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Shackles

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by iamgeer, Jul 27, 2004.

  1. Jul 27, 2004
    iamgeer

    iamgeer Member

    Calgary,...
    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Messages:
    226
    All,

    I have finished installing a 2.5" lift kit on my '74 cj. The lift conists of BDS springs and skyjacker hydro 7000 shocks. The ride is certainly improved. Firstly, the Jeep moves when I get in it and it did not before. It is noticably less jarring, but not bouncy. I expect that things will further improve, but I have some concerns regarding the shackles. The shackle mounts have rubber bushings and a metal sleeve that is wider than the sleeve in the spring. When I tighten the shackle bolts the stock shackles taper from the width of the shackle mount to the spring width. I could put some washers between but, unfortunately, I got to thinking about how the shackles are set up. When the shackle bolts are tight they tighten that shackles to the metal sleeve and makes the rubber bushings have to twist/rotate to accomodate suspension deflection. This, along with a comment that I read but I dont recall the source (Dr. Vern I think) mentioned that most people overtighten shackle bolts makes me wonder if there is a better way. So here is my question, are the shackle bolts supposed to rotate in the sleeves or is the bushing supposed to twist? If the bushing twists then its fighting the natural response of the spring. If I leave the bolts a little loose they could fail due to wear. What a Jeepin guy to do?

    Karl

    I think that in the original configuration the shackles are
     
    iamgeer, Jul 27, 2004
    #1
  2. Jul 27, 2004
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    Karl, you should replace the bushings in the shackle mounts and fixed spring hanger, since your new springs probably have new bushings in the eyes.

    It can be a PITA, but should be done.
    Your old bushings may have an outer metal sleeve in addition to the inner metal sleeve that goes over the bolt. That outer metal sleeve must be removed to install the new poly bushings. We just discussed the method for removal on the early forum for the 10th time, a week or so ago. Do a search, use "bushings" "sleeve" "hacksaw", it should take you to the thread.

    As for the shackles... the legs of the H should never be drawn together by tightening the bolts. The shackle bolts only get tightened to 10-15 ft/lbs, and you need to use new nylock nuts so they won't back off. The bolt should turn inside the sleeve; greaseable bolts are now available. Did you install some new quality shackles, such as ConFerr??
     
    lynn, Jul 27, 2004
    #2
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