Suspension ?'s and opinions

[BUBBA]

87 4runner.When I bought it the previous owner had already swapped in a solid axle.He made everything himself and for some reason decided to mount the shackles up front like a jeep.I've thought about changing it but it works fine.
what are the pros and cons of this setup?It's got stock springs on it also.
I know that shackles up front doesn't make for good highway driving,but this thing doesn't see the road.
Any thoughts.
Also I was thinking about some 63" chevies for the rear.From what I gather here is that most people say that when mounted they become rock anchors.Would it be feasable to notch the frame and mount them flush or would that defeat the purpose.

[Rocksurfer]

As with a Jeep the shackle up front gets in the way of rocks and such is about the only issue I have had with that setup

[FIREBALL]

Ya, having your shackle up front means it's hanging down lower and much more vulnerable to taking a hard hit. A hit on the shackle like that will usually end in a bent spring.
The chevys are pretty long. A lot of guys like them, personally i've gone with the F150's. They flex just as well and are 56". So there isn't quite as much hanging out.

[BUBBA]

Ya, having your shackle up front means it's hanging down lower and much more vulnerable to taking a hard hit. A hit on the shackle like that will usually end in a bent spring.

That's a good point,I hadn't thought about that.
I may reverse it this winter while I'm not wheeling it.   I don't think it would take me that long

[79coyotefrg]

yea but with the shackle in the front the chance of binding your front drive shaft is lower,


yes you can knotch the frame and put your front hanger almost flush with the frame, with a little ramp like thingy in front so it dont hang on stuff

[kyle_22r]

the main advantage of a front mounted shackle is that when the suspension compresses, the axle moves forward so you don't have to relocate the axle as far forward.  the disadvantage is that there's less "give" when you go up against an obstacle, because instead of the axle moving back, it tries to move forward, which can bend springs.