How to align shackle mounts with anti-inversion shackles? (1 Viewer)

[vtcruiser60]

4-5 years now out of my "restoration", I am noticing that my anti-inversion shackles are permanently inverted. My bushings are shot and need replacement. I think my shackle set up is incorrect and need advice.

My question: Please look at the picture below and tell me what to do. I'd like an easy fix if possible. My gut says that I welded the homemade shackle mounts to the frame about 1.5 -2.5 inches inward, when they need to be the same distance out (towards the bumper). Do I need to remove the shackle mounts, remake them, and weld them on again? Or is their an easier solution?

Solutions I've tried: I tried a pry bar to invert the shackles, but the vehicle/springs compresses down again as pictured below. I've tried the pry bar while the truck is lifted with a jack. When I first restored the truck the shackles were more vertical, but have been in the current rough riding position for a while.

Specifications: This is a 2.5 OMU lift, sprung under...aluminum tub...basics.

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

In my mind, an inverted shackle would be the complete opposite of what those pictures show. Your shackle angle is a little more then ideal, what must be happening is you've limited the amount of extension your springs need, to be affective. I would try using a shorter shackle.

 

[vtcruiser60]

You are right. My friend just said the same thing. I am using the word inverted incorrectly.

Also, I was reminded that I welded and aligned those shackle mounts BEFORE I installed my roll cage and hard top. My OMU 2.5 rear leaf springs currently have 5 leafs. One was removed to increase flexibility on the trail. It was removed before the roll cage and hard top were installed.

I am thinking I should add the leaf back in to re-arch, and see what happens to the shackle. I can always order shorter or longer basic shackles. I am not wedded to those anti-inversion things.

 

[Mace]

If you put the shackle hanger on there then yes, the springs are too long for the shackles.

I'd just replace the anti inversion shackles with longer ones and be happy. The anti inversion shackles are bandaids for ome springs being too short for the lift. If you repositioned the shackle hanger, that's not an issue.

 

[snaggletto]

Removing the leaf lowered your spring rate and allowed the springs to flatten out and lose arch and lift.

You might try putting the removed leafs back in. This should put some arch back in, but may reduce some flexibility again but is free to try.

Longer shackle would help some but will affect pinion/driveshaft angle at some point.

Finally, move the rear spring hangers back as you mentioned. This will allow the current shackles to stand up more with the current spring pack.

 

[Mace]

Moving the shackle hanger will equate to the same thing as longer shackles.

If you pulled a leaf, poor it back in and get some longer shackles. Done..

 

[shawnfj40]

If you are happy with the flex and height that you have, just move the hanger. Just turning them around would probably do the trick.