maybe thread overkill but.... shackles

[vervepipes]

here's the situation, the information i'm looking for is so spread out and thin that i would like a few things cleared up please. (note all costs are Cdn Dollar)

After looking around at local distributors, the universal lift (made by Mr Gasket) costs 45$ and the Warriors a whopping 155$ so i would like to make my own so now onto the clarification...

to make it like the universal, but beefed up by wealding the centre or using a bolt like some have done, the factory shackle looks under 1/4" thickness, so would 1/4"X1-1/2" be too flimsy or should i keep looking and try to find somewhere some 3/8"X2"?

i know i need 4 grade 8 9/16" bolts with another bolt in the middle for stability unless i weald a bar in between

also to eliminate squeek, has anybody ever drilled a hole in the spring where it meets the shackle to pound in a grease nipple and using teflon washers between moving parts?

 

[Cali' Explorer]

Well, let's see, where to start. First, on th 1/4", while the stock one's aren't more than 1/4" thick, they do have extra strength in that they have angles built in to the design for flex. You probably COULD use 1/4", but why not just go beefier and go to say 3/8", then you know you won't have to worry about anything as your passing the low-riding ricers?

I would also suggest 2 offset bolts for the holding the sides together. That way you have a little extra beef in the ride. Its not like we're talking about $100's of dollars to do this (US or CDN), so why not just make it as beefy as possible to protect your life, the one's you love and all those we know and love =).

 

[Brian_B]

My home made shackles are primed now. They are way too heavy, but I never build anything light. 3/8" material throughout. Each side is angle iron and flat bars between. I will post pics as soon a I get them painted.

 

[RangerX]

If you're going to make some yourself, why not just copy the Warriors?

 

[Brian_B]

Izwack (something like that) posted warrior dimensions on the forum (dimensioned pic). They are prenty strong and good design, but I like overkill. In my case I am not lifting mine. I am just wanting it level, so custom made is better for me. In theory, in making your own you could lift it quite a bit.

 

[Cali' Explorer]

RangerX, that was basically my suggestion. My suggestion about the bolts is simply because, its cheaper and easier to drill 4 holes and run 2 bolts with sleeves between instead of welding a square chunk of steel, and it would be just as strong since it is clamping force vs. welded on edge force.

Angle is a little on the thick side, if I were going with Angled Steel I would probably feel fine with 1/4" thick. But, figured he was talking flat bar stock.

 

[Brian_B]

He is. The warrior ones are 3/8" flat bar (I think). They have been used for a very long timeI am the one whos overkill. Thats just me.

Here is apic of the warriors installed on someone truck:

I will continue looking for the dimensioned one.

 

[jimbo74]

In theory, in making your own you could lift it quite a bit.

actually more than a 2" lift (4" longer than stock) is asking for trouble... the reason is this, the springs will try and flex wit hthe terrain, its possible they will try to completely flex off..... basically with the amount of sideloading present, shackles can sheer.. they probably wont, but you have to also think that longer means they will flatten more during extension, eventually they may negatively arch, this is bad for the spring, however the worst part is that if it unloads imporperly it will torque load and bend somehting....

 

[vervepipes]

thanks for the input, there is angle iron available but i havent yet found any 3/8, gonna try Crappy Tire tomorrow . i'm not planning on lifting more than 2" so that is not a concern

 

[vervepipes]

ok, so i cant find any 3/8" but theres plenty of 90deg angled 1/4 so i may go with that unless i find anything else. what torque should be used on these bolts? i also intend on finding teflon washers to reduce squeek, so maybe just "good N tight" and cotter pinned or lockwired?

 

[Hartman]

Don't they have like, Lowes or Home Depot in Canada?

I know I don't want a 1/4" piece of steel holding up the rear of my truck.

 

[DeerSlayer]

Post some pics, I've been thinking of making my own aswell. I'd love to see some other design ideas. I know buying at desert rat is cheap and easy but making them is fun.

 

[Brian_B]

I will try to remember tomorrow to take a pic. No one will like mine though. They weigh entirely too much.

 

[Cali' Explorer]

For the bolts, I would just use grade 8 bolts with lock nuts and the teflon washers. You don't need to torque down the bolts to the sides, you don't want to squeeze or pinch the shackles to the Frame or rear Leaf Springs. Ideally, if you can find a Grade 8 bolt that is perfectly smooth over the whole space that the Shackle and Leaf Springs/Frame would ride on, this will give the most trouble free use.

 

[Brian_B]

Oh shoot. I forgot to take a pic today. Its going on my list of stuff to do tomorrow.

They started life as a 3/8" X 2" X 2" angle iron and were cut down to 2" X 1". then punched and welded together with bars in the middle. Simple design and easy to make. However, they are very heavy. I don't want anything flimsy holding up the back of my X.

 

[vervepipes]

yes, we do have home hardware in Canada, the only hardware stores here are Rona, Cold Lake Building Supplies and Canadian Tire (not really a hardware store, but still has stuff). none of these places carry over 1/4", i may see at contractors to see if they have any they can spare

 

[Cali' Explorer]

Here's a great place to try: http://www.onlinemetals.com/

Their prices aren't tooo bad, and they are just over the border, so they may be used to dealing with customs. Worst thing you can do is call and laugh at the quote .

 

[Brian_B]

Here is my scrap iron.

 

[Charlie's_93EB]

damn, i have some after maket shackes that i will mod. more this yours Brian

 

[Hartman]

What the heck is that one on the right?