Replacing shackle bracket - holes don't line up

[joecool85]

I'm replacing a shackle and shackle bracket on the rear of the passenger side of my 88 supercab and I finally got the old bracket off. The new one's holes don't quite line up. If I get the two left holes to line up the right side doesn't and vice versa. One hole is close, maybe 1/16" off and the other is damn near 1/4" off. Should I just put in two bolts to hold it still and drill the other two holes till I can bolt it down? I bought the shackle bracket straight from ford, but I bought it last year and I'm just getting around to installing it now.

Any help would be gladly appreciated, the truck is taking up driveway space at my parent's right now and I'd love to get it out of their way soon.

 

[pimtool]

I would call them and double check the part #.

 

[joecool85]

I would call them and double check the part #.

I would, but for some reason I thought it was a good idea to rip the sticker off the thing before installing it, so it's long gone.

**edit**
btw, I'm no TRS newb, I just hadn't posted since the board got blanked.

 

[projectnitemare]

Take it and the stock one you have back. It shouldn't be off more than what a 1/2in bit can't line back up when you drill the holes for bolts. There are 4 holes there for a reason, don't use two.

Matt

 

[kunar]

mine were like that too on a couple different occasions, using an old part from a parts truck and using dealer parts. i just redrilled the holes, i think they were 7/16" and i drilled them 1/2" and used 1/2" hardware

 

[joecool85]

Take it and the stock one you have back. It shouldn't be off more than what a 1/2in bit can't line back up when you drill the holes for bolts. There are 4 holes there for a reason, don't use two.

Matt

Maybe I wasn't clear, I am thinking of bolting it in place with 2 bolts so that it stays perfectly still to drill out the other two holes, then putting those bolts in place as well, thus giving me 4 bolts holding it on. I'm not stupid, this bracket supports a huge portion of the truck's weight and it would be unsafe to do this half assed.

 

[joecool85]

mine were like that too on a couple different occasions, using an old part from a parts truck and using dealer parts. i just redrilled the holes, i think they were 7/16" and i drilled them 1/2" and used 1/2" hardware

Good to know, I think thats what I will do.

 

[TRUNK_MONKEY]

Good to know, I think thats what I will do.

here's your sign.................lol you got the right solution already