Leaf Spring Shackles for the CJ5

Noticed the shackles had some elongated holes where the bolt goes thru the leaf end. They also look pretty thin for the purpose to. Can you just make them out of say 3/8"X1.5" cold rolled steel or do they need to be harden steel? The stock ones are thin so I thought 3/8" would be as strong or stronger. Mark

 

Thanks I will make some then. I just finished 3+ hours of pressure washing and it is clean inside and out. No grease or oil on the underside anymore. Did find some cancer but won't be hard to fix the spots. Now I know why it was a little squirly in the front end a shock was un/bolted on the passenger side. Can't belive the guy drove it that way! Soft Tops are now clean to. Mark

 

A freind of mine made me some shackles for my front end. I believe they are 3/8th's thick (not sure without checking though). Been on for years without any problems.

 

used 3/8x1.5" stock when i swapped to the lift springs. think the shackles are about 4" in the front and 4.5" in the rear. you will need longer bolts than stock, also use grade 8 (at least).