First Post Question On Front Shackles

Hello everyone, first post. I recently purchased this 72 cj5 with 304v8. The steering is a challenge, I have checked all suspension and steering box for loose or worn parts. This is when I noticed the front shackles, I can move the front spring side to side with a screwdriver. They are loose in the housing, did the PO install the wrong ones or should there be a bushing in there to prevent the side the side movement of the front spring?

 

My 75 is a challenge keeping the spring shackles maintained. I'd pull it apart and check the bushings.. I have replaced mine a few times. And the OEM Jeep tolerances aren't exactly "NASA" spec...

 

Measure the inside width of the shackle. The springs should be 1 3/4" wide so if the shackle is 2" wide then they may be for a different application. Some aftermarket shackles did use a flanged bushing or used washers between the mount and shackle.

 

I think your shackle hanger isn't exactly vertical...
or its the angle of the picture

 

Thanks, the springs are 1 3/4" wide and the shackle is 2" so the PO did install the incorrect ones. Im not new to turning a wrench but am new working on the CJ5. Will have to research and make sure i get the correct ones.

 

I noticed that too on the passenger side. Thanks for the observation,i need all the help i can get with this project. She is a blast to drive will get even better when i get the steering trued up.

 

They may be correct for your jeep, but would be missing the bushings or washers as nick stated.

 

time to replace all spring bushings 6 front 6 rear

 

I agree things do not look quite right there. The shackles look like they are the correct width where they connect to the spring hanger. It looks to me like the springs might have a military wrap which might not be as wide as the main spring eye - if this is the case I do not think there is necessarily a problem there. I does appear to me that the passenger side spring mount might be bent outward. Obviously the front bumper is not stock but is it tying the framerails together properly? Maybe this is not as important on the intermediates as it would be on an early cj5?

 

Just as an FYI later ('76-'86?) CJ's used 2" front springs as did Scout 2's so it's possible someone simply purchased the shackles for a "CJ" not realizing '75 and older were different.

 

Yes, unlike an early CJ, the front bumper on an intermediate is not structural.

 

The intermediate springs had bushings that wore out by the time the rig made it home. I usually put a spacer in with the spring to make up the distance. It makes all the difference between the lose feeling when turning and a tight feeling suspension.

 

I ordered new shackles and bushings specific for a 72 CJ5, will be interesting to see if they match the current ones installed. I will update when they come in, thanks everyone.