Picked up the new to me leaf springs this morning. RE1463 3.5" from BotakBeng

I have lift shackles, with "94001080" stamped on the side. I believe these are RC, but not 100% positive. They have 2 mounting holes, is this for 1.5" or 2" lift?That is my understanding, never used RC products before and I got a bunch of lift parts for a bargain.

My problem is that the shackles do not fit over the leaf spring bushings. I have done several lift kits and lowering kits with shackles, and never had a fitment problem like this before. I am wondering if they are incorrect? Maybe for a different vehicle? Any suggestions?

 

You may have to stretch them out a bit to fit onto the leaf bushing. I know when I put my leaf springs into my shackels they went in fine but once I tightened the bolt down it squeezed the sides tight upagainst the leaf spring bushing.

 

Any suggestions on how to spread them? I have brake caliper spreaders, wonder if they are strong enough...

The shackles are brand new but the leafs were installed and removed within a few days. Gonna try the caliper spreader tool and post back. Thanks aquickmopar!

 

No prob man. You could try that. Or try prying them apart some,.. with a vice and pry bar.

 

I would just trim the bushing and sleeve down a bit

 

If I trim the bushing and sleeve, I will have to cut it to the same width as the spring. I tried the caliper spreader with no luck. Gonna try the vise later this weekend and see if I can get it to work.

I am guessing I am not the only one who has had this problem... or am I? Maybe I just lack the awesome skills.

 

The sawzall is one of my main tools for making things fit

 

I had that problem with 2 RC lifts I installed. I just pull out the angle grinder and take 1/16th off each side of the metal sleeve in the center of the bushing. It doesn't take much on each side to take off enough... It only takes about 3 mins if you have an angle grinder.

 

I have an angle grinder and sawzall... But no vise! Oh well. Looks like I will make sparks fly and "trim" the sleeve a little.

 

I put a set of f150 shackles on my xj for about 1.5 inches of lift, and I used the bench grinder to take about 1/16 inch off both sides of the bashing sleeve. Made them fit perfect, and i only gave the jy dude 5 bucks for them. Better the 50 for the rc lol

 

just bent them out a bit, when you bolt them up it will pull it back tight. they are not hard to spread at all

 

I know they will bolt back tight. I tried the vise method with no luck. Tried spreading with a make-shift setup and I was able to get one shackle over the bushing, then I realized that my "contraption" was in the way so I had to take it back off... now if only I can get it to fit!

Going to try the vise method again, this time spreading it far enough so it will stay open. I need another set of hands to hold the spring so I can push the shackle on. But I will tackle this again later in the week. Weather is to nice to be pissed off at this right now

 

Well I got them on. Used a big set of channel locks with the shackle in the vise and bent it outward, then put them on the leafs. What a pain!

Does anyone know the shackle bolt size? The one for the shackle to leaf. Need to pick up some grade 8 hardware. Thanks.

All done for now... The bolts are cheap ones I had in the box to keep the shackle on for now. I don't trust the quality of it being as I have no idea where they came from lol.

 

For that a 1/2" - 5.5" is what is close in a standard size.

 

M14x20x120 (10.9 grade at around $4-5 each)....McFadandel Dale.