Rear suspension! Update with pics

[Grieby54]

Ok... I am putting new leaf springs on for my rear susp. I have the shackles out... but you know the bushing inside of the shackle? It needs to be replaced... so I bought a set of bushings and I'm trying to get out the old ones. But I can only get out the inner metal ring, and the bushing itself. There's an outter metal ring that I just CAN'T get. So is there a trick to it? And if not... is there anywhere I could buy a new 1977 Chevy 1/2 ton rear suspension shackle??? I've called all my local part stores, including dealerships, and NOBODY has it. I'd do a junkyard search... but that puts me back where I started with a need for new bushings. I'm on hold with Chevrolet right now, but I dunno if they'll have it. All I need is the shackle... not the bushing. And the shackle will work if it's anywhere between 67-87. But if you guys could tell me a few tricks how to get it out... that would be even better!

 

[smokkey1]

sawzall should do the trick.

 

[Grieby54]

how do you figure?

 

[smokkey1]

well that's how I got them out. see the gap between the main leaf and spring eye just use that gap to fit the sawzall through there then chisled it out.here I took an pic for you.

 

[smokkey1]

oh I just reread it. there should be an gap on the shackle too just use the same method and it should do the trick.

 

[Grieby54]

Ok... here's my problem: I've been beating on it like hell with a chizzle and it's not budging. Not to mention I don't know where I'd hit it with a sawzall becauset it's completely surrounded by the shackle. So if I cut from the inside... I'm afraid I'd cut the shackle.

 

[smokkey1]

ok, just use the sawzall and be very carefull that's how I did mine. I went through the same thing back in jan and it was an PITA.

 

[79cheyenneblazer]

I bought whole brand new rear shackles at my GM dealer, my parts guy found them for me, they were $10 cost, I dunno what list would be, but if they are out there, just make someone at your dealership find them.

 

[Grieby54]

yea... been one so far... so you would cut out a section.. then just bang out the rest?

 

[Grieby54]

I bought whole brand new rear shackles at my GM dealer, my parts guy found them for me, they were $10 cost, I dunno what list would be, but if they are out there, just make someone at your dealership find them.

my dealership guy said "well we don't even deal with trucks that old..."

 

[smokkey1]

yup, just use an fine tooth blade and go slow. I think I rember just hitting the surface of the shackle eye but nothing serious.

 

[79cheyenneblazer]

that's all we have around here are trucks 87 and older, so I guess they can't say that to us, If I find out the part number I will relist.

 

[Grieby54]

that's all we have around here are trucks 87 and older, so I guess they can't say that to us, If I find out the part number I will relist.

That'd be great... thanks man... but in the mean time... I'll be sawzalling as best I can I suppose...

 

[MTMike]

An air hammer with a small blunt point made short work of the bushing sleve on my springs. I just pounded them inward all around and then just worked on it around the edges and it eventually slid out.

Without one I would still be pounding on those bushings 2 weeks later.

 

[azblazer]

Unfortuneately you got a jackass at the dealership...i bought a set from sands chevrolet in phx 3 years ago....they were like $10 a piece.

DW

 

[Grieby54]

don't suppose you could tell me the part#???

 

[diesel4me]

try a spring shop...

The dealers can get them--they just are lazy if they say "not available!....I can buy new shackles with bushings at a local truck parts supply place for 20 bucks apeice...most places that sell and install leaf springs have or can get them..

I have tried many ways to remove the bushings--like using a threaded rod and a peice of pipe and washers to suck it thru the shackle,or hammer and chisel it until the sleeve collapses,then it comes right out...a cutting torch is best...quicker than a sawsall and if your careful,it wont damage the shakle--a quick pull of the trigger and you can cut a slot in the shell of the bushing and it comes out easily once the slot is cut...

 

[azblazer]

Part number 14022597. List $17.87 Net $14.89

Just bought two this week for the chalet as i was redoing the entire suspension.

Doug W.