rear spring shackle removal

[68 special]

I'm in the process of replacing the rear shackles. Is there a trick to removing them from the spring and or frame? I've tried jacking the spring at different locations to relieve some pressure, and tried it without the jack. I've used a hammer and bar to hit the top and bottom of the shackle to try and break them loose. The axle is on jack stands. Maybe I haven't found that "sweet" spot to break them loose. I'll try spraying some lube in around the bolt and bushing to see if the helps.

Thanks,
Bret

 

[somethingspecial]

I'm in the process of replacing the rear shackles. Is there a trick to removing them from the spring and or frame? I've tried jacking the spring at different locations to relieve some pressure, and tried it without the jack. I've used a hammer and bar to hit the top and bottom of the shackle to try and break them loose. The axle is on jack stands. Maybe I haven't found that "sweet" spot to break them loose. I'll try spraying some lube in around the bolt and bushing to see if the helps.

Thanks,
Bret

Bret, as I read this, it sounds like you have not supported the body. You need to support the body first, either at the rear, or just in front of the forward leaf spring mounting bolts. Once you have done that, then you can releave pressure on the shackle bolts by jacking the rearend up just enough to take the weight off. You should then be able to work the shackles out. Still spray some oil on the bolts. It will help. CAUTION, Just don't put to much force on them you knock the body off the jack stands. BE CAREFUL and have someone with you when you do it just for safety reasons. Mike

 

[rvrtrash]

When I have ones stuck that bad, I spray penetrating oil on the threads and let them sit for a few days. Take the axle u-bolts off and lift the axle off the springs. Get out the big breaker bar and take the nuts off (it's handier if they just snap off). Use the biggest pry bar you have and pry the nut side plate off then pry between the frame and shackle on the bolt side until it slides out. It's probably "welded" to the rubber bushings so plan on replacing them as well. At least that's how a redneck from N. Idaho does it. :grin:

Steve

 

[68 special]

After going back out and looking things over, I put a jack under the front of the frame rail and lifted the body just until the axle left the jack stand pretty much like you said Mike. It worked like a charm, had to persuade the bushings out with some penetrating oil and a large screwdriver, but got both sides done in about 1/2 hour.

Thanks for the help Mike and Steve

Bret