leaf spring shackle replacing

[4x4mexicano]

One of my rear shackles for the leaf spring is in really bad shape, and by the looks of it, its about to go. How hard is it to replace it, and do I need to drop the gas tank and trailor hitch to get to the bolts for it? Or should I have room to get it off? A buddy told me that the bolts are gonna have to get cut with the torch. any input on fixing it would be much appreciated, thanks.

 

[rostheiceman]

i would try getting them off with out a torch first you souldent have to remove the gas tank but if you use the torch a would take the tank out. there not that hard to replace useing a floor jack. lift the truck up put 2 jack stands under the frame in the rear with about 6inches from ground to tires then use the jack to lift the rearend up and down this will mak it alot easer. and il tell you the same i told the last guy go to walmart and get some tuffliner in a spray can and paint the new shackles before puting them on it will keep them rom rusting in the future. hope this helps

 

[Yardape]

Wow thats amazing. Your the second guy on here in less than a week with that problem. Taking the tank out will simplify things alot for you but judging by the rust on your hangers the tank will most likely be hard to get out too. On that note maybe its a good thing to drop the tank, have a good look make sure your take isnt about to rust through. I would suggest replacing the other hanger at the same time regardless of condition just to be on the safe side. Use the highest quality bolts you can get your hands on. To bolts the new hangers on.

 

[4x4mexicano]

I cant see the tank being too hard to drop out cause it was replaced maybe a year before I got it, along with the back bracket on the drivers side, and Ive only had her for about 4 months so the tank still looks brand new.Does that spray on bed liner help out a lot, cause I was thinking about spraying my frame with it while Im under there.

 

[rostheiceman]

yes it will, if you spray the frame make shure to remove all rust and dirt or it will not stick, it will add years to the life of you truck. i did a base coat on the body of mine and then painted over it no rust or scathes **** i can hit it with a baseball bat and it wont dent so yaeh its goo stuff

 

[walnuts75]

That second guy with the same problem would be me. I ordered new brackets from LMCtruck.com. The exact URL is www.lmctruck.com/ICATALOG/FD/full.aspx?Page=129. They are called rear leaf spring hangers and they ended up costing me $118.65 for two brackets (one for each side). I also have a good game plan (I hope). I think I can get away without taking the hitch off, but I'm gonna have to drop the gas tank in order to get to the backside of the frame to replace the rivets with nuts and bolts. As for the rivets a torch is probably the best method for cutting them out or maybe turn the arc welder all the way up and burn them out, but that can get messy. A grinder could also work, if it can be manuvered in there. Here's what my hangers look like. Good luck with yours, hopefully my Bronco will be healthy again next week!

 

[Yardape]

I just did an sas on my bronc I had to remove many of those rivots. I found the easiest fastest way to remove them is center punch, drill a pilot hole and drill with a 7/16 drill bit. goes through like butter. Using a torch near the gas tank would be a great way to find out if you have any leaks :-"

 

[walnuts75]

Good call, I'll try the pilot hole and a punch. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Big_Ford_POS]

I've done both methods and by far the easiest and cleanest is center punch, drill, and then air hammer them !$#%ers out. All you have to drill is the head of the rivet.

 

[4x4mexicano]

Do you by chance remember what size drill bit you used?

 

[Yardape]

I predrill with a 1/8 and then drill the heads off with a 7/16. Drill right through with the 1/8 and drill till the heads comes off with the 7/16. A couple wacks with a hammer and punch and the rivot will fall out. Try and get as close to center as you can and drill as straight as you can for best results