BDS SHACKLE REVERSE KIT PRODUCT REVIEW

If you would like for us to review your product here please contact Will Morgan for more information will@jeepbrokers.com

This project was one out of necessity as well as an intention to complete the repair with an improvement. Going into this I knew it would be for the better but I was somewhat skeptical about how much of a difference it would make since this Jeep handled and steered so well before the break of the shackle mounts. I have installed other shackle reversal kits on Jeeps for clients and know other guys who swear by them and make that one of the first upgrades they make in an older Jeep that they intend to lift and or wheel. So needless to say I was ready to give this product a try.

We do these reviews for people who aren't necessarily familiar with these items but are interested in seeing what's out there for their Jeeps.  It also provides them with the opportunity to see how they are installed and a better idea of what the actual improvements may be as well as what we think of them once we have thoroughly tested them. Aside from that, we receive many emails from people that have successfully used these write-ups as a visual tool in conjunction with the manufacturers instructions. Anyone (even those who do installs regularly) who has ever had to assemble something for the first time has had to stare at the manufacturers instructions and try to decipher them as though they are trying to figure out a new language. Most instructions don't take into account that some folks may be installing them for the first time on their own vehicles and don't necessarily know the industry terms for each part. I know, you're first thought may be why try to install them if you don't even know what the parts are called..... So you know that much more of your Jeep and how each component works for future reference!! That is why we use so many pictures.... To give a better visual and reference to each step of the install.

I was pleased with the design of the BDS kit, it was simple, had adequate installation instructions and went together as stated with a good fit and clean finished product. I also like the fact that the finish wasn't a bright colored powder coat that would stand out like a sore thumb shouting... "Hey, look at me". The install was simple enough, I didn't have to fight any of the bolts not lining up as I put the front end back together and once it was finished I was ready to take it out and give it a try. As I mentioned, before the kit was installed the handling of this Jeep (even with the amount of lift that is on it) has always been very tight and responsive. One thing that I did notice was that the steering wheel didn't move much when going over wash boarded roads and when there is a pothole in the paved road or an uneven surface, the steering wheel hardly gave any indication that I had just gone over anything of that nature. The bump steer (as it is called) was greatly reduced and I did notice a difference both on and off-road.

All in all I would consider this a worthy upgrade if you have "bump steer" issues or any damage to your factory shackle mounts and are looking to repair the damage with an added improvement. Now this isn't going to be a cure-all if you have other worn out steering components in your front end so always make sure that all of your components are up to the condition that they need to be before you look at making changes to improve your vehicles steering and handling. Most importantly, always adhere to your vehicle manufacturers specs as well as any after market manufacturers specs for any changes or product installs you make to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.