What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Front shackle question

Moody

Moody

1/2 ton status
Joined
Aug 4, 2005
Posts
232
Reaction score
0
Location
Yakima, WA
I have 4 inch T.C. springs with a zero rate on my blazer. I need to correct my front shackle angle as it is touching the frame. I searched the forums and could not find an specific answer for first gens. I am using stock shackles at this point. What is the best way to fix the angle. Can I move the front hanger without moving the body mount bracket? Or should I move the shackle postion. Forgive me for being "clueless" on this subject!
 
Sorry no pics right now, wife has the camera at the moment. I mis-typed what I was trying to say. The actual angle is 45 degrees toward the back of the truck and it's touching the frame. So, the angle itself is not that bad it's just making contact with the frame. If adding a longer shackle will keep the same angle and move it off the frame that would fix the problem. I'm just not sure if that's what will happen.:doah:
 
if you lengthen it it will take the back of the spring down and the shackle angle forward a little and clear the frame better. Make sure to keep your caster in check.
 
Did you use longer springs by accident? I've got the same 4" TC lift springs in my 71 and the shackle angle is perfectly vertical. Not even close to the frame.
 
springs from a 73+ are a few inches longer too....
 
I ordered the springs from ORD for a 70....should be the right ones. I swapped in a 3/4 front end and I have a one inch zero rate. The wheels are centered in the wheel well. I wish I had the camera.....
 
O.K. found the old camera........here's a couple of pics of the shackle and the second pic you can see it touching the frame.

DSCN1915.JPG

DSCN1918.JPG
 
I ordered mine through ORD as well. The part number on my 4" EZ ride springs says TCI-4XCM, yours looks like something different.

But if they are longer, it may be a good thing. The stock length short ones I got are kinda harsh feeling.

It looks like you got a few options:

1. Relocate the rear shackle hanger farther back
2. Get longer shackles, but not too long because of castor angle
3. Get the B-52 shackle mount for the front and move the springs forward a bit.
 
I think my part number is TCI-C4M which is the ez ride and think you must have the heavy duty version. I should replace those stock shackles anyway....stock are 4 inches I believe, think if I go six inches I would mess up the caster too bad?
 
I bet an 1" longer shackle will make a ton of difference and not hurt caster and maybe help
 
I think my part number is TCI-C4M which is the ez ride and think you must have the heavy duty version.
Click to expand...

I thought you might be right for a minute, but the sticker on my springs spring says "Tuff Country EZ Ride" on it. I'd guess you just have longer springs for whatever reason. Try the longer shackles and see if it helps.
 
Well now I know why my shackle angle is screwed up....appears that the springs ORD sent me a year ago were for a 2nd gen instead of a first gen.:doah:So, they are 47 inches instead of 42 which explains everything. At this point I think I am going to try a longer shackle and see how that looks. The good news is I have a zero rate to play with axle position and if I need to fix the pinion angle I can always have the zero rate machined at an angle to compensate. If I can get it to work it might not be a bad thing and actually give me a better ride.
 
You can also move the rear shackle mount back an inch or so. I think you just need to remove the rivets and redrill the mounting holes.

I've always heard weird stuff happening when using angled shims on the front axle. I'd be inclined to keep the zero-rate flat and move one of the shackle hangers.
 
I don't think a 1" longer shackle is going to help...

If the springs are already hitting the frame, you may not even be seeing the full effect of the truck's weight on those springs. The binding of the spring/frame is keeping the springs from flattening out as much as they will once the shackle is longer.

With a longer shackle, there's a good chance that the spring will sit flatter and the rear spring eye will end up hitting the frame (again). The only difference will be that your truck will be sitting slightly lower in the front than before.

If ORD sent you the late model springs accidentally, I'm sure they will take them back and ship you a correct set. I think you're going to spend a lot of time and money trying to make the wrong part work right.

:thinking:



:usaflag:
 
Problem is I ordered the springs over a year ago and they sat in the garage until I put the truck back together this spring. I'm waiting for a call back from ORD but they are kinda balking of the idea of taking back springs that I bought over a year ago, even if it is their mistake.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom