So I went wheeling and THIS happened...

**YJake** · 08-01-2009, 04:43 PM

Shackle inversion or something else?

I don't know when it happened because it has not effected my ride at all. (Still bumpy as hell). I have to take the interstate home from Ocala and maintain 60-70mph speeds for a couple hours to get home. I'm staying the night here in Ocala but am wondering what I should do?

I heard that if I just beat it back with a BMFH it will stay bent up and lift the front right corner.

Deadly to drive?
Just fine?
Excuse to finally lift it?

VACJ5 · 08-01-2009, 04:48 PM

ehhh... from what I can see, the whole spring is bent, not sure if I would want to drive 60-70 for hours on a bent spring like that... I would be worried that the shackle would come apart while driving and the jeep would endo... I personally would replace the spring before I drove it home.

**YJake** · 08-01-2009, 04:58 PM

Here are a couple more pics from different angles.

It looks pretty rough but rides just like normal.

**dodger889** · 08-01-2009, 05:15 PM

I would clean it up to really see what is what. Then assay the damage. If the end is still good and the bolts in the shackle are good I could not see a reason not to be able to drive it home with stops to check it. But I would not be doing anything over 55 just in case XXXxxXXX happens.

**YJake** · 08-01-2009, 05:47 PM

I'll take the back roads home tomorrow then. I'm still not sure when I'll be able to get new springs so I'll be driving it like this for probably a couple of weeks.

Any suggestions on what could have prevented this?
I thought boomerang shackles were made to prevent this problem?
Are there stronger springs that will hold their shape better?

Ptr · 08-01-2009, 06:07 PM

you needed a 3rd bolt in the middle of the booms to help prevent your springs from becoming inverted.

**YJake** · 08-01-2009, 07:01 PM

When inverted, the bolt hole on the front shackles doesn't hit the frame before the spring pack eye does.

I went and checked to make sure, the bottom bolt hits the frame before the center one would. In the back however, it looks like it would save the spring pack.

**scott5star** · 08-01-2009, 07:46 PM

Youch!!! That looks like it hurt

flys_yj · 08-01-2009, 07:46 PM

you are missing the center bolt on your shackle..it looks like your spring bent..in trail speak.."it folded like a taco, bro"

**leftlanetruckin** · 08-01-2009, 08:20 PM

boomerang shackles are the only cure for an inverted shackle. a 3rd bolt does nothing, except rest against the frame like it is now. the boomerang shape with the 3rd bolt is what stops it from inverting, not straight shackles with a 3rd bolt....
did it on my old yj, it cost me a new old man emu main leaf though....
the leaf spring, or at least the main leaf, is screwed. try to get another leaf spring on there asap.

martin

93jeepyj · 08-01-2009, 08:26 PM

Booms wont stop the spring from folding under like that unless you have some kinda of stop behind it or something to prevent it from moving more then a certain degree back. booms were really designed to clear things like bumpers that would limit flex.

speepdaedeesi · 08-01-2009, 08:40 PM

only in a jeep can you have that kinda carnage in your suspension and it still drives like normal lol.

correction: only in a yj

**YJake** · 08-02-2009, 03:55 PM

I drove it down the interstate at 65-75mph for two hours to get home this morning.

The Jeep ran just like it always does with no unusual vibes or anything. I need to replace the leaf but may not have the chance for a little due to cash. I wasn't expecting such an expensive injury to my Heep

I guess I plan on using the RE 2.5" lift kit to replace them all now.

Any other suggestions on where to get stock leaves or whether the RC 2.5" is worth it or not would be cool.

jeepking90 · 08-02-2009, 04:00 PM

IMO don't bother with the RC dude, go with the RE

**YJake** · 08-02-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepking90

IMO don't bother with the RC dude, go with the RE

Willing to pay the difference?