Chevy & GMC Vans

Alright,

so i managed to get some steel leafs with the front mount, however the rear shackles are a to get out.
I couldnt manage to get one out, so i was looking at my van and the shackles look about the same?

http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/prod ... 3-156.html

Do i need the rear shackles as well to swap to steel leafs?


Thanks!

you will find that the shackles from a fiber leaf spring are 3" wide, steel are 2.5" wide.
I used 3" wide shackles and I use them on my 2.5" springs no prob, but I used a 1/4" spacer plate on each side to make up the difference.

doyoulikeithere wrote:you will find that the shackles from a fiber leaf spring are 3" wide, steel are 2.5" wide.
I used 3" wide shackles and I use them on my 2.5" springs no prob, but I used a 1/4" spacer plate on each side to make up the difference.

Hmm, thanks!

I guess i'll have to struggle getting them out then. LOL
I'd rather have the shackle instead of making a 1/4" spacer.

Thanks again!

What kind of trouble are you having getting the shackle out?

Not sure how/if the Gen1/Gen2 differ, but on my '03 there were two ways to get to the head of the shackle bolt. There's a slot in the "tube" that you can put an open-ended wrench into, or there was a big hole on the inside edge of the tube that you could put a socket head on - IF you drop the spare tire first.

Herbie wrote:What kind of trouble are you having getting the shackle out?

Not sure how/if the Gen1/Gen2 differ, but on my '03 there were two ways to get to the head of the shackle bolt. There's a slot in the "tube" that you can put an open-ended wrench into, or there was a big hole on the inside edge of the tube that you could put a socket head on - IF you drop the spare tire first.

There just rusted in there!
That's what sucks about living in canada #-o

I guess i'll try again tmrw to see if i can atleast get 2 out.

doyoulikeithere:

would you have a picture of these spacers you made?
I might have to do that if anything

I found a slick way to get those out.
I have a small floor jack from crappy tire.
I have the spring still bolted to the shackle, but the top shackle not bolted to the van.
I place the floor jack on the top of the leaf so it jacks up on the underbody.
Pump it till the jack starts to lift the van body up from the spring, forcing the shackle out of it's hole.
Works for me every time.

I lied, I actually only use 1 spacer per spring and just squished it a bit by tightening it.
Not very photogenic, just a square 1/4 plate of steel or aluminum about 1.5 inches square or round or whatever you have around, as long as its tight when you do it up, it should be fine..
I have many thousands of kilometers on mine with no problems at all. here's a pic fer ya...
download/file.php?id=862&mode=view