heavy duty shackle install snag

[atomicpunk]

Any ideas?

On the passenger side, I had an extra 2-3 inches of clearance between the frame rail and the gas tank ... not exactly sure how I can get this bolt in?!

I sure don't want to have to go back to the stock shackle on one side after I've already done the other side with the super-beefy prothane kit.

 

[Az Pete]

If you remove the bushing on that side, put it on the bolt, then angle the bolt in with some lube on the whole unit, it might make the fit. You might have to remove the other bushing until the bolt is in.

PS, don't forget to install that side shackle also.

 

[red65]

Slide the bushing onto the bolt, then insert them both together. Fiddle around for 1/2 hour or so, bust a knuckle, swear a lot, storm off and drink a beer, come back and it'll slip right in. That's how it worked for me, anyway... It does fit.

 

[atomicpunk]

Thanks, I'll give that a shot. I have found going off and drinking a beer and coming back gives ample time for a solution to present itself for most problems in life.

 

[Pbum5]

Had the same problem with the same HD Shackles on my Maier 165 Springs.

Let me try to remember what I did.

Take out the bushings.
Place half of the bushing on the bolt with the half shackle between the bushing and bolt.

Install them at an angle. Place the other bushing over the treads still at a slight angle.

Before you get it into place you need to install the other side of the shackle (still at an angle) with the lower bolt installed facing the opposite direction of the top bolt.


Get a short piece (16” ish) of a wood 2x4, for leverage for pushing in the bushings when you are installing it in this way. IT HELPS A LOT.

Let me know if that worked.

Good luck

 

[spirockp]

No need to reinvent the wheel. Listen to the above posts. It does work.

 

[06cobra]

^^^Yes, that's exactly the same kit I have, I had to do the same, insert the bolt and bush'n at the same time, while having it mounted to the leaf.. a bit of a pain, but doable.

 

[cardude]

yup I ran into the same problem recently. bushing on bolt works, still reeeeeaaallly tight to get it in but it works.

 

[atomicpunk]

Worked like a champ, just wish I'd looked up there BEFORE I'd smashed the new bushings in there, what a PITA to get it all back out again.

thanks guys!