Old Man Emu Rear Leaf Springs with OEM Shackles and U Bolts

[cvan1971man]

Any issues with using OEM shackles / U-Bolts with OME springs. Don't want to spend an extra $200 on shackles / u-bolts for something that isn't necessary.

 

[B y r o n]

OME springs are generally longer than stock so anti-inversion shackles are a preventive measure to prevent spring inversion. U-bolts need to be long enough and may be in rough shape so new ones will depend on what you are comfortable with. I would also double check the spring center pin is the correct size for the hole in the spring perch as bushings are sometimes necessary for a proper fit to prevent spring movement.

 

[franklin40]

i always use new u bolts with new springs. they’re pretty rusty and beat up and i worry they won’t torque properly. they’re not expensive so just get new u bolts at least

 

[pb4ugo]

If the U bolts are original replace them. Just cut them off. If they're newish and in good shape you might consider reusing them.

 

[Green Bean]

Alternatively, you may wish to consider a 4Plus flip kit. Pretty nifty.

 

[Ackcruisers]

I’m adding to this thread as I’m reviewing my OME leaf springs, U-Bolts, Ubolt Seat Plates and shackles set up.

I bought truck years ago and realized a problem. The Ubolt are too short as the Nut is not fully on the UBolts as shown.

I believe my set up is the following 2.5” lift.

OME Springs Rear: CS002R
OME Springs Front: CS001F

Stock Shackles?
Stock UBolts?
Stock UBolt Plates? Was this the stock type in 1976?

Can someone confirm and recommend an anti inversion shackle and Ubolt source. Should I just go with ARB OME anti inversion shackles with their recommended UBolts?

 

[franklin40]

if it runs well right now with no vibrations i’d try to find a shackle of the same length. otherwise you may change your pinion angle which leads to needing castor shims etc which work but are a bit of a pain to sort out.

 

[Ackcruisers]

if it runs well right now with no vibrations i’d try to find a shackle of the same length. otherwise you may change your pinion angle which leads to needing castor shims etc which work but are a bit of a pain to sort out.

Thanks. That’s a good place for me to start. The truck runs great with no vibrations so will measure and match shackle length.

 

[dazerb]

I have the full OME set up with U-bolts and AI shackles. It is sweet. greasable shackles.
I have the 2.5 lift and needed NO SHIM although a 1' may be better. Still have to find that bushing for spring perch.
Getting ready to grind down the extra bolt length on those u-bolts.
These new shackles were not appreciably longer than the old ones. methinks more of the lift comes from the arch of the springpack.
flexes nice and smooth...

 

[cruisermatt]

those are just stock style shackles.
We use those (the upgraded greaseable style) with OME springs all the times on trucks that aren't going to see real serious off-road use.
For the U-bolts you can get the ARB bolts or stock-style Japanese-made replacement that are extra-long so you can cut to length (I keep a bunch of these in stock, these are what we use as they are a lot less costly then the ARB bolts and work perfectly fine). A good time to add 4-degree caster shims as well
I also have U-bolt plates if yours are beat and you don't want to splurge for flip-kits

40 - 45 -55 Series Stock Replacement U-bolt Plates

Fits front of all 40 / 45 / 55 series Cruisers and all rears up to 1975 models, which have the integrated shock pin. Sold as pairs. Made in the USA. Need the later version with integrated shock mount? Look HERE

cruisermatts.com

OEM U-bolt Plate Set With Shock Mount

New OEM late-model heavy-duty 70 Series rear U-bolt plates which can be used on 40, 55, and 60 series Land Cruisers. Sold as pair with bolts, inner washers and appropriate larger ID shock bushing. Note: FJ62 (and some very late FJ60 production) already use the larger shock bushing ID.

cruisermatts.com

 

[Ackcruisers]

Thanks @cruisermatt appreciate the confirmation on my set up. Do you list the 4 degree shims, shackles and Japanese Ubolts on your site?

Also, with the OME 2.5” springs, is 4 degree the standard? I have not measured the pinion angle yet to confirm….If you know this is the right correction it will save me some time.

My ubolt plates are in good shape front and rear but those new ones are tempting me…

 

[cruisermatt]

Thanks @cruisermatt appreciate the confirmation on my set up. Do you list the 4 degree shims, shackles and Japanese Ubolts on your site?

Also, with the OME 2.5” springs, is 4 degree the standard? I have not measured the pinion angle yet to confirm….If you know this is the right correction it will save me some time.

My ubolt plates are in good shape front and rear but those new ones are tempting me…

No I don't but if you call or email us we can get your squared away.
Yes, just go with the 4-degree shims. We do dozens of these a year

 

[Ackcruisers]

Perfect. I’ll email tomorrow. Thanks