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Frozen Shackle Bushing

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by Jeepsterjim, May 19, 2020.

  1. May 19, 2020
    Jeepsterjim

    Jeepsterjim Member

    Lincoln, CA
    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2019
    Messages:
    401
    Seems that through the years the front passenger side shackle bushing froze to the shackle bracket tube. OH GOODIE!. The shackle "tube" welds had broken away from the shackle hanger sides and the outer shackle bracket had broke and repaired at one time. After trying to hold the shackle tube with vise grips, water pump pliers, and a pipe wrench, I resorted to heat the tube up all to no avail. The shackle bushing was froze solid. So out comes my favorite tool a sawzall. I cut the tube in thirds and removed the stuck pieces.

    Not sure if it would be best to simply install a new shackle hanger or repair the existing one. What would you do? Would you try to rivet the hanger back on or simply use bolts? All the "pivot" hangers are badly grooved aa if There is a broken spring but the springs look good. Might be smart to simply replace ALL the hangers since I have a bare frame thus making it easy to replace the hangers.

    Replace with stock hangers or use after market?

    Check out the pics
     

    Attached Files:

  2. May 19, 2020
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
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    4,460
    Absolutely replace with stock hangers-if you can find them. The mass market chinese? replacements leave a lot to be desired and I'm guessing the only stuff now available. Not only are they 3/16 wall (stock is 1/4) but the spring bolt axis is not necessarily perpendicular to the mounting holes. You can bolt them but that will not be as strong as the rivets were and you should therefore also weld them on the frame. My first choice would be to repair the originals.
     
  3. May 20, 2020
    BadGoat

    BadGoat How High Can You Climb?

    Northern Virginia
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    Apr 27, 2017
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    326
  4. May 20, 2020
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
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    Those might be a bit difficult if one wants to stick to the stock 1.75" width springs. You can definitely make your own if you have the skills and equipment. What my 3B now sports on the front end:
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The hanger bushing OD is 1.250" with 5/8's diameter hanger bolts. I used 1/2" bolts in the spring eyes. Delrin bushings and bronze side washers for the 2" inside width shackles.
    [​IMG]
     
    tripilio, Fireball and jpflat2a like this.
  5. May 20, 2020
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    4,460

    Those might be a bit difficult if one wants to stick to the stock 1.75" width springs. You can definitely make your own if you have the skills and equipment. What my 3B now sports on the front end:
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The bushing OD is 1.250" with 5/8's diameter hanger bolts. I used 1/2" bolts in the spring eyes. Delrin bushings and bronze side washers for the 2" inside width shackles.
    [​IMG]
     
  6. May 20, 2020
    Jeepsterjim

    Jeepsterjim Member

    Lincoln, CA
    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2019
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    401
    Thanks for the reply....Ruff Stuff is 15 minutes from me but they do not carry ancient Willys parts being 1 3/4" hangers. This Jeep is being built using old school parts while being a wheeler.
     
  7. May 20, 2020
    Jeepsterjim

    Jeepsterjim Member

    Lincoln, CA
    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2019
    Messages:
    401
    Dang, those are awsome hangers and shackles! great fab work! I came across some NOS shackles and for my build they might be the easiest way to go. I found out Crown make them but.......:sick:
    THANKS for your reply and the great pics of your skills(y)
     
  8. May 21, 2020
    Jeepsterjim

    Jeepsterjim Member

    Lincoln, CA
    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2019
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    401
    DUFFER
    What size tubing did you use? did you have to lathe the tube to fit? I have a set of Daystar greasable shackles and the poly bushing are only about 1/8" thick which to me skimpy. Maybe they work fine though.
     
  9. May 21, 2020
    BadGoat

    BadGoat How High Can You Climb?

    Northern Virginia
    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2017
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    326
    They will do the hangers down to 2 1/4" wide. If you couple it with a pair of their 1/4" offset shackles, it'd fit perfectly with your 1 3/4" springs and be future proofed for a possible later upgrade.

    4" Shackle 1/4" Offset

    Mike
     
  10. May 21, 2020
    Jeepsterjim

    Jeepsterjim Member

    Lincoln, CA
    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2019
    Messages:
    401
    Found NOS shackle hangers and pivot hangers for the 2A. Ordered 4 of each since NOS are not easy to obtain. Army Tank Guy/ Mullins Jeep Parts had the parts. Thanks guys for your input and help!!!! :bananatool:
     
    BadGoat likes this.
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