Confused on shackles

Getting the last few pieces together for the install of my OME suspension upgrade. On the rear shackles now. Do I need to look for lift shackles?

The reason I am looking at new shackles isn't for lift. I read I'll have to cut out the rear leaf bolt and I'd be better off getting new shackles.

I found a set made by ARB for $102. It doesn't give any lift so I assume that's what I want? The leafs I'm installing are OME Dakars. I'm putting 881's up front and nitro chargers all the way around. Any suggestions?

 

So, you have tried ( and are unable), to remove the bolts securing the rear shackle, and need to cut them off?

 

No sir. Just going by what others who have done this have told me. Plus, that funky bolt looks like a pain without a nut to put a wrench on, on the back side.

 

Its been a long time since I replaced a leaf-pack, and I don't recall having an issue with the shackle bolts. The hardest part, as I recall, was the bolt securing the front eye of the spring pack, right next to the gas tank. Very little room for a wrench.

You, as I do, live on the west coast, so rust should not be a major issue, like the east coast guys.

 

So did you unbolt the leafs from the shackle or leave it attached and unbolt the shackle from the frame?

 

You dont need new shackles just take the bolt out, unless its seized and shears like mine did. I went with the ome greaseable shackles but they dont add lift. Not necessary to replace though.

 

^ this. the opposite side of the nut is welded so you don't need a wrench for it. you may however want new bushings or as many of us did go for the greaesable bushings/shackles

 

so I went out to have a look. I only checked the drivers side so far...

The bolt that attaches the shackle to the frame will back out with some tapping. The bolt that attaches the leaf to the shackle doesn't look like it can be tapped out easily. Both nuts came off easily as well.

I just don't want to be scrambling for parts in the middle of the job so I am getting things ordered today/tomorrow.

 

Did you get a set of front hanger bolts for the leafs? Those are the ones that usually have to be cut off, not the shackle bolts.

These: I agree on replacing all 6 bushing pieces while you are in there with poly bushings.

 

I sure did! Threw them in the cart when I was ordering U bolts on wheelers site. I only counted 4 places to put new bushings...

1. Rear eye of the leaf springs (2)
2. Upper eye of shackle (2)

 

3. Front eye leaf springs

 

Ahhhh, I see. The front eye of the dakars I got had a black bushing already installed

 

Well, there you go. Your covered then.

 

If you need shackles get them from ruffstuff.They have different sizes to choose from.

 

I too have an 02. Interested to see how removing the rear shackle bolts goes for you. Plz post pics/video when you take them out! My bushings were so frozen to the bolts it was ridiculous.

 

Always get grease-able shackle bolts if you live somewhere without rust. I also run mine without the metal sleeves, because F having to cut off the bolt when i want to remove them, i had to do this even with bolts that were greased evrey oil change. The bolt by the gas tank came off pretty easy from what i remember with an impact. I spent 20mins cutting one side off with a grinder because i assumed it was frozen, i hit the other side with an impact and it popped right off LOL DOH!!