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"C" shackles

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by Patrick, Nov 1, 2014.

  1. Nov 1, 2014
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    I've searched, and read, and I think I found the answer, but would like a more definite answer....
    If I wanted to convert my "C" spring shackles to plate style shackles, can I just replace the bushings in the frame hangers and spring eyes with regular bushings and install plate style shackles? Thanks!
     
    Patrick, Nov 1, 2014
    #1
  2. Nov 2, 2014
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    Yes.
     
    w3srl, Nov 2, 2014
    #2
  3. Nov 2, 2014
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Do you want them to be longer, or? Chuchua used to run the C-shackles on his race cars, with a plate added to close the open side.
     
    timgr, Nov 2, 2014
    #3
  4. Nov 2, 2014
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    The front springs are pretty flat, and I have a pair of shackles on the shelf that I built years ago. I thought I might put them on the front until I can get to the point of replacing all the springs. Ultimately, I'd like to put 2" springs on it and retain the C-shackles.
     
    Patrick, Nov 2, 2014
    #4
  5. Nov 11, 2014
    DoubleBit

    DoubleBit Member

    East of Auburn, CA
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    Mar 27, 2003
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    62
    Just to chime in. Are concerned with the strength of the C shackles? I used to be, they just looked odd to me. But I've heard it from many jeep guys that there's nothing wrong with C shackles and that they'd never actually seen one break. Being the pragmatist (cheap practicalist) that I am, mine are still hangin' under my MB and doing fine.
     
    DoubleBit, Nov 11, 2014
    #5
  6. Nov 12, 2014
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    No, as I stated, I wanted to temporarily put some longer plate style shackles on the front. I did, and it works for now. When I put new springs on it I intend to go back to the C shackles
     
    Patrick, Nov 12, 2014
    #6
  7. Nov 13, 2014
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    if they are lifted you will need to check the castor angle. I had a broken C shackle on my 2a. But I think it may have been from an impact. Also I believe the C shackles from willys wagon I think are a bit longer by an inch or more.
     
    jeep2003, Nov 13, 2014
    #7
  8. Dec 19, 2014
    mike stg

    mike stg Member

    gilbert AZ
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    Sep 12, 2014
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    longer shackles on the front only provide half the lift of the added length, but add a whole bunch of problems with caster, which leads to death wobble. I just put mine back to the 'C' shackle
     
    mike stg, Dec 19, 2014
    #8
  9. Dec 19, 2014
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Running zero degrees of caster does not automatically beget death wobble. Wandering all over the road and no return to center, yes. Scouts had zero caster for a long time. If the rest of the system is up to snuff, there shouldn't be any death wobble.

    Bottom line is unless Patrick's shackles are so long as to impart negative caster, he should be fine, especially for a temporary fix.
     
    duffer, Dec 19, 2014
    #9
  10. Dec 20, 2014
    Mike C

    Mike C Member

    Austin, TX
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    When I put the Black Diamond lift on my M38A1 I converted to regular plate shackles. I found the replacement bushings for OEM style shackles had steel sleeves. I bought urethane bushings and hammered them into the frame mounts that had the threads incorporated. If I want to go back to C shackles I just need to knock the urethane bushings out and will be ready to screw the C retainer back in.
     
    Mike C, Dec 20, 2014
    #10
  11. Dec 22, 2014
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    I ran longer than stock shackles of varying lengths for 15 years on my daily driver CJ5, so I know the pros and cons.
    Caster is easily adjusted with tapered shims.
     
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2014
    Patrick, Dec 22, 2014
    #11
  12. Dec 22, 2014
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    I have a new set of stock plate style shackles, and will install them with my new 1" springs in a few days. If one end is higher than the other, I will use shackles to level the Jeep.
     
    Patrick, Dec 22, 2014
    #12
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