I found the front shackle installation procedure in the factory manual that is online. Thanks to oldcarmanualproject.com. You install the threaded pins centered in the bushings and install the shackle side plates. I jacked up the truck on two jacks and leveled the bumper. Then jacked up the axle to install the side plates. It looks the same as the left side.

It is very possible the springs are weak as they have never been replaced. Either this or the spings are supposed to be this way and the shackles only rotate when the front end rises with a heavy load. There is probably 3-4 inches between the springs and the bump stop rubbers. Maybe a retired engineer or mechanic can explain how they are supposed to work.

I drove and used the truck today. I took it down in the pasture and shoveled about a yard and a half of clay loam soil in the box. That was all I wanted to shovel. I drove back out of the pasture and shoveled most of the soil out of the bed with it tilted up on the hoist. The rest I dumped out in the driveway to fill a future mudhole.

New motor mounts made a huge differnce. The clutch works like it should and I was able to fix the exhaust donut leak. I also adjusted the drag link on the steering box arm. It was loose. The transmission was low on fluid and I filled it. I greased the driveline and the PTO driveshaft. I replaced the fuel guage wire from the main harness on the left frame rail to the tank. I also fixed a couple of tail light wires that were bare.

I adjusted the front brake shoes. It has a great pedal now. I think whoever had adjusted them before had only adjusted the front shoes. The rear shoes were at least 20 notches loose. I thought I was turning them the wrong way. The emergency brake works good and I do not gain a lot of pedal height when I apply the brake pedal with the E brake on. So I think I may turn the adjusters on the rear brakes a bolt flat or two just to make sure they still turn. The rear brakes have been replaced in recent history.

Tomorrow I replace the carburetor throttle body with a good used one I have. It should fix the high idle hang up I have. I do not like a stiff throttle spring. It's hard to apply a little throttle when you need it.

Next big project is rebuilding the door window tracks and latches. I am going to shim the lower hinge to temporarily align the door with the latch. I have a lot of parts to order.

Thanks for the reply! Craig W.

1948(10/'48) Chevrolet Loadmaster 1.5 Ton, 235cid, Muncie P211X, 137" WB, Dual Wheel Rear Axle 11,000# GVWR, Chalky Blue

I like giving advice. That way I don't have to fix it.