4x Innovations Shackle Install Questions

@traxman25

It appears that the new shackles are going to scrape against the end of one leaf on my Dakar pack. With the new shackles oriented with the zerk facing the front I get slightly more clearance, however it still seems like it will scrape at full droop. Sent Adam at 4xinnovations and emai, but would like to get these installed. Grind that middle support for the shackle?

 

@deeezy, looks like you completed the install. Any issues other than having to pull off the u-bolts? Appears you have the zerks facing the rear. I actually get more interference with them positioned like that.

 

I actually had to remove the shackles until I can get some large washer shims to take up some of the gap between the shackle and the shackle hangar mounts. The shackles are not wide enough and started to bend the hangars inward when torqued down. Same with the leafspring side of the shackle, it was too wide for my leaf spring bushing/sleeve and ended up bending the shackle inward when torqued down to the leafs.

 

That shackle is definitely backwards.

 

Here's how mine was installed:

 

Yeah, no matter how they are positioned I get interference with one of the ends of a leaf in the leaf pack when I'm at close to full droop. I tried installing both ways and same issue arises. Guess I'll need to wait for Adam to respond here or to my email.

 

@traxman25 any thoughts?

 

Hey guys, I just saw this. I'm not on the forums very much anymore so email or phone is the best method to reach us with tech questions.

Jtrue, sorry to see you're having an issue with the HD shackles. We haven't had this issue reported before. This is clearly a design issue with the shackle so I have sent you some info about how we can help (replacement or partial refund), please check your email. As for which direction to install the shackle, the gusset is centered in the shackle so it doesn't matter which way you install it. We recommend installing the zerk in the direction that makes it easiest for you to reach the zerk itself for greasing.

 

Well this is disappointing. I've had a set waiting in a box for a year until I can do my full lift. Using Dakars with an AAL (my plan) would increase interference.

It is also troubling to hear about sloppy fit between the shackles and the hangers. Which bushings were you guys using?

 

Mine are unusable with Dakar EL095R springs. Did a test-fit prior to attempting installation, no-go.

 

Are you using the stock shackle mount or a shackle flip? There is no loose fit once the bolt is tightened.

Sorry for the trouble with your shackles. I have emailed you a USPS return label, please send those back and we will get you an updated version at no charge.

 

OEM mount. From other users, I've heard that using correct tourque will end up deforming the ears of the mount because of the excessive space. He had to remove it and press it apart, then insert a very hard to source washer approximately 1/8 thick.

 

Please send your shackles back and we will send you an updated version.

Our shackles are 0.04" wider than the factory Toyota spring bushing inner sleeve. I just checked all of our current stock, which were assembled using the same fixture we've always used, and they all show this same gap to the OEM springs we have here. There's nowhere near a 1/8" gap to the OEM bushing sleeve. You can see this in EDDO's pictures above to the OEM springs as well. If there was a gap that big there would have been that same gap on the factory shackles with that particular spring.

 

Thanks Adam. Really appreciate the quick turn on these.

 

Please post pics fitted with Dakars and bushings. I'm assuming you have the yellow OME bushings. I'm interested in the clearance issue @deeezy pointed out (excessive space between bushing and shackle ear).

 

Thanks Adam. To clarify, I believe @deeezy is running All-pro expos. I'll be installing the earlier Dakar CR047 using OME SB108 bushings. There may be a slight difference in width between the two different brands of leafpacks (and bushings), but seems this should be negligible. @EDDO these are the bushings I'm curious if you are using on your new Dakars.

 

Hope to do the swap this weekend. But it won't be a direct comparison for you. I went with the . Width was perfect.

 

Ok do me a favor and measure the with of the bushing flanges, then I can measure mine and compare

@traxman25 I meant to ask: what is the difference with the "updated version" you mention, and when did it get updated? I bought mine in February 2017.

 

Gotcha.

Appears to be all about the position of the gusset.
If it is centered (like these), it won't work with Dakars + stock hangers.


With the gusset at the back (like these) there won't be anything to make contact with the second leaf.

 

Ah! I'll have to go dig mine up and take a look. So it appears that the relocated zerks now will be rotating very close the the bottom cup in the shackle hanger under full compression. I suppose they may clear it (i.e., rotate inside) if spring deflection pushes them that far.