mikefitz00

Well, it is a late model 96, so randomly I need to reorder parts for a 97 instead. However before ordering I looked at each year springs and everywhere I looked said they are the same.

51.5 is the measured length eye to eye. That's right on for what I've read online. In the morning I'll try to grab some photos of the small issues that I see with the frame. I just can't see that being the cause of the issue.

CobraMarty

Get a set of 'boomerang' type shackles. Rubicon Express, Rusty's, Ironman, etc.

jordan96xj

I think the rear of the vehicle got pushed in by a small amount. If you think about it, it would only take about 1/2" to begin causing a clearance issue at the shackle rear. So its definitely plausible. Also considering the arch that the frame rails have to make over the axle, a rear end collision could push that arch together just a small amount, with little visual indication of a problem, while still cutting the clearance at the shackle rear by about 1/2". I don't know if this is fact, but it just seems to be the most logical explanation.

If this is the case, then a set of custom shackles like the boomerang shackles show above might very well help. You may need to research a bit. But just from looking at the pictures, they would provide for a little more spring length, which would help get the shackle mount point rotated a little more forward, which would help provide the clearance needed.

Quite the mystery. Follow up if you find out more.

RubenZ

the problem with the Rear end collision theory is that it would be rare for it to be so head on that it caused both to have the exact same clearance measurements. It would either be maybe one side only that touches, or one more than the other etc. .

I'm going to check mine. I think I may have the same situation you do. My Springs are also very flat and worn out.

jeepcherokee89

these are what i have and i use them with the stock shackles

http://hdoffroadengineering.myshopif...relocation-kit

jeepcherokee89

it has been a long time since i have put new leafs on a cherokee but it seems like the center bolt is offset by and inch or something, is there a chance the previous leafs were put on backwards and you installed the new the same direction and this is the result

RubenZ

Ya thats a possibility too.

mikefitz00

Thank you all for your replies. I went ahead and ordered the RC bolt on relocation kit. I found some how to articles that show it being used with stock shackles. Just going to give it a shot.

I thought the same thing about them being installed backwards but double checked they are facing the right direction.

I should get the brackets next week, I'll keep you updated

jordan96xj

Agreed. Makes sense.


As for springs being backwards (mentioned by another poster). Even if the axle was located slightly differently, the distance between the 2 spring eyes would be the same whether it is forward or backwards. Given that the front eye is at a very fixed location (not on a shackle), it is hard to explain why the rear, on a shackle, would be hanging further back than normal. That's why I came to the conclusion that either the spring was slightly longer, or the distance between the two mounting points was slightly shorter.

If it ever gets figured out, it will be interesting to hear about it. Perhaps it will just get fixed, without worrying too much about what caused it.

mikefitz00

Hey everyone!

So I installed the RC relocation brackets and the angle is looking better and I have good clearance. Ended up needing new shocks as I think it gave me a 2 inch lift in the rear.

Just took a quick test drive before work and the brake pedal seems tight. I just drover around the block, maybe hit 15mph and when I pressed the brakes they tried to lock up.

Is this a sign that I need brake line extensions? Did I screw something else up? I hope not. I'm loosing my patience on this one.

mikefitz00