Shackle Swap ?'s

[Sampson]

I got some belltech 6400's and have a few questions. They are going on a 99 4x4, I am removing the stock block and putting the shackles on. Can I use 2wd xlt U-bolts, since the stock ones won't work. Anyone know the part number for them? I don't have a body lift so will I have to remove the bed?

Thanks Pat

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Hacing replaced the shackles on my race truck, I can't see NOT taking the bed off. It just makes it so much easier to work on, especially around rusted parts.
I would measure the length of the u-bolts as they are minus the block and by new at the parts shop ~C15.00. If the ones you are looking at are the right length and diameter they should work fine. Do yourself a favor and buy a thread file ~C$25.00 to fix/clean the threads if you go used. It'll be the best money you spend on tools if you work on rusted stuff lots. Here's an article on cheap thread chasers you may be able to adapt with something on hand [read the responses too], but what I really want to show you is at the end of the article; a pic of a thread file.;
http://www.cicle.org/wordpress/2006/10/30/yet-more-pedal-thread-info-author-harv/
Good luck,

Richard

 

[Sampson]

Thanks alwaysfloored, I might have to get me some of the thread cleaners. Does anyone know the size of the torx bits that bolt the bed down? I can't wait to try and remove my bed liner.

Pat

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I've never removed a bed to replace any shackles or spring hangers on a truck....ever.

You can get an impact in there to get the bolts out no problems.

Yes the 2wd U bolts will work, or simply measure and find something at the autoparts store the right length.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Does anyone know the size of the torx bits that bolt the bed down?
Pat

t-55 comes to mind but not sure on that. Buy two, you'll break one after the store closes and you can always take it back for a refund if you don't break one.

I've never removed a bed to replace any shackles or spring hangers on a truck....ever.
You can get an impact in there to get the bolts out no problems.

I probably could have done it without removing the bed, don't know, didn't try as I needed to do a bunch of stuff under there. An impact wouldn't have touched the bolts I took out. I ended up cutting the heads off and pulling them through the shackle and spring bushings with extra washers behind the nut. It doesn't hurt to try without removing the bed, especially if your truck's not rusty. Anyway, good luck,

Richard

 

[Sampson]

How would I get the bolt that holds the shackle to the bracket on the frame. There is only a few inches between the bed floor and bolt and I don't think I can get a wrench up through the bottom. I might just cut those off and get new ones. My truck has a decent amount of rust on it and a plastic bed liner so I would rather not take the bed off. I ordered the U-bolts today and should get them tomorrow.

 

[legoms013]

I wouldnt take the bed off to delete the stock block and add some Beltech's. An impact fits fine in the fender wells. I have messed with my rear axle countless times with out removing the bed. But it couldn't hurt........

Check your local auto parts stores for u-bolts if the 2wd ones don't work. They will be able to hook you up...

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

The upper bolts have special nuts on them with tabs so there is no need for a wrench.

If they are rusted to pieces then what I did was take a junk 21mm wrench and bend it in a 90 degree angle at the open end so I could slip it in to hold the nut.

A 21mm crowfoot will work too.

 

[Sampson]

Thanks a bunch guys, I don't think its rusted to bad so it should come right out. I hope to put them on tomorrow, I will post some pics.

Thanks Pat