[Nightfire]

Hey gang,
so a week ago I had bought new shackles and bushings for my truck. I tried to replace them a few days back I got stuck.
Here's the deal, I started by unbolting the "threaded sleeve" or bolt (I dont know the technical name for this). At the beginning it worked great. It was pushing the shackle outwards and the sleeve was coming out too. Then the shackle started to hit the sheet metal of my bed and now the shackle wasnt moving out anymore but only the sleeve. No problem so far. But then when I almost had it out, I noticed I wasnt making any progress anymore. Now I think my thread might be stripped, cause I can turn that bolt all day long and it wont come out anymore. Now I have no clue how to get it out. I tried pulling. I tried hammering. It just wont go. And yes, the truck has been jacked up to relieve the pressure from the leaf springs.



Mike

[oldschoolrods]

Maybe try turning it back in, if you didnt mess up a thread too much maybe it will clean it up a little and then you can get it out.

[Triaged]

What kind of truck? I have never seen a threaded sleeve...just one seized on with rust.

[Nightfire]

No, its definitely threaded. I'll post pics of the situation and the new shackles tomorow.


Mike

[TooMany2count]

well once u get them out mic the inside where the brass bushing is, IF they are simlar to a 47 ford trucks u should be able to us jeep spring bushings. thats what i used in my 47 ford p/u springs & shackle mounts.....joe

[grouch]

Pictures would definitely help. Any chance you jacked too far and put it in an upward bind? Before you started unscrewing, was there an unthreaded pilot part of the shackle sticking through the 'sleeve/bolt' (looks like a coupling nut or barrel nut to me, from your drawing)? Is that black part of your drawing a U-bolt? Where are the bushings, which are likely big globs of ancient rubber glue by now?

[sonicweb]

Nightfire, I have the same year truck as you, and I have the original factory service manual. I will take a look and scan the pages you need. That should help you out!

[Nightfire]

Thanks guys, and Sonic!
Pictures coming up in about 2 hours, Im going outside. Grouch, Im not too sure what you mean, I'll go look at it right now.


Mike

[Nightfire]

Ok here are the pics. You notice that the sleeve is almost out, and the shackle is pushing against the bed sheet metal already.






and heres the new shackle




Mike

[grouch]

First, get a good D.O.T. approved grade 70 chain with grab hooks on each end. Hook one end to the shackle and the other to a convenient fire hydrant. Next, pop the clutch at about 3000 RPM and brace yourself. If the truck doesn't stop suddenly AND you see lots of water in the rear view mirror, it didn't work. Drive to some secluded area before unhitching the remains of the fire hydrant. Find something sturdier to hook to for the next try.

(Hoping to see the pictures soon).

[edited to add:]
Ok, so Nightfire can type a message and upload 3 pictures in less time than I can type one paragraph.

[grouch]

Nightfire:

1st picture -- It looks to me like the end of the spring is in a slight twist. It appears to be pushing up on the U-bolt on the right.

2nd picture -- The barrel nut appears to be angled, as if the end with the red dot is being pushed up.

You have to have clearance to get that U-bolt completely out. Either the assembly has to drop down more (body raised up), or the fender has to come off, or the assembly has to move in-board more. My guess is that the body has to raise or the spring should be able to be moved enough toward the centerline of the truck to gain that clearance.

I would NOT proceed further without checking that service manual. Better take sonicweb up on that offer. Springs can maim and kill, whether struts, coils or leafs.

[oldschoolrods]

the ones i've done on heavy trucks I took a bigass prybar and made sure there was no pressure on the spring, do that by prying down on it and seeing if it moves or not, if it doesnt move its theres no pressure on it. i usually force the spring down with a bottle jack so itll hold it and then can get the shackles back on. also a good idea to stick some wood in there in case the jack would fail. good luck.

[sonicweb]

I created a PDF of the pages in the manual for you. Enjoy!

[Nightfire]

Hey thanks guys! And thanks for the manual pages, they were a great help If you're ever in Winnipeg I'll buy you a diet coke with lime (I dont drink and Im diabetic ).
I'll give it another go later on, and this time I'll raise the truck up a bit higher.



Mike