Is my rear axle too far forward?

[spinaldex]

So, I've done some searching and it seems that people with RE 4.5" rear leaf packs often have their axle slid pretty far forward. So, to confirm .. yep, got 4.5" leaves in the back. Running a set of Iron Man shackles and shackle relocation brackets in the rear for another ~2" of lift (http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Products/RLS.html), front has 6.5" IRO coils.

So, looking at the picture do you think its a big deal? I mean, functionally it should be fine, but it looks sort of ... goofy ... to me.

 

[WB9YZU]

You took a lift spring with a huge arch, then jacked the back of it up 3".

Looks like the result I would expect.

The reason is that your suspension moves in an arc. By lifting it and not increasing the distance between the front spring mount and the axle. The tire moves forward. By adding even more lift to the back of the spring, you lifted it more, thus moving the axle further forward.

If you want to see something scary, put it full droop. Your rear axle will suck under the back seat.

-Ron

 

[spinaldex]

So, long term, what's the fix? A longer and flatter spring and then extend the shackles? If so, does anyone know of a good replacement? Since the shackles I have are adjustable and give me about 2-3" of lift, I could get away with a 3.5" long set of springs I would think?

 

[WB9YZU]

Options I see are:

* Reduce the amount of height in the back of the spring (Suck the shackle box into the frame/shorter shackle).
* Lengthen the distance between the front spring mount and the axle (longer Springs).
* Offset the Axle on the spring (Offset mounts).
* Combination of all of the above.

-Ron

 

[rockclimber]

flex it out, see where it hits at full stuff. chances are it will be close to center.

 

[TheCaptain]

I think it's fine as it is. Mine are exactly like that, and when I'm stuffing a rear tire it goes exactly where it should.

 

[WB9YZU]

This is an idea also:
http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoRearLeafMounts.htm

By dropping the front mount, you will move the axle back in the wheel well and straighten out the arch. You should be able to dial in less lift shackle to end up with the same amount of lift, which will add stability.

-Ron

 

[spinaldex]

I think that if I choose to slide it back, I would just get longer Springs instead of dropping the front leaf brackets. I just need to measure the RE 4,5 springs and see who has one that is 4" longer for a similar height.

 

[scottmcneal]

I had the same problem with my springs. I got me a set from IRO. As you can see i got it centered with there springs.These spring are about 2 yrs old.


Yes i sit up high and i like it that way.NO 3 legged dog here.LOL

 

[spinaldex]

Awesome. IRO springs it is! How high up are you and what springs/shackle combination did you go with if you don't mind my asking?

 

[notamos]

Look @ this thread before you buy IRO...

 

[spinaldex]

It's going to be a little bit before I spend another $400. I'll call around to see who has long ones.

 

[93gc40]

Cut the fenders so the tire is more centered. Lower the tail. get longer springs. relocate forward mount, rearward. Or some combination of them.

 

[Miller88]

Looks like a ZJ/WJ/JK with too much lift for it's control arms.