As mentioned here in previous posts, I ordered a set of shackle relocation brackets from HD Offroad Engineering and received them less than two days later. Total price after shipping was $130 and included the necessary hardware to complete the installation. More on that later.
After a quick degrease and rattle can paint job, I was ready for the installation. I've heard many good things about this upgrade and I was anxious to get these on my rig. Here is a before shot showing my RE drop shackles in the stock box.
One concern I had before the install was with my JCR rear bumper tie-in bracket, as shown in the picture below. I was not sure if the relo bracket would interfere with the tie-in bracket, but I decided to proceed and see if any mods would be needed.
The installation is really pretty simple. I rested my Rock Rails on a set of tall jack stands, and used my floor jack under the diff to raise and lower the axle to remove the shackle bolts. I removed my tires, shocks, and axle tube vent line to allow for more droop. This pic was taken after I removed my upper shackle bolts.
Although shackle bolt removal is pretty easy, you will need to adjust the height of the axle with the floor jack to get the bolts out. You'll also want to use good tools. All three of my 1/2" Craftsman ratchets suck, by the way. One day I'm going to kill myself on these cheap POS tools.
I then removed my bumper tie-in brackets. The stock bolts are fairly short and I was not sure if I needed longer bolts or if I could reuse them with the relo brackets.
I don't have a picture of the relocation bracket assembled with the crush bracket, but I had a hard time pushing it into the stock shackle box. Instead of fighting it with a mallet, I decided to open the box up with a length of 2x3 board and that worked very well. I did this on both sides of the Jeep.
Once opened up, the relo bracket slid right in and I bolted it up with my stock shackle bolt. The kit comes with a set of grade 5 bolts, but that bolt did not thread into the upper position. More on that later...
Next, I bolted up the bumper tie-in bracket and threw on a new coat of Krylon. The The original hardware was plenty long, even with the added parts, and the tie-in bracket lined up perfectly.
The adjustable bracket has several positions that can be used to match your configuration and spring length. I do think the grade 8 bolts are almost too short for the nuts, but I know clearance if an issue. I would feel better if I had a couple of threads showing.
I found that installing the bracket with the forward-most alignment and using the center mounting holes was perfect for my rig. This took some trial and error, and I still may make an adjustment later, but so far it looks about right. The grade 5 bolt that came with the package is about a 1/4" too short, so I will be replacing it with a longer grade 8 bolt and lock nut before driving this any distance. Oh, and I also need new RE bushings for the upper part of the shackle. (I replaced the front and rear lower bushings a couple of months ago).
Here is the final configuration with weight on the springs. I'm not quite at 45 degrees, but I'll wheel it and make adjustments later, if needed.
I did gain about an inch in the rear, which brings this almost back level since it was sagging prior to the installation. Once I load up the rear with tools and beer, it will be about perfect. If not, a set of ACOS can be added easy enough.
By the way, the 2012 Mazda 3i with Grand Touring and Tech packages can be seen to the right of the Frog. I bought that Saturday morning as a way of saving money on gas.
organization and its members are.I sincerely thank you.
