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"C" Shackles?! I mean come on....

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by evanjm, Aug 10, 2007.

  1. evanjm

    evanjm Yeah, it's got an F-head.

    I've always wondered this, but does anyone know the reason behind the use of the "C" or "U" shackles? Why not just go with (what seems obviously stronger) "H" type shackles?

    - Evan
     
    evanjm, Aug 10, 2007
    #1
  2. Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    I would think that if properly maintained C shackles would last indefinitely. There is no soft bushing, which no matter what material it's made of will wear out. You can grease the C shackles, and personally I believe the design is heavier duty than a normal H shackle. They just have no cushion affect.
     
    Glenn, Aug 10, 2007
    #2
  3. Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    My first guess is that originally they were designed to be as lightweight as possible - given the overall weight requirements the Army set forth, and the struggle all the manufacturers had to meet them.
     
    Boyink, Aug 10, 2007
    #3
  4. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Are the C shackles noisy? The name for the rubber bushings in the H shackles is "silent block bushings."

    Another theory - the army had a spec that required the shackles to be greaseable. The C shackles accomodate a zerk fitting more easily than the H style, and it was carried over into the first few of years of civilian production.
     
    timgr, Aug 10, 2007
    #4
  5. jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    I think this photo is appropriate here. I can't make out the writing, but they're some kind of glass soda bottle:
    [​IMG]
     
    jayhawkclint, Aug 10, 2007
    #5
  6. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    the C shackles are strong and tough
    I've only seen one or two broken ones
    like Glenn mentioned, never seen one worn out from too much grease
    the bushings can loosen up and unthread..
    originals are good; aftermarket of today, prolly not.
     
    jpflat2a, Aug 10, 2007
    #6
  7. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    When Tonka got Thumped the Cs didn't break, they didn't even get bent. I bought new ones just on general principle & they seem to be *exactly* the same as the originals.

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 10, 2007
    #7
  8. jayhawkclint

    jayhawkclint ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    :cry:
    :patriot:
     
    jayhawkclint, Aug 10, 2007
    #8
  9. lilredyj

    lilredyj New Member

    We've bent a couple C shackles on the m416 military trailers when OVERFILLING them for trail repairs here in Virginia, but HEY, thats probably 1,000lbs in a 500lbs capacity trailer :)
     
    lilredyj, Aug 10, 2007
    #9
  10. thenoblesock

    thenoblesock Tetanus Collector

    So from what it seems here, upgrading to the "H" type shackle isn't that big of an "upgrade"?
     
    thenoblesock, Aug 11, 2007
    #10
  11. kaiser_willys

    kaiser_willys Well-Known Member

    my A1 has something i have never saw, half inch or so flat stock on the end that has the zerk makes it look like this D,will post some pictures if anyone is interested,the 1951 A1 didnt have this,and the 1955A1 only has this on the rear,by the way love the c shackles,ever had the bolt freeze up in the bushing and have to get it out? still have that problem but only on one end :beer:
     
    kaiser_willys, Aug 11, 2007
    #11
  12. Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

    FWIW, I'm putting new "C" shackles on my '56, because that's what it originally had on it and I'm restoring it. Willys used 'em for years, I don't see any reason to change. But I DID dump the rotary phone and the 8-track tapes!
     
    Rondog, Aug 11, 2007
    #12
  13. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Owner mod. Common in the era.

    The Jeepster race cars where I worked in the '70s used C-shackles with plates across the open ends.
     
    timgr, Aug 12, 2007
    #13
  14. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    56's Had Rotary Phones ?!?:?

    Dealer installed option?

    In '55 they were equipped with Hand Cranks !:rofl:


    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 12, 2007
    #14
  15. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    prolly depends on how you use your Jeep
    if in the rocks a lot, I would change them
    also, nobody makes C lift shackles (that I'm aware of)
    more lift options with H shackles
    just don't overdo it
     
    jpflat2a, Aug 12, 2007
    #15