Shackles

[lazy rambler]

I'm going to be replacing my +2" shackles with lifting leaf springs in the near future.
I'm planning to my current shackles, but I need to now how much to cut them by.

Can anyone tell me how far apart the bolts are on the standard shackles?

[twiss]

I'll be out in the garage in about an hour so I will measure some

You could reduce them to just 1", I've done that on mine and it works quite well!
Bit of extra lift without really doing anything to the handling

[dcallaghan2011]

From what I remember, when people cut down extended shackles they normally cut them so the holes are about 70mm apart, I think that is what I cut mine down to as well.

Dan

[lazy rambler]

Just picked up a set of stock shackles that a mate had in his garage.
He didn't even want anything for them.

[ianedwards]

ive made some from some 5mm stainless, no more rust

Ian

[Darrell]

First time I've had one do this.........

[Darrell]

Ok ,I know people make there own but the standard ones the bolt/pin is pressed into the side plate and therefore can't turn. The bushes have no sleeve so if you just use a normal bolt with a nylock nut what stops the bolt from turning in the shackle rather than the bush. I see the extended ones also have a brace welded from side to side to keep things square. The original shackle pins are also stepped so you can do the nut up tight but not crush the bush. If you just use 2 bits of flat bar and some bolts everything will move about and soon wear out.
I've been down the scappy and got a standard shackle of a bedford van so she's back on the road anyway. Both the springs are still on the van if anyone wants directions (south Oxfordshire)

[ianedwards]

ah but if you make them the same as the originals with the same type of stepped bolts welded so they cant move, you wont have those problems. but you are right i cant see just 2 bits of plate doing it any good.

ian