Shackles
 

Whats the story on replacing shackles? I can get the press in type, 1,do you have to have a special tool for this? 2, Can It be installed with diff still in car? 3 Is there another type that is easier for the ''Shade Tree Mechanic'' to install? Any advice/comments gratefully accepted! P.S. 1938 Ford.

Re: Shackles
 

The KRW tool is a huge help in installing the shackle pins especially in the housings. Installing into the spring since it can give a little is much easier. If you aren't going on the concourse, use the modern ones you can install with your fingers. That is what I am doing. I have the KRW tool but only used it on my 40 wagon which I have had on the V8 Club concourse. My other 40s don't use the original pins. Just my 2 cents.

Re: Shackles
 

You'll have to remove the spring to get the old originals out (if that's what you have). They are almost friction welded in. With a hack saw blade make a couple cuts the knock it out with a drift. But maybe you'll get lucky. edit: you can do it in the car but you'll need a spreader to put the spring back in, so take it out and you can do it easier in my opinion, plus you can clean the spring up.


*** tool: spring spreader


I'd go the route of poly/nylon bushings.

Re: Shackles
 

My experience with the modern plastic type bushing is that they groan and squeak. Maybe I got the wrong material but I even took them out and greased them and they were squeaking again in a short time. I replaced them with the oil impregnated bronze bushings and they are quiet. I think the correct term for them is "flange sleeve bearing". I got mine at Motion Industries.
https://www.motionindustries.com/pro...p?sku=00010103

Re: Shackles
 

I've never had a poly bushing "squeak", wonder what material the ones you were have problems with were made of?

Re: Shackles
 

White lithium works well on poly bushings. Probably wont last as long but are easy to replace.

Re: Shackles
 

It can be done on the car ,as said the spring one is relatively easy, on the axle drive it out with a socket if it doesn't move drive the bolt out and rubber then cut the wall of the shackle , hone the hole rust using 60 grit wrapped around a shaft in a drill ,grease it drive it in ,

Re: Shackles
 

The street rod poly bushed type are easier to work with, the original type (being repro, unless you can find nos or nors) are a nightmare.

That said, I did notice Rockauto list those rubber bushed replacement type. If I were doing the job again I'd probably give those a go.

Mart.

Re: Shackles
 

I don't know, I just know they look like black plastic. One set came in the kit to convert to tube shocks in the front. The rear set I just bought to replace worn originals.

The only time I heard it was going slow or getting in/out of the car. It was more of a "creak" than a squeak.

Re: Shackles
 

I use the poly bushings. Easy to install and hold up well. I use the grease that you can get from Energy Suspension on them. Never had any of them squeak or make any type of noise.

Re: Shackles
 

There are several brands of plastic type bushings available.
The ones that are most prone to squeak are urethane.

Re: Shackles
 

I installed Nylon 6/6 moly impregnated bushings in my '41 in 1995. still showing no signs of wear and silent

Re: Shackles
 

Thanks for the input!