Shackles installed, but not without questions
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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Houston, TX
Shackles installed, but not without questions
After putting on my drop shackles, I have a couple of questions...
1) I noticed after the install (Duh!) that I put mine in with the open part of the shackle facing the back. Someone's instructions showed theirs facing the front. I jumped on the bumper while a friend watched the leafs, and it doesn't look like a problem. Is this indeed a problem?
2) With the stock shackles, the top bolt (that holds it to the leaf spring) has a little brace that stops the bolt from spinning while you turn the nut. The new shackles were too tall to allow me to put that bolt back in the same way (the frame rail is in the way), so I had to put it in the opposite direction. Again, is this a problem?
Thanks for any help you can provide. Other than those questions, I LOVE the new stance of the truck.
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2000 Black Lightning
#4399
[This message has been edited by Madhouse (edited 04-09-2001).]
1) I noticed after the install (Duh!) that I put mine in with the open part of the shackle facing the back. Someone's instructions showed theirs facing the front. I jumped on the bumper while a friend watched the leafs, and it doesn't look like a problem. Is this indeed a problem?
2) With the stock shackles, the top bolt (that holds it to the leaf spring) has a little brace that stops the bolt from spinning while you turn the nut. The new shackles were too tall to allow me to put that bolt back in the same way (the frame rail is in the way), so I had to put it in the opposite direction. Again, is this a problem?
Thanks for any help you can provide. Other than those questions, I LOVE the new stance of the truck.
------------------
<A HREF="http://users.ev1.net/~temurphy/lightning/" TARGET=_blank>
</A> 2000 Black Lightning
#4399
[This message has been edited by Madhouse (edited 04-09-2001).]
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From: I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
Mad:
The bolt goes in that way to prevent it from coming out if the nut comes off. I'd reverse them.
Tip 1. Attach the top of the shackle first. Lift and drop the "pumpkin" until you can get the bolt in and the bottom bolt lines up.
Tip 2. You never have to lay a hand on the leafsprings if you lift the truck balanced. Never lift one side at a time! If you do, only brute force will allow you to install them.
Takes me longer to get the jack in place and get the wheels off than it does to replace the shackles. Most of us amateurs probably had the same issues when we first installed them. I know I did.
Switch the direction while you've got them out. Don't really know if it matters, but...
Hope this helps.
Rich
1999.5 SVT Lightning - Red. 100HP Shot NOS, BellTech 3/4 drop, Ford MotorSport Chrome Lightning wheels, Super Chip(TRAC). K&N Filter. Viper Alarm w/remote start, Sir Michael's roll pan, smooth corners and steps w/billet inserts, clear corner lenses, Cervinis Ram Air hood, ARE Cover w/ wing, Momo billet pedals, cd changer, cover, Phantom boost and nitrous gauges, MTX Thunderform w/ 2 10" MTX Thunder 4000 subs. 5-channel 500w. Clarion amp.(APA5241), (4)Polk Audio 3-way, 130w. DX 7's, Color-matched Muth signal mirrors, Soundproofed cab, BedRug, Trenz billet grills, Piaa 9007 Super Whites, etc. Build #2755
TampaSVT@Tampabay.rr.com
http://home.tampabay.rr.com/tampasvt/
2001 PT Cruiser - Limited Edition
2001 EB Expedition
[This message has been edited by TampaSVT (edited 04-09-2001).]
The bolt goes in that way to prevent it from coming out if the nut comes off. I'd reverse them.
Tip 1. Attach the top of the shackle first. Lift and drop the "pumpkin" until you can get the bolt in and the bottom bolt lines up.
Tip 2. You never have to lay a hand on the leafsprings if you lift the truck balanced. Never lift one side at a time! If you do, only brute force will allow you to install them.
Takes me longer to get the jack in place and get the wheels off than it does to replace the shackles. Most of us amateurs probably had the same issues when we first installed them. I know I did.
Switch the direction while you've got them out. Don't really know if it matters, but...
Hope this helps.
Rich
1999.5 SVT Lightning - Red. 100HP Shot NOS, BellTech 3/4 drop, Ford MotorSport Chrome Lightning wheels, Super Chip(TRAC). K&N Filter. Viper Alarm w/remote start, Sir Michael's roll pan, smooth corners and steps w/billet inserts, clear corner lenses, Cervinis Ram Air hood, ARE Cover w/ wing, Momo billet pedals, cd changer, cover, Phantom boost and nitrous gauges, MTX Thunderform w/ 2 10" MTX Thunder 4000 subs. 5-channel 500w. Clarion amp.(APA5241), (4)Polk Audio 3-way, 130w. DX 7's, Color-matched Muth signal mirrors, Soundproofed cab, BedRug, Trenz billet grills, Piaa 9007 Super Whites, etc. Build #2755
TampaSVT@Tampabay.rr.com
http://home.tampabay.rr.com/tampasvt/
2001 PT Cruiser - Limited Edition
2001 EB Expedition
[This message has been edited by TampaSVT (edited 04-09-2001).]