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Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for
MORE wrenching? 
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| | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 | How do you know when the shackles need replacing without taking them apart for inspection? I want to be sure everything is up to par but don't really want to take it apart if I don't need to.
Dennis
40 Chevy 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,188 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,188 | Jack the frame up to take the weight off the springs and axles. Just when the leaf springs start to separate and try to lift the axle, pry around on the shackles. If you see any side to side or up and down movement, they are worn. It really is not that hard to knock the shackle plates loose at this point. Back off the nut on the center bolt to the last few threads, then whack the plates loose (away from the pins). If you have the truck jacked up square and at the right point, the pins and plates will be loose and you can check each pin for movement. The plates and pins are a taper fit, so when going back together, tap the plates to seat the tapers as you tighten down the center bolt.
Joe | | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 | Thanks Joe. Seems pretty straight forward. I'll probably take a look at them tomorrow.
Dennis
40 Chevy 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,438 | It was pretty much as you described Joe. Only problem I'm having is with one of the threaded pins. Doesn't want to come out. Hitting it with PB Blaster. Couldn't get a grip on it since it is tapered so ground 2 flats for a wrench.
Dennis
40 Chevy 1/2 ton
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,188 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,188 | If that doesn't work, take the shackle plate and drive it on the taper on one side, it may produce enough friction to unscrew the pin. Put a socket over the plate and pin so you can really drive the tapers together.
Joe | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,270 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,270 |
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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