REAR LEAF spring SHACKLES

[rainbow9]

Hey guys, I was reading afew threads on replacing the rear shackles, got a 98 explorer. The shackles wouldn't pass NY State inspection:corroded up like swiss cheese..mad:

I just soaked them up with WD 40 and the bolts broke free and created a space I could hammer them back n forth spraying the WD all inside. They should break free now I hope.

How do you maintain the distance of the leaf spring sleeve to the mounting bolt slot?? I'm shizzle this sucker will snap upward and I am not shure how to re thread the sleeve. Can I jam a piecs of 2x4 in the space between the spring and frame?? Thanks again guys you are all saving me a bundle!!!

 

[Slowlyvverot]

When i replaced my shackles, the springs only jumped up maybe an inch. i had jackstands under the frame though (i think the rear tires where slightly off the ground) so there was no load on the leafsprings. I don't think you'll have any issues if you take the load off the suspension.

 

[99SportX]

Support the vehicle by the frame with jackstands and then use a floor jack under the rear diff. You can then adjust the jack to take any preload out of the springs. This way you won't get any surprises once the bolts are removed.

Beware that sometimes the bolts can rust to the inner sleeve of the bushing in the springs. If this happens the job goes from easy to a major pain in the arse. I ended up cutting the head off the bolt, cutting the shackle in half, torching the bushing out and replacing it.

 

[techieman33]

you can also use your factory bottle jack on the spring itself, put it between the spring and frame and it will keep it from moving around on you.