Help, I Cant Think Of The Name Of This

[Mich88XJ]

Hi everyone,
I was trying to think of the product that just came out that is like revolver shackles, except (as far as I can remember) one of the shackles is mounted to the other. It is like a big bar that goes across the back of the jeep, tying the two together somehow, and allowing it to articulate a lot more. They just did a write up in either Petersons 4wheel off road, fourwheeler, or JP magazine, but I cant find which one. Please help me, I want to look into this more. Thanks, Christian

 

[xj92]

Zig Zag or something like that from the nth degree.
http://www.nthdegreemobility.com/products.htm

 

[M. Lake]

I know what you are talking about, but cant remember the name. It was on a YJ and pictured Yellow. The rear of the springs are tied to it and it rests against to body (frame) and leaves just the front of the springs attached to the body. You would most likly need to use a track bar to keep the axle straight under the rig, and that bar will be slapping the frame as you drive.

 

[M. Lake]

Was writing my reply when 92 did.....after looking at the link, it seams to be a different set up then I remember!

 

[Mich88XJ]

Thanks you guys, I think I might install one of these on my xj instead of revolvers, what do you think?

 

[dave]

there's been a few threads on this lately... i for one dont like the twisting motion that is going to go on in the front of the leafspring. i am sure it would greatly accelerate wear on the bushing at the very least... not to mention.. when its disconnected.. think about what is locating the axle back there? the shocks? the two front bolts? I can just see myself sliding sideways off a rock semi-cranked over.. destroying both shocks, a driveshaft and maybe tearing a leafspring mount....... not something i would bolt on , but to each thier own ...

 

[Mich88XJ]

i for one dont like the twisting motion that is going to go on in the front of the leafspring. i am sure it would greatly accelerate wear on the bushing at the very least... not something i would bolt on , but to each thier own ...

So then would you bold on revolvers, since they don't twist the spring? I know they unfold on downhill decent, or hard brakeing, but I have an idea on how to fix this, I will draw some pics and post them soon, been too busy with school (imagine that!) Later

 

[dave]

So then would you bold on revolvers, since they don't twist the spring? I know they unfold on downhill decent, or hard brakeing, but I have an idea on how to fix this, I will draw some pics and post them soon, been too busy with school (imagine that!) Later

they twist some but not the amout of having the rear of the leaf springs totally disconnected.. revolvers also keep the mounting point so the leaf springs still locate the axle..

 

[TiRod]

It appears both can unload going downhill - does this allow the tail end to keep going end over? Zig Zag has a lock out they suggest be used going downhill.

Anyone with field experience with these? I have reservations about trick stuff like this.

 

[indulf]

so you have to get out and lock it every time you do a downhill?

lame.

revolvers are lame IMO too, but some people like them. i do think they work better on longer wheelbase rigs like our XJs though. ive personally seen a YJ with revolvers get a nasty case of wheel hop which resulted in a broken leaf spring and a broken driveshaft ujoint.

i think the best bet is to get good springs, good shocks, elongated shackles, and then just deal with the flex you get

 

[GPRSDLYT]

i dont use either, but mine is a dd and would not want the rear to "unload" and cause an accident.

 

[Speed_racer]

Revolvers or a ZBOX or nice, but the downhill thing is a PITA

 

[Mich88XJ]

Well my idea would be to either weld on some short posts to each side of the shackle. One on each side, on each side of the hinge. Then you could use like 1/4 inch plate about an inch wide to connect the posts on each side. Then you can have a hole in each post that you could fit a cotter pin through, kinda like swaybar disconnects. I want to put up pictures, but I have to draw them up and scan them. That way they could lock out for going downhill and on the road. What do you think. I havent gotten to get my hands on a pair to check the details, but that is a rough idea for it that could be developed further. Ideas and criticism is appreciated.

 

[Mich88XJ]

I was just on tera flex's website, and their new z boxes say that they only let one side open a t a time. This way, you don't have to worry about having them open while going downhill. Just saw them and wondered what you thought about those too.

 

[Epyon_zuk]

axle location

The zig zag thingy acts pretty much just like a panhard bar locating the axle from moving from side to side. If everything on it is built strong enouph and the mounting points are good I don't see the axle sliding out from under the truck and breaking things.

However I do think it is kind of strange. I would never use it, just because of the weird ways it could act if you don't have some kind of device to limit the droop like the shackles do when they are attached to the frame.

I agree with what someone else said. just get the good spring, shocks, and longer shackles and use the flex you got.

 

[CheapXJ]

honestly, I don't see any need for this.

what I do see, is perhaps while backing up with one wheel drooped, pushing the back of a leaf spring right into a rock and completely destroying the articulation enhancing apparatus AND the leaf spring itself.

this kinda crap is for ramp champs.