again fairly quickly ( although the ride is much improved). Extended bumpstops will give piece of mind.

You could also go for a longer shock as well, the standard shock would be towards closer towards max travel at ride height with the reset springs. The compressed shock length would be longer with the extended bumpstops giving the ability to fit a longer travel shock to restore the droop travel lost with the reset springs

[marting]

Hi Charlie
I don't think it is an issue with a 109 because it already has the longer shackles. The article I was reading (can't find it again of course) only mentioned having to fit longer shackles to an 88.
I need to get the springs reset anyway, and then I will look into the minefield that is shock lengths vs travel vs bump stop clearance etc.
Cheer, Martin

[chazza]

Nitemare recommends machining the front half of the crank pulley off, to stop it hitting the axle.

If you get your springs reset, make sure that they are hot-reset; cold resets will just sag back to where they were,

Cheers Charlie