so i am about install my trail-gear rear kit. i have a question about shackle location. my helper on this deal is an engineer and seems convinced that i should just leave the factory rear shackle mount where it is for strength. my question is how will this affect my suspension? also he said that if he moved the hanger forward farther that the wheelbase wont change becuase we can just move the axle back on the spring perch???
has anyone seen or don this...

he wants to finish this thing tomorrow so i need some input.

 

If you move the rear hanger forward an amount equal to the added length of the front half of the new springs (compared to stock), your wheel base will be the same:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_suspe...gerRearSprings

Assuming 56" long rear springs, you can use the stock shackle hanger but will need ~7" long spring shackle (3.5" longer than stock).

 

ok i follow what you did.
do you think this would clear 37's when flexed, i noticed you are only running 33's. i am worried about the travel of the wheel front to back under compression.

 

What you want to do is ensure that the axle is centered in the wheel well at full stuff. Assuming they are now, by locating the front hanger as much farther forward as the new spring are longer in front that the stockers will ensure this. At full stuff, the springs should be flat and thus if they are 6.5" longer than stock in front (like mine were), moving the hanger 6.5" forward will but the axle and tire in the center of the wheel well. I think I hit it pretty close:



If the wheels rub, then your choices are to raise the bumpstops to limit compression or cut the fender for more room. The 1st gen trucks have pretty big wheel well openings. My '85 has a smaller opeing and you can see the line on the fender in the picture above where I plan to cut them out.

 

ok cool thanks... i just centered the leaf pins with a plumb line. seems to look like its gonna work perfect.

 

so i didnt get it done tonight due to running out of wire and gas.... i new i was gonna cut it close on gas but the wire was a suprise. oh well next weekend it will be done.