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HJ 60 needs more down travel

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:25 pm
by G_loomis
I got a HJ60 (83 model). These are the mods I have had done to the suspension so far.

2" suspension lift (OME) by ARB.
2" Body lift.

The problem is I need more down travel...I run 35" wranglers off road and they hit the inner gaurds easily...just wondering if there is a way I could improve down travel without needing a second mortgage.

I do use the 60 as a tow vehicle as well...so making it real soft in the rear is NOT a option.

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 6:34 pm
by carts
longer shackles will help

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 6:45 pm
by GQ4.8coilcab
I think u may need to get a set of CLIMAX or SUPERIOR shackles, they work like a siscor type of action, nd even better with the SUPERIOR they flex. Go check out these sites
http://www.climaxsuspension.com.au/s_drops.html
&
http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/shackles.htm

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:23 am
by Busiboy
GQ4.8coilcab wrote:I think u may need to get a set of CLIMAX or SUPERIOR shackles, they work like a siscor type of action, nd even better with the SUPERIOR they flex. Go check out these sites
http://www.climaxsuspension.com.au/s_drops.html
&
http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/shackles.htm
Do a bit of research on these first. Not everybody is a fan.

there are other things to be considered. They can be a bolt on accesory, but there are other things you 'should' do when using them.

Extended shackles aren't legal but hey what is these days.

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 5:55 pm
by KaMo
longer shocks...disconnect sway bars (if your 60 has them).

i don't see how increasing suspension travel is going to solve your problem of tyres scrubbing? but then again im a bit of a noob...

sounds like you need more lift (getting high), or a bit of panel bashing or cutting.

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:24 pm
by bad_religion_au
umm, longer shocks, swaybar removal, slightly longer shackles, and then ramp it up and look if anything's binding

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:03 pm
by joel HJ60
Wheel spacers? Isn't it for every 1.5'' lift, go 1 inch out?

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:04 am
by G_loomis
I must of been a bit dim-witted when I posted the original because I left a heap of info out.

Last time I ramped it, I took every shock out to see if they were limiting travel...it turned out they werent. I have taken the bolt from the clamp out so (in theory) each individual leaf in the pack can seperate giving more travel...it turns out that the leaf pack doesnt flex far enough anyway for the leaves to seperate.

When at full travel the high side tyre is hitting the inner gaurd and therefor stops anymore travel. As there isnt much I can do to elimate the tyre scrubbing problem (I dont want to go back to 33"s), I am looking for a way to extend down travel on the low side.

I was thinking superior shackles or climax. But I have heard so many controdicting stories about them I dont know which was to go...and with the superiors being near $500 a set...its a big gamble!

Maybe when it comes down to the facts I am simply expecting too much from a leaf sprung truck.

Off memory, when at full travel the centre of the hub was approx 900mm off the ground. Is that good for a 60...or can I achieve more?

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:47 am
by MY45
Make up some 2" extended shackels....cops and mechanics wont notice and it should help with the flex a lot :armsup:

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 12:32 pm
by Shadow
whats your shackle angle like at full flex

If the shackle isnt at full extension (in direct line with the spring), you could try removing a load spring and putting in a poly bag(to carry load).

if the shackle is at full extension you pretty much need longer shackles.

edit:
from the picture it seems you could get maybe another inch down travel by using a softer spring pack, but that would be it.

best option would be longer shackels (although illegal)

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 9:55 pm
by Sixty's Guy
I got these shackles in the rear. Cheap!

http://www.bigballsoffroad.com/prod2856.htm

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:28 pm
by lay80n
Little while ago i made up a set of 2 inch extended shackles for a mates HJ60, and along with soft leaf packs (almost flat at rest) it flexed unreal for the amount of work done. Only thing i noticed is the lack of approach angle cause the shackles hang down further in front, but his is on 33's, so will be better for you with 35's.
Layto....