Shackle replacement

[CheapRanger]

I was looking for a technical article, on Shackle replacement. I didn't spot one, and am wondering if the bed has to be removed and what the shackle part number is. It broke the other day, and I plan on keeping this old gal.

 

[CJREX]

Bed removal not necessary.

All you need are some wrenches, a jack, and some good jackstands.

It's a lot easier if you remove the U-bolts holding the axle to the springs so you're not fighting the weight of the axle, plus that will give you a bit of side-to-side wiggle room for lining up the shackle.

Here is how I did it...

Jack up the truck until there is no weight on the springs.

Place jackstands under the frame. I placed mine under the hitch.

Remove the wheels. Place a bottle jack under the axle and raise it until it touches.

Remove the U-bolts. Lower the bottle jack slightly to move the axle away from the spring pack.

Remove the shackle bolts.

Replace shackle and reassemble.

Removing the axle from the spring pack may not be necessary, but I find the 5 minutes it takes (air tools) much less than the frustration of fighting with a spring pack that's bolted to a heavy axle.

 

[CheapRanger]

Thank you!


This couldn't have happened at a better time, I currently have a second vehicle, which has never happened before.

 

[swamprat]

I used these guys for my shackle and mounts on my BII

http://www.stengelbros.com/SpringShackles.htm

Going to order some for my F150 this week also

 

[sbsumerix]

no need for the bed but i recomend dropping the tank. i didnt and it was a b***h trying to fish the bolts through on the drivers side but i didnt remove the bed either i made it as difficult as possible lol.

 

[Carlos Murphy]

Shackles

I've had a set of Revolver Shackles on my 88 Ranger for 4 years with no problems.

They increase articulation and are a direct bolt in replacement.