Front shackle replacement, help please.

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Jun 23, 2006 | 12:46 PM

hang10

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Front shackle replacement, help please.

Posted earlier regarding this 3 days ago. Got some good instruction from a couple of members. I will try to be brief. Having to replace the front REAR shackles on an 03 4x4. Not the ones up front by the bumper. I got the drivers side off but the leaf spring eye, is stuck up against the frame. I have stands under the frame behind the springs. No matter how I raise / lower the axle with a floor jack, the spring will not loose tension. If I raise the axle, the spring just flattens out against the frame. If I lower the axle, the spring just curls against the frame.

Jack stands are the highest I could find (made for trucks and SUVs). I don't think that's a problem. If anyone could tell me how to get the spring eye off the frame enough to get the shackle on it, that would be really appreciated. BTW, the shackles the dealer sold me are not 'open' like the originals were. These have a piece of steel welded right in the center that makes it that much harder. Thanks..

Jun 23, 2006 | 01:29 PM

PowerstrokeJunkie

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From: 21791

what you need to do is remove the 4 u bolts holding the axle to the springs. if the way you tried does not work, it is because the drag link and the panhard rod are both holding the axle to the truck. once you drop the axle out of the way, the springs will fall down. put a jack under the left side, and the right side of the axle. PM me if you need anything.