CK5
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2001 GMC spring shackles
- Thread starter Rebil79
- Start date
Parts stores sell them now,Dorman brand makes them...most come with bolts and a bushing for the spring eye...cost about 25 bucks....you can also get them at spring shops or the dealer too...installing the spring eye bushing is a real bear,best way is to use a press if the spring is not installed,or a ball joint press,but most guys skip using it if the old bushing looks intact...
Yeah, I got them local, $35, both bushings and bolts. Couldnt get the bolt out of the spring bushing, the metal sleave is spinning in the rubber (on both sides). Gonna use the ball joing press like you said.
Thanks
Thanks
I've gotten the spring eye bushings to go in by using a old screwdriver or cold chisel to spread open the eye a bit by hammering it into the slot,but it wasn't easy or fun!...took about 2 hours and much cussing before it was in all the way,and the old bolt I used as a driver with a big washer under the head was mushromed by the time it was done...another spring I tried spreading open that way decided to snap the eye right in two!..
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You could also use those poly bushings that just pop in and dont need to be pressed in..too bad they dont supply those with the shackles,as most do it yourselfers rarely are sucessfull at installing the OEM type ones..I hate removing the spring bolts,they always seize into the metal sleeves on GM's...Fords dont have metal sleeves on most of their shackle bushings and use shouldered bolts like cylinder head bolts,that usually slide right out easy...I usually grease or never-seize my shackle bolts,but I've always ended up selling or scrapping the truck before ever having to take them off again...oh well,at least I made it easier for the next owner..
I'd rather replace a Ranger's or full sized Ford's shackles for that reason than the ones on a GM!..I've done many at home on trucks that the shackles,bracket and frame have rotted away to make a few bucks,I was surprised when many shops either refused to do the work,or wanted up to 500 bucks just to weld a plate on the tail of the frame and put a new bracket and shackle on one...
..You could also use those poly bushings that just pop in and dont need to be pressed in..too bad they dont supply those with the shackles,as most do it yourselfers rarely are sucessfull at installing the OEM type ones..I hate removing the spring bolts,they always seize into the metal sleeves on GM's...Fords dont have metal sleeves on most of their shackle bushings and use shouldered bolts like cylinder head bolts,that usually slide right out easy...I usually grease or never-seize my shackle bolts,but I've always ended up selling or scrapping the truck before ever having to take them off again...oh well,at least I made it easier for the next owner..
I'd rather replace a Ranger's or full sized Ford's shackles for that reason than the ones on a GM!..I've done many at home on trucks that the shackles,bracket and frame have rotted away to make a few bucks,I was surprised when many shops either refused to do the work,or wanted up to 500 bucks just to weld a plate on the tail of the frame and put a new bracket and shackle on one...
Well, I think Im gonna drill the 3 rivets (there is one bolt) and take the spring hanger off the frame so I can swing the spring down below the truck to have more room to work. The truck is on a lift so it all will be at good working height.
