Rear Spring Shackle Assy

R

Ron K

Junior Member
I am reinstalling the Columbia/rear axle assembly in my '40 Lincoln and realized that the shackle studs and bars need to be replaced. They were loose when I extracted them, on installation how do I orient the stud so that it will mate up with the bar on both the spring and the axle? Also, any tips on installing the new studs would be much appreciated. Thanks guys.

Ron
 
Ron, I like the shackles from Speedway. They are teflon, I think, go together easy and remove easy later if you have to.

Lining up the spring to the axles is done easiest and safest with a spring spreader or a porta-power. In a pinch, it can be done with axle stands and a floor jack. With the frame supported on stands, install one side complete, then the other side as you load the spring with the weight of the car. This is where you think smart and stay safe.
 
Ron,

I believe you are asking about the orientation of the two studs and the squared stud ends lining up with the shackle bar... correct? If so... take a wrench or an adjustable wrench to the size of the squared flats and the stud will turn so you can line them up once installed.

I'm sorry to put it this way.. but I would never recommend using the weight of the car to put the spring back in place a noted in post #2. Use a spring spreader, porta power, or the like to properly spread the spring to re-install the shackles. Since you got them out.. and I would hope that you used one of those to get it out.. as opposed to just "letting it fly". that you will have it at hand for install.
That's a sure way to take a chance of someone or something getting hurt... and doing damage, bodily or otherwise.

A KR Wilson V8 spring spreader just sold for $200 on ebay. I noticed no one else bid on it but the final and only bidder at the end. It was a bargain... for the life of me I can't figure out why it didn't get more action. Folks to cheap? don't know... etc.
I have one so I didn't need it... but please use something, be cautious, careful.

On installing the shackles many reproductions are too large, and the metal is too soft. I would measure your opening with a caliper and the shackle OD and give a few thousands press fit. There are drivers available that have a hollowed center for driving in the shackle studs. If you have originals available they are best.
A KR Wilson spring shackle installer/remover kit makes this operation a brease. One of the handiest KRW tools I ever purchased.

Be safe,
Larry Shepard
 
If you aren't getting the car point judged, don't put the original style metal shackle studs in. While the KRW tool makes it "easy" I had more then 1 rear shackle stud mushroom over the outer shell when about 1/8" from being completely home using the KRW tool. Had to press it back out, get another, hone the hole, try again. I left one in the freezer overnight and it helped. I finally got them in but the replacement type you can do with your bare hands and I think ride better. If you cut an original apart, the stud with the square ends is wrapped with a thick piece of white woven canvas looking stuff. I did that with a NOS one that mushroomed over. I would disagree that they are the best but that is just my opinion. I have NOS Ford script parts and the KRW tool but I won't be using them in cars that won't see the concourse. my 2cents
 
Thank you gentlemen, I did use a porta power to remove the axle and have ordered the original pins to install. Good tip on the K R Wilson tool, I will try to find one.
 
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