Rear Shackles

[beauboy]

After installing my new leaf springs, I noticed that they now lay flat (no arch) and that my shackles are tilted all the way to the rear.

I don't recall if the shackles are supposed to rotate freely or tightened up top to keep them from rotating. But even if I tighten the top bolt, won't they still rotate, thus losing any arch they may have been designed with?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tbars4]

...This is a pic or two of mine with soa and stock shackles...Let me know if this helps...

 

[jumpn4jesus]

They ARE supposed to move. I wouldn't say freely cause I think of being loose when I here that. They do move though. Just get some Warriors and the leafs won't be so flat. Your fine as long they aren't sideway...like mine!!! See, I bought the $14 autozone shackles and first offroad trip I did, I bent them. So, now I gotta replace them with some warriors!

 

[beauboy]

Thanks for the feedback. Mine lean back similar to the ones in the photos (originals), and if that's the way they're supposed to work, then I'll still have no arch in my leafs. I'll have to check into those Warriors.

 

[IZwack]

Where did you get the new leaf springs from? If its from the dealer, they probably gave you the wrong set. Leaf springs on Explorers are not supposed to be flat when you look at it from the back.

 

[beauboy]

No. I got them from LMC Trucks. They only have 1 option listed for the 91-94 X, 4dr, 2wd, but it doesn't have a rating associated with it. My door jamb calls for rear leafs - "U" (whatever that rating means). Regardless, the leafs I received are way too underrated. I'm thinking of going with air ride bags instead now.

Thoughts?

 

[IZwack]

If it were me, I wouldnt put an air bag on there. Thats just putting a bandaid to the real problem. Plus adding air bags is just more components that needs to be upkept and fixed X number of miles later.

I would call LMC and tell them what's going on. They might even give you a refund or something because obviously those springs are too soft.