Super Bodge D.I.Y Drop Shackles.

[Mantamac]

In the quest for a bit more articulation on my Sportrak, I decided to have a pop at making some folding shackles.
I have seen folding/flex/scissor shackles used on all sorts of cars and fancied the idea of a bit of cheap droop.
So trusty grinder in hand I set about making some sparks.

Here are the results.

Mac.

[Mantamac]

With the standard shock fitted and then disconnected.
There was a lot more flex to go, but the rear brake line is still standard and I didn't want to stretch it.

[Mantamac]

Fully closed and fully open.

[Mantamac]

It looks like I need a 2 to 3" longer shocks to maximise on the available travel. I will need to check if there is a risk of the prop dropping out of the gearbox under full droop. If so, I could always make a spacer up??

Mac.

[senergy]

are you going to lock them shut when on road?
going around corners at high speed with those could be interesting.

[Big-Stu]

Have you tried just dropping one wheel at a time to check the flex? You will find just one wheel will want to twist the spring and shackle mounting points hence the need for a 'swivel' section.

Ah yes - I forgot to mention the extended brake line on mine. And that's a story all by itself - as I found out just about anyone in Aus will make flexible hoses but there isn't many companies who will make approved ones for use on vehicles.
Stu

[senergy]

Ah yes - I forgot to mention the extended brake line on mine. And that's a story all by itself - as I found out just about anyone in Aus will make flexible hoses but there isn't many companies who will make approved ones for use on vehicles.

?
I didnt know that drop shackels were APPROVED either?

[lay80n]

Ah yes - I forgot to mention the extended brake line on mine. And that's a story all by itself - as I found out just about anyone in Aus will make flexible hoses but there isn't many companies who will make approved ones for use on vehicles.

?
I didnt know that drop shackels were APPROVED either?

Thats cause most of them are not. Remember that engineered and RTA approved can mean different things.
Layto....

[Mantamac]

I have made a flat bar that links the shackle ends together for road use. 2 minutes with a spanner before I go off-road isn't a problem.
I know about the 'Revolver' type shackles, and that will be my next project. These only cost me £10 sterling to make, plus my time obviously, so it is a cheap stop gap till I make some revolvers.
You can see in the second picture that the spring is twisted, but I haven't opened the spring pack retainers yet, so that should make the shackles life easier when done.

Mac.