What shackles to buy?

[mcwinery]

I am doing a frame up restoration on a 1969 fj40. I just finished painting the frame and decided that 40 year old bushing were not worth putting back in. The bushings were were hard, cracked and were so dried out they actually popped out of the springs.

Now, after reviewing many threads, I have decided to use greasable pins.

Again, reading many posts, I now think I should replace the old original shackles as well. Most of the suppliers have shackles with 1 1/2" or greater length shackles. What I think I want is a zero lift shackle.

Is a 1 1/2" lift not even noticeable?
Should I make my own shackles and buy the greasable bolts?
Where should I buy them?

My first thought is SOR for new greasable pins since they come in original size, but what about zero lift shackles?
Looking at my shackles makes me wonder if they have much of a life left in them. My frame is mocked up with axels, waiting for bushings which will be here Tuesday.

Thanks for your response. Btw, I am sure everyone knows how great this forum is but I appreciate all of your responses.

george

 

[Cruiserdrew]

If it's a hard fought restoration, by all means, use stock shackles.

If it's a decent build but not a restoration, use the MAF "GSK" 4+ shackles. I'd stay at stock length or only a little over if you are staying with stock springs. The 4+ GSKs are really, really nice.

Making perfectly functional shackles is easy with 3/8 x 2" stock, but they will always look home made, so it depends on the "depth" of your restoration.

 

[mcwinery]

I replaced my bushings and am using the original shackles. I figure there needs to be something left for me to do later. I did replace all the bolts that hold the pins in place with stainless steel bolts. I dont have to worry about getting them out later when I replace with greasable pins.

 

[mcwinery]

Update. I went and bought greasable shackles. Installing them the second time was very easy. I used the marine lube on the bushings and it really helps, especially with the new bushing I put in previously. The only problem I had was one bushing did not want to stay in place and I had to use a socket to hammer it back into the shackle. I am leaving the original pins in place. Wont know about how they work until I get the rest of the 40 built back up. Will post again.
btw, what grease is recommended. I am thinking of using a food grade grease because it is eash to clean up outside of bushings and I have plenty of it for the winery. Also, until I have it running it really doesnt matter what grease is used. I know food grade will not hurt the bushings.

 

[camcruiser13]

If you wheel a lot they will break. I always like to say build your own

 

[mcwinery]

not a problem for at least 6 months. (which is restoration talk for 12 months) I still have to build up my ride. It is down to the painted frame at this point. Maybe I will have the engine, tranny etc... in a month or 2.

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

Greasable shackles from a reputable vendor, and whatever the CarQuest lithium grease is works great. Nothing special, just hook up the grease gun, give her a few pumps & away ya go!