The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Rear Spring Shackles????

Okay, my bed rear is sagging 3/4 of an inch. I noticed the shackle that is on there is egg shapped. Can I replace with another shackle or am I screwed? If I figured this out right, if I replace the shackle and compress the leaves tight this should raise the bed up.

Thanks,
Chris

Chris,
Is the shackle mount worn out or the shackle itself? The shackle can be replaced with one from a supply house or if you need a new mount I have one I took off mine you can have.

It appears to be the shackle, a metal band that wraps around the leaves. I think the problem I may run into might be where the leaves mount, there are no bolts through the bushings, it is welded in place. I mean a rod inserted then welded, instead of bolting it on. You gotta love P.O.'s.

Chris

Those are not called shackles and unfortunately tightening them up will not solve your problem. It may raise your bed up until you drive it one time and they will be spread apart again. Their purpose is to keep the springs aligned and should not even be tight. They do not hold the leaves together. You need to have your leaves re-arched or replaced. This is common for all of these old trucks, if they were used much at all they are now sagging.

Chris -

The rear springs on my 55.1 were worn so bad they were arched up in the opposite direction. When I installed new springs my truck was raised a full 7 inches! The shackles are what hold the rear of the springs to the frame bracket.

Thanks all for the input. Sounds like re-arcing is in order. I can get them re-arced for a reasonable price, just go to figure out how I'm gonna get them off.

Thanks,
Chris

You are in for some real fun. Don't know what you'll pay for re-arching but it is a hell of a lot of work that justifies new springs while you are there. You can replace them for a hair over $100 each if you can avoid shipping costs.

Make sure you block the truck up very securely in front of the springs before getting underneath!

If the problem is just a missing bushing, cut the shackle off and buy or make a new one... replace bushing... Good to go!