simple shackle question

[-Nathan-]

Hey guys, so i dont particularly like the shackles currently on my truck, and am looking into changing them for a set of belltech 6400's. My question is kind of silly, but im new to these trucks.

Is there a nut on the end of the shackle to hanger bolt, or is it threaded inside of there? If there is a nut, how you do you go about getting at it to change out the shackles? thanks

 

[Explorin94]

The shackles it's self has a rubber bushing with a sleeve passing through it. The sleeve is not threaded, but there is a nut at the end of that bolt and I do believe it is a 13/16 or 7/8, usually you can reach it from the top of the frame perch. If the truck is the one to the left of the question then the bolt and sleeve are probably froze together. You can either heat the bolt up to try and get it out of the sleeve or simply cut it and get a new bolt and nut. The latter of the 2 is the better way and you get to keep your hair in the process.

 

[-Nathan-]

hey yes that is my truck in the picture. It had shackles put on it within a couple years, they just look really flimsy to me so i wanted to replace them with the belltechs. So i should be able to get a wrench down in there? and if so, then how on re-installation are you supposed to hold the nut in place? Also, any idea how long the belltech shackle itself is? as in from one hole to the last? thanks

 

[Sunk]

The nut should have a tab that to prevent it from spinning. However, these have been known to break allowing the nut to spin freely and you would have to do as mentioned.

EDIT- Belltechs are 7.5" from the centers of the farthest holes.

 

[-Nathan-]

thank you for the information, its appreciated

 

[Kona]

I had to cut one bolt out...... it sucked

 

[PlumCrazy]

I did mine with the bed off, and I replaced the hanger while I was there. Getting the bolts out of the leaf spring bushings suck, so I replaced the whole springs with Chevy springs. It seemed like the only reasonable way to solve the problem.

-plumcrazy

 

[redrider11]

dude i just replaced my stock shackles with the belltech's and they are awsome! I didnt have any problems getting the nuts off but my truck is newer so they might not be as rusty, infact mine werent rusty at all which made me happy If you get the shacles off of amazon they are like $42 plus free shipping!

 

[-Nathan-]

Hey so i went and measured the shackles currently on my truck...they measure 8.5" . Does belltech make a shackle that is that long from center to center?

my truck sits level as is and i cant stand to lose any height in the rear...

thanks

nathan

 

[-Nathan-]

heres a pic from the side for reference.