Sulastic rubber shackles to improve harsh ride.

[Redfire]

Does anyone have any experience with the Sulastic rubber insulated shackle. It works as a torsion link between the frame mount and the rear leaf replacing the original shackle. Considering the light weight of the Ranger rear I am wondering if the benefit would be beneficial. Most reviews are for 3/4 ton or heavier trucks, although they make a shackle for the Ranger. $350 is a lot of change to spend without any data on ride quality improvement.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

As far as I know the original shackle is already rubber insulated.

Richard

 

[brinker88]

They are definitely rubber bushings. Same as what's in the spring eye.

Shackle part #

Dayton- 330-175

Automann- M1724

 

[Redfire]

I am fully aware of what comprises a stock suspension, rubber insulation between the bolt and shackle included. The Sulastic shackle is a device that has the two original mounting holes combined with a center link encased in rubber that acts like a torsion axle to dissipate the jarring effect of an empty truck. Please visit www.sulastic.com or search velvet ride shackle which I assume has become Sulastic. I am looking for real world experience with this device on small trucks. Thanks

 

[brinker88]

So basically you have 2 pivot points now? And @ that price, it's astrenomically over price. Build a set yourself. It wouldnt be hard.

One question though, how does it "improve ride quality" ?

 

[Redfire]

I appreciate your input, but maybe a visit to the Sulastic website would get us both on the same page. I have no idea how you could duplicate them. I am hoping someone here has them on a Ranger.

 

[brinker88]

The website has absolutely NO explanation on how it "works".

You would be better off going with a more well known company such as Roadmaster Active Suspension. They're the same price, offer better stability and a complete and well documented explanation of their product.

http://www.activesuspension.com/

 

[Redfire]

Funny, there are several videos (their web site and youtube), including tons of data from a Tacoma test including vibration, noise etc. Some testimonials too, just none for the Ranger. I want a softer unladen ride-not overloads. I guess I will stick to my three bags of traction sand until I find someone who understands my issue or has physical evidence if the Sulastics work. Thanks

 

[fangotango306]

softer ride=buy a car. you drive a truck it will ride like a truck.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I took a look, searched in the "tech documents", and can see how it would work. It seems to be a rework of "revolver shackles". Priced high IMO. I could make a set with out too much effort.

Richard

 

[solraven]

I don't think they're like revolver shackles. It changes the angle of the pivot, a second rubber isolator, and adds what's almost a rubber bump stop so it can't rotate freely at the center pivot. I think this is what the referring to is the rubber shock absorber. I kind of wish I could find g-shackles for the earlier rangers but nobody seems to make them.

 

[superj]

what are g shackles?

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

At $350 in 2012 to $460 today, they're beating inflation, so how could you not buy them?

If these things' functional difference from revolver shackles is they can't flip, it looks like G-shackles are revolver shackles but with one arm shorter.

Back in Jeep-land, aside from the fact that revolver shackles will flip your YJ ass-over-teakettle when you drive downhill, another fun bit of conventional wisdom is that a spring's primary purpose is to set ride height and load capacity. If you're chasing comfort, for your money, start with the shocks.

 

[ericbphoto]

another fun bit of conventional wisdom is that a spring's primary purpose is to set ride height and load capacity. If you're chasing comfort, for your money, start with the shocks.

I agree wholeheartedly with one minor addition. Truck suspensions are set to maintain ride height and handling with a certain payload. If you will never load the truck, you could, theoretically use softer springs and make up the ride height with blocks or different shackles. Then softer shocks could also be used and give a softer ride than what is attainable with the load capacity of the OEM springs.

 

[solraven]

what are g shackles?