[zookkid]

has any one got good pics of a shackle reversal conversion?
How does it work?
What does it gain?
How much is it?
Is it worth it

[Damo]

Gonna have to start clubbing ppl for not searching soon

http://www.auszookers.com/index.php?nam ... e+reversal

Some pics of Moose's setup here:
http://www.auszookers.com/index.php?nam ... c&start=45

It works by moving the shackle from the front of the spring, to the back of the spring. The theory is that as the spring compresses the axle will move back slightly due to the shackle now being at the back (the spring now pivots around the 'front' end), so I guess when you go over a bump it's supposed to be more compliant. Most conversions are done on 4x4s because you can get the spring end up higher, so you end up with a better approach angle. Look at the pics of Moose's thing, it should be pretty obvious.

That first thread has some info on a couple of vendors that do kits, you should be able to get some prices from there.

[joeblow]

been asked to shed some light on the subject. firstly if you have a well set up suspension, such as good aftermarket springs, good shocks that are valved correctly and STANDARD shackle lenghts you will NOT need a shackle reversal. the only real pro for a system like that is 'it helps the shackle move back and gives a better ride and approach'. if you have a good setup like i explained above than that statement becomes irrelevent. also VERY critical is shackle angle. with a long shackle the angle is almost straight down, not good for ride or approach, hence why i NEVER build longer shackles for a standard chassis.
lets look at the way manufacturers build thier systems. MOST of the jap leaf sprung cars have thier shackles at the very front. there are many reasons for this.
A- during suspension cycling it tends to keep the pinion pointed at the transfer, which is good, and uses less slip joint in the shaft, also a good thing.
B- by doing the above it also lessens uni joint bind, good thing. also, as the suspension compresses up, and moves forward it moves the slip joint apart so the tailshaft won't go 'SOLID', which aint a good thing.
C- when the vehicle turns a corner the shackles will give you a 'skate board effect'. by this i mean the axle planes will move away from each other, as opposed to parralell with each other (for a shackle reversal)which is a bad thing as this causes understeer.
the toyota hilux only has the shackles at the front because of the steering arrangement, and only that. to think of it another way, look at where the fixed end of the spring is, its in the same spot as the fixed end of a control arm on a coil sprung vehicle. you don't see control arms in front of the diff on gq's etc, do you?
hope this has been helpfull. joe.

[joeblow]

sorry...did a typo....one of the first lines should read 'you will not need a shackle reversal'......fixed it....wooops.

[Zook_Fan]

damo dont go as far as some other forums coughouterscough sorry i have a cold