rear spring shackles

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Mar 27, 2007 | 06:11 AM

RnMEtt7500

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rear spring shackles

1994 Ranger STX 4x4 4.0 5 speed. Just wondering if anyone has ever had a problem with the rear spring shackles and shackle mounts rusting out? I just had my truck in for PA state inspection and failed for these. I was quoted grand totlal of $504.89 to do them. I'm doing the work myself, But I've never seen them rot out this bad before, I know they have been replaced before because the mounts are bolted to the frame and not riveted like the factory does. I'll post a picture as soon as I get home tonight. you wont belive how bad these are.
Thanks,
Roy

Mar 27, 2007 | 06:16 AM

RangerPilot

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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)

Looking forward to the picture. Living in the salt belt is never fun. Spring shackles...along with pretty much anything else under the frame and near a tire, are extremely prone to rust, due to the tires throwing up salt on the metal. In the rear it's the spring shakles, shock mounts, and U-bolts. In the front, the shock mounts and spring bolt. Just the main areas that always have salt tossed on them by the tires.

Some people wash their truck off when they get home after a salty drive, others just keep their truck in the garage and let some car take the beating, but if neither of those are options, then you're pretty much stuck with the rust.

Mar 27, 2007 | 02:08 PM

blueranger99

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From: Connecticut

Clean and undercoat every year (in the fall preferably) and those parts will last.

Mar 27, 2007 | 05:04 PM

ranger88a

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Get new bolts to bolt the spring to the shackle. they don't come out easy I've done a few.

Mar 28, 2007 | 03:01 PM

hydrology_joe

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This is the same exact problem I just finishing dealing with before selling my Ranger and upgrading to a 150. I had my truck for 4 years in the NE Ohio Snowbelt and can sympathize with everyone who deals with the rust. The shackle brackets are relatively inexpensive and can be done on a garage floor with a good set of jackstands. I used a saw to cut the majority of bolt heads off and a grinder to finish the job. After that, just get a big hammer and drift punch. I recommend lots of penetrating oil for several days to give yourself the best chance possible. Replace the rivets and shackle bolt with Grade 8 bolts and you should be fine. Be sure to clean the frame to remove rust and give it a good coat of Krylon before you bolt the new shackle bracket on.

Mar 28, 2007 | 08:49 PM

RnMEtt7500

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was a long 2 days between work and these shackle mounts. I found a torch to be the quickest way to remove the rivits, and oh yeah there is wires on the inside of the frame on the drivers side, and yes they do burn well. all is good now though. hes a the picture of what I had to deal with.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=127587&.jpg[/img]