Need some advice

[jasonexplorer]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum and in a pinch. I have a 93 Ford explorer 4dr. I've recently discovered that the rear spring shackles (both rear and front) passenger side are rusted badly and I never know when it will give out. The driver's side shackles on the rear spring are also bad, but not as pathetic looking as the passenger's side.

Ford said that they only have the rear rear shackle, not the front front. Another spring place told me the same thing, that the part has been discontinued (front shackle rear spring).

Any advice? she runs great, would hate to lose her over this..

Thanks in advance,

Jasonexplorer

 

[steve97601]

I would start looking in your local or neighbor town junk yards. It won't be brand new but if you could find a rust free one that might be your best bet.

 

[jasonexplorer]

thanks for the input, will look into that.

 

[Roadrunner777]

I'd check ebay, and post in the parts wanted group on this forum, maybe on a few other 4x4 forums.

 

[jasonexplorer]

Thanks I did both, I emailed everyone selling explorer shackles on ebay and posted on this forum under parts wanted.

Seems that front shackle for the rear spring is hard to find.

Hope I can find it.

 

[rustbucketMI]

Depending on your fabrication skills, amount of free time, and dedication to this truck you could try to fabricate a new shackle for the front of the leaf spring. Since this is static it is more of a mount than a shackle. The rears are really easy to replace, I did mine maybe 4 years ago and I remember it didn't take more than an hour of actual work. If memory serves the front mount really isn't meant to be removed which is probably why the part has been discontinued. Keep us updated.

 

[jasonexplorer]

thanks, I really don't have the experience or the tools. will keep trying to save my baby

 

[jasonexplorer]

I think I found the answer

http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/catalog/Ford_Leaf_Spring_Hanger-4-1.html

apparently they are the only game in town for the front of rear hanger...

 

[jasonexplorer]

Explorer is fixed

I replaced two rear of rear and one front of rear. The other front of rear seems ok, but I'll prolly change it next month anyways.

For the 3 shackles it costs $128.00 (front hanger 80)
The install costs $218.00
Total 346

Hope this helps people who can't find the discontinued front hanger for the rear leaf springs. All the best.

I go pick her up today. Thanks for the help.

 

[Roadrunner777]

I'm glad it worked out for you. I'll make a note of your source. If you had a more descriptive title to the thead, it would have been more easily found in the future, but what's done is done.