Replacement spring shackles

[32Gnu]

Anybody ever have trouble getting replacement front perch links to slide in the lower mount? I had bought these from Early Ford in Piedmont SC, and the spring side slid in perfect but the pech side either needs to be pressed in or nitro'd... Any idea? or are they supposed to be press fit?

Thanks again barners!!

[alanwoodieman]

they should press in, if they just slide in they won't work properly. Clean up the interior of the perch by running a wheel cylinder hone in the inside, clean up all burrs and apply some light oil and press in. It can be done with a large c-clamp and some sockets for clearance and the fit the shoulder of the pin

[32Gnu]

Thanks Woodieman.. I will give it a shot in the morning...

[32Gnu]

No luck... tried pressing, heating the perch mount tube.. now I have one in the freezer.. really getting upset here as I have already ruined a set.... luckily I live close to two vendors....

here is a picture although I am sure you know what I mean.. anybody? I am desperate here...

Thanks.. Tom

[Henry/Kokomo]

I THINK there's special tool to press - or pull - the bushings into the perch. They are supposed to fit tightly but sometimes they can be a real bear. Good luck.

[32Gnu]

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I just pushed one 3/4 of the way in after cleaning the bore and freezing the pin with a 24" c clamp and a socket. Boss is going to love the smell of burnt rubber in the shop tomorrow morning. I can't imagine it being this complicated... Henry made thing easy so far...

[DICK SPADARO]

I have a KRW shackle installation tool and this is my take on original style shackles, unless you are doing a pure restoration or trying to replicate a period car exactly they are not worth the installation aggravation. These parts are size sensitive, if the replacement bushing is a touch to big or there is rust inside the old shackle boss installation is difficult with out the correct tools and you just can't hammer them in position. All you do is ruin one and you have now bought another kit. You have cost your self twice what it should have.

My suggestion would be to use the street rod style urethane shackle kits. The bushings are actually user friendly and easily install by hand. No muss no fuss and hardly anyone will look to see that they aren't the original style deal. If you want that castle nut look, install a castle nut for a guide, drill the shaft for a cotter pin, paint them black, install the shackles so the nut side is exposed and every one will think its a gennie.

[32Gnu]

I'll call you in the morning.. thanks Dick...

[Ross in East Texas]

I have had to turn down the outside diameter about .010" to get the reproductions to press in. The reproductions that are built today seem to be slightly oversize.

[flatheadfan]

I agree with Dick Spadaro. Ford recognized the difficulty of installing shackle pins beyond the factory so a replacement kit came out using rubber sleeves and pins. I have had a set of these pins in my '35 front spring for over 25 years with no problems. Not only are these easy to install but they also improve the ride without any increased swaying. Leave the metal shackle pins for those who love aggravation! (MHO)

Tom

[xix32]

i encountered the same problem. i also noticed the square shank on the center shaft will not rotate. so if you somehow manage to get the oversize thing pressed in. the real challenge would be to get the square in the correct position, since you can't move it afterward.
i reluctantly gave up and bought the modern type urethane bushing style.
i think i had to press some sleeves from mcmaster-carr into the spring eyes, because the urethane bushings were both the same size, but the perch hole i.d. is different than the spring eye i.d. size.
i had thought of turning the steel o.e.m. type in my lathe to make them fit with the correct amount of press fit, but then i still couldn't fiqure out what to do about the unmoveable center shaft squares that would have to fit into the links.
it's all part of the fun i suppose.

[Ross in East Texas]

Once the steel outer sleeve is pressed in the inner shaft can be turned to the proper orientation since it is just in a rubber sleeve (albeit tight) and can be moved with a wrench on the square.

[32Gnu]

Thanks Guys.. They are in...