New (longer) front shackles

[dieselponyexpress]

Thought i share this with the forum. Maybe it's helpful for others. As you probably know, the original front shackles on the 81-87 models are 4" and do have a tendency to hit the frame.
I cracked one of the shackles months ago and didn't notice it because the crack was right under the upper bushing bolt/washer. The sloppy steering drove me crazy and I literally replaced the whole steering linkage incl. king pin bushings and pitman arm.
Finally during some 4x4 the broken shackle just flipped around and was pretty obviously now.
Time for new ones. I made them 5.5" center to center hole and didn't have problems so far. Pinion angle is just a bit over vertical, so I think it's ok.

Here are the pics:

Walter

 

[k20]

look pretty good, I have some that are 2" longer on mine, but I have mine crosstied so they dont flex from being longer.

One thing to point out though is it looks like you used nyloc nuts. Most of those you find at the hardware store are not 'graded' and the threads can be pulled out relatively easily as you torque them down. Just a quick observation.

 

[dieselponyexpress]

Thanks for your reply - Good point, I will definately look for grade 8 ("10.9" in my part of the world) nuts. Haven't seen the all metal locknuts here that came with the factory hangers. Do you think I should crosstie my shackles too?

Walter

 

[k20]

eh thats up to you, to get it to where the shackle wont hit the frame you basically have to use a piece of flat bar and angle it, so that when the shackle swings it will have clearance. If you use a piece of round tubing or something you could potentially run into the frame with it when you flex.