Replacing rusted / broken shackle bracket on Ranger

[ozone]

Ordered parts for a two inch lift so I can add 31s to my 93 ranger xlt 4x4. noticed this weekend when getting ready to install the rear shackle lift that the bracket that mounts to the frame and holds the rearend of the right leaf is broken. (what is this bracket called?) How much is this going to cost to have replaced? (brackets are welded, I am not a welder) Can they be ground off and bolted on? any sugetions would be VERY appreciated. If they can be bolted, where do I get them? CIncinnati, OH.

Once again, thanks for the reply, I searched but did not find an answer in the forums. (probably because I do not yet know the proper term).

ozone11@cinci.rr.com

 

[IZwack]

I think you have to clarify this a bit.

The bracket at the back of the rear leaf that bolts the leaf to the chassis is the shackle -- which you are replacing.

If you're talking about the bracket at the front of the leaf, then I think these are just bolted/riveted on so you can probably pull another one from a junk yard and replace the old one.

 

[ozone]

I need to replace the bracket that is on the very back of the leaf spring. It is pinned and welded to the frame and has a bolt and nut assembly that pass through the rear end of the leaf. (what is this called) Hope this clears things up.

 

[IZwack]

Ohh you're talking about the shackle bracket

Top of the image is Ranger; Bottom is Explorer/Mountaineer;

Sounds like you'll have to go to the junk yard to get another one or go to the dealer.
Careful tho, seems like they have alignment issues with the holes. Thread: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1973

EDIT: Ebay but is expensive (probably not as expensive as dealer though): http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/84-0...008QQitemZ180168576880QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[ozone]

if that is all, is this bracket welded? I know that it is pinned to the frame. If I remove the old one, can a new one be bolted on? The reason I ask, the old one is rusty so it is hard to tell if its welded or not. (thanks for any reply)

 

[ozone]

YES! thank you, I was wondering what this was called (excuse my ignorance) Is a shackle bracket welded on to the frame? How much is the replacement part? (I am going to find out monday from ford, and also see how much they will charge for install)

 

[IZwack]

Check my last post, I edited it later with some links to parts.

Also, you can try Ford Parts Network (which is a sponsor of ExplorerForum):
http://www.fastpartsnetwork.com/

You'd probably have to call them and ask because sometimes they don't exactly list everything.

I have no idea if its welded but from the TheRangerStation link I posted, it sounds like its just bolted on since they were talking about the bolt holes not lining up.

If you're replacing the shackle yourself (for the lift), you might as well replace the shackle bracket yourself. I'm pretty sure the dealer is going to charge you quite a bit to replace this part (labor).

 

[ozone]

THANKS, I think I will just find out how much they will charge for the part and mount it myself. You have been a very big help.

 

[IZwack]

Ah crap, it seems like it might be riveted on:

But I'd go check just to make sure.

But even if its riveted, buy yourself a 4" angle grinder (from HomeDepot or Lowes) and get cutting. A grinder, one 4" grinding wheel, and a pair of safety glasses (very important) will probably be less money than the labor the dealer will charge you. And just use some grade-8 bolts to install the new one (use lock/split washers to ensure the bolt/nut doesnt back-off).

Hitachi tools is a pretty good brand and are often the least expensive (about $50 for the grinder below). You could go with the Dewalt for a few more bucks if you have the money.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=94946-67702-G10SR2&lpage=none

And since you seem like you're going to be off-roading this rig, you're going to depend on this grinder quite a bit in the future -- so its a good investment and you might as well learn how to use one now


EDIT: another way of getting rivets out of course is to drill them out. But this might take a while and I'm not sure if you have the room/angle/clearance for a drill. An angle grinder has the advantage in that its disc is turned 90 degrees from its handle. But the grinder's downside of course is that its disc is 4" in diameter which is cumbersome in tight spaces.

 

[ozone]

thanks again for the info. I am definitely going to need a grinder. ($19.99 Harbor Freight, its cheap but I will probably only use it for working on the truck.) I also found out that just lubricating the old bolts wont work this weekend so I will probably need to grind off and replace them all. (shackle bolts, springs, and shocks. I also found out today that I will have to wait at least until the 26th (when I get paid again) to continue this venture.

 

[ozone]

replacing shackle brackets, little help please...

I am going to replace the shackle brackets on my '93 ranger (rusty). When Looking for them from a salvage yard, what years have the same brackets? (I figure if the brackets were the same for a couple of years I would have an easier chance of finding what I need). Any help appreciated.
ozone11@cinci.rr.com

 

[IZwack]

I merged your two threads since they both deal with the same issue.
Also renamed the title to something more descriptive.

 

[lifeguard379]

i have used the Harbor Freight grinder be for. i would stay away from it, i burned up 2 of them in a hour. the brushes just don't last, and the plastic body melts lol. i would say save the money and get a grinder that will last. you might wanna do more mods in the future and having tools is just nice lol. good luck.

 

[ozone]

shackle extension question

The shackle extensions I bought for the back of the 93 ranger is a Make Waves Insturment Corp. set, will these work on my vehicle? see link below not sure how to paste an image yet. F # 18915
http://catalog.makewavesinstrumentcorp.com/catalog20.htm
or should I jest go with the leaf spring 2" blocks? Thanks for the help.

 

[Fordmandan87]

the years that fit that is 93-07

you can grind them off with you handy dandy harbor freight grinder (buy em cheap so you dont get angry when they die) if u can use an air chisel to pop the rivits off

use grade 8 bolts with lcok nuts and lock wahers to secure them to the frame and grade 8 bolt, washer, and locknut to put the shackle to the bracket and the shackle to the leaf

 

[junkornot]

I was just told I need rear end shackles on my 2001 ford expl. xlt, had brake lines put on it today. Within the past year, I have put a new rear end (pumpkin) on, new ball bearings on front, new starter, new serpentine belt, new tranny lines, its paid for, has 150,000 miles. Body is in good condition, rust in tiny spots, inside is very good. I am a single mom, have an offer of 1300.00 cash now the brakes are done, cant really afford a car payment........so unsure if I should keep this and do the shackles or sell it while I have a buyer. I am worried about being able to find something dependable with only 1300.00 to shop with. Please help me with your insight............THANKS