The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Spring Shackles

I have 55-1 3100 that really needs new spring shackles. I've got the bolt out and the old grease fittings off, but the side plates are really stuck to the pins. I have cleaned the area, removing much old grease and grime, and begun to attack the ends with break free, etc. but can't seem to get them off. Any tricks for getting them off? Should I apply heat?

Thanks!

BFH and a long 3/4 to 1" diameter punch (I use a random shaft, salvaged for just such emergencies) so you can give it a big blow with the hammer.
I start with moderate to severe blows, finishing with swift and blinding violence if necessary.
Make sure that you remove any load from the springs first to avoid injuries.
Carl

Those shackles have tapered holes that mate with the pins. If you were to mount one and tap it with a hammer, you probably couldn't get it loose with just your hands.

I just wrapped up a front end rebuild about a month ago, king pins, bushings, shackle work and leaf spring pivot end bushing/bolt replacement too.

My trick to get the shackle plates off was to take a tapered punch, I had one about 8" long total, take the tapered end and insert between the inside face of the shackle plate and the frame. I'm talking about the upper end of the shackle plate. With a taper about 3/4 inch diameter or so wedged in there, you can whack the end pretty good, after a half dozen smacks mine came apart and it didn't scar anything up too bad. This method worked pretty good for me, good luck.