To begin with, the brackets have to be unriveted to be changed, as shackles fit outside the bracket, while springs fit inside their respective bracket. I did lots of other mods too, so it was easier for my 2WD setup without a 'drive shaft to transfer case hook up' to deal with. I'm guessing the 4WD need the pivot at rear to stabilize the distance for the driveshaft, as the rear is pivoted on the drive end.
Mine is not intended for any off-road use, just cruising, so "travel" is not a concern like when off-roading. To adjust the horizontal tie rods position only required "for my set up", a 1/4" spacer, which I used an extra helper short leaf on top of the spring pack to not stiffen it more. In old backing plate pics I noticed my tie rods already mount from the top, so I didn't have to change that, and the rods go over the spring pack. I just didn't like the stories of "death wobble" when I expect to do expressway speeds "some day", and the thought of both shackles and toe rods able to move all around looked like I should remove the shackles participation in that. I can't find any pics that show the horizontal tie rods as the receiver hitch mounted on the front blocks the view. I can't get any current pics as the body is on dollies for paint prep with the suspension and power train in storage already painted. Life has interrupted progress on my project for 4 years now. Maybe some day I'll get it all back together for pics and experiences too.
Question... Does anybody know if Jeep ever put front spring pivots on from the factory? I seem to remember they did some time later, but couldn't find pics on the internet to verify it. Oops, I've gotten way off topic of "tie rod angles". Sorry.
