Frozen Shackle
 

I can not get my vendor spring spreader completely under the springs on both sides as my shackles are frozen. I've raised the frame so rear is off the ground and they stay in the same position. Jacked under diff and they stay the same position. Hammer a 2x4 under with a angle cut to wedge it in and it just conforms to a upward position towards spring. I have sprayed a whole can of "Deep Creep" and nothing...Oh, and long crowbar between shackle and axle. I have searched here a lot and have not seen a mention of shackles that have zero give. Even had a fellow model A'er tell me to just cut them off. I have new ones on order so I guess I'm going to break out the wheel....I have to get this spreader in so I can get the rear out as I'm prepping a new frame.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Perfect job for the INDUCTOR

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

"Even had a fellow model A'er tell me to just cut them off."

Hmmmmm...a fellow can get hurt pretty badly with advice like this

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Right on with what Tbird said ,, the spring is under pressure.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Try backing off on the four shackle bolts one turn.

Tom Endy

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Have you tried a hot wrench? :)

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

My first thought too. Don't do it unless you have the spring spreader securely in place and then VERY carefully.
Try some heat on the shackles while holding them under pressure. Once you get even the smallest amount of movement, you've got em licked.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Arnold....thus lies the problems. The spreader needs the shackle to move 1/8 of a inch in order to fit both cleats near spring eye. When you place the spreader on diff center one cleat will slide and lock in but the other side gets hung up on the underside of the spring. I figure the springs are under the rear frame mount, the smaller end u-bolts have long rusted away. The large ones are still in place on either side of the center bolt. Where can the spring go after cutting the shackles? I can secure it more with chains but I doubt the frame is going to lift off the ground from the force. Only other option is the burn rubber bushing to get some play so the spreader will fit.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Where is a rubber bushing? If you can't get them to rotate, you will never get them out. The portable spreader pushes on only one side and against the banjo housing. That would control the spring while you cut the shackle. It's hard to believe they can stick that tight. I'm sure you will get them out. Good luck.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

need pix

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

You could try putting more weight in the back of the vehicle to help in pushing the spring down.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

I use a home made spreader to apply pressure from one side then PB Blaster / Heat / Hammer then when I detect a little movement in the frozen shackle I use the proper type spreader to finish the job safely .

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

If you have rubber bushings, then you have later parts. A picture would sure help.

It sounds like the rear spring, frame, and body are still bolted together, right?

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

BE VERY CAREFUL! If that spring gets away from you (and they do)It can kill. I'm not engaging in hyperbole! They can take a arm or leg off. That chain is no joke! I had one flip a section of the spreader and just miss my leg. Look in my album "My A". To put it on again, I used the boom of my backhoe for downward force and I put the knuckle on a greased block of wood where it could slide into position and I could get the shackle in. It's all in the album.
Terry

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Terry, I hope I don't need a backhoe!!

Tom, i post pics when i figure it out from my iPhone.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

You can see the spreader won't seat on one end.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Something is way off. Take more pix.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

From the angle seen in picture #3 it looks as though the spring eye is resting on the axle tube. The shackle needs to be pried up from the axle tube.

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

I hope the center photo is just an example you need to hold the tool up and adjust the nut back against the tool body .

Re: Frozen Shackle
 

Try evening out the length of the exposed thread stock on each side of the spring expander. Shorten the left side and get the nut on the right side up against the center of the expander.
And get out the logging chain and install as #12 shows before you get near the rear end with a wrench.