1st Gen rear leaf removal questions

2004 ExtCab TRD. 3+1 Leaf pack.

I am trying to replace my rear leaf's with new Stock height leaf springs. Getting the old ones out is as hard as I expected. I'm going to have to cut the eye bolts out on the front of the leafs. My questions is about the shackles. All the pictures of the stock shackles I have seen seem to be a pins that are attached to the one side of the shackle, run through the bushing of the spring and then out the other side of the shackle. If I cut through this Pin/Bolt in the back..am I looking at replacing the shackle or just the bolt?

Thanks for the help.

 

Shoot a PM to member 4WD if he doesn't chime in.
He does these in his sleep.

 

The pins are pressed into the shackle plate (see attached). I think you need to replace the shackle. I doubt you can get a separate pin from the dealer (probably whole assembly only), and driving out the cut-off pin remainder and then matching a grade 8 bolt may be a time-consuming pain not worth the effort. See attached.

 

OP, if i'm understading right, your problem is getting the eyelett w/bushing off the shackle pin, you do not have to cut your pins. the problem is thru time & the elements your bushing & pin have seemingly become one.

put a torch to the eyelett, get that rubber good & toasty & smack it hard with a single jack (BMFH) a couple times & it'll come off, then just hit the pin with some sand paper to remove any residue left behind, now if major rust is a factor i'd probably say go ahead & cut it out but if everything is basically ok no need to cut........

 

Thanks guys. I will hopefully start on these this week. I'm more than familar with the BMFH method of doing things . I'll let you guys know how it goes. I can't wait to actually have springs that "spring".