87YotaMafia

So I have had a saggy ass end forever now and I figured it was time to fix this! I was just going to throw an old AAL in the mix until I could get the moola for some real lift springs but then I got another idea. I had a set of stock springs from a 90 pickup. They appeared to be the same length and size....or so I thought. So this is what I ended up with. A horrible shackle angle !! It rides ok..a little loud but other than that it feels good. What do I need to do to remedy my shackle problem? Is this setup going to work? Thanks in advance for all the help.
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...fia/Cam079.jpg
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...fia/Cam078.jpg
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/l...fia/Cam077.jpg

dirtoyboy

Those springs will NOT work unless you relocate and weld in new spring hangars. Why would you even attempt something like that without busting out a tape measure first?

zlathim

Links are annoying!

zlathim

Dude- He's with the mafia- look at his username.

Don't be so harsh or he will bust your kneecaps!

87YotaMafia

Well I did measure them first but I figured that I would still be able to get some shackle angle. After all they are only 3'' longer. They are in the truck right now and they DO work but not right. Anyway how can I make these springs work. What about a double shackle setup?? Any advice would be nice.

camo31_10.50

yea..move the spring hangars forward..or get shorter leaves...but i would just move the hangar forward...

abecedarian

if you look real close, you'll also notice that there is another problem besides the shackle being up against the frame-
the axle has moved to the rear about 1.5 inches. that means your driveshaft is extended at the slip-yoke.
I wonder what would happen if you got some air and the springs went full droop? maybe nothing and maybe the yoke slipping out of the driveshaft.
also with the shackle like that, the springs will not compress at all- when they compress they get longer as the arch flattens and that's the main reason you need the shackle.
either relocate the front spring mounts, which will move the axle forward as well, so that the shackle is at a better angle, or get the right springs.

just a 22re

yeah not good man really not good do it right and have fun get some 63 chevys underthere underwhere? ha ha he said underwhere

Luvmeye22re

Those springs will work pretty well but I believe you have to move the shackle hanger and the spring hanger. Yes they are only three inches longer but another problem is where the spring pin sits. There is no way to fix that without welding or going to the correct length springs. If you can weld and you fix it I'm sure you will be pretty happy with the result. Nothing like a mazda, chevy, marlin etc. spring but still better.

Pistonman

My 87 had 43" springs, and I got new OME springs that are 47". I am moving the front hanger up and the shackle loop back. You have to move both to keep the axle centered with the proper shackle angle. I measured my Brothers 89 to get the new locations(stock 47" springs).

87YotaMafia

So what if I moved the shackle hangers back to remedy my shackle angle and left the spring hangers where they are? I would end up with my rear axle 1.5'' to the rear right? So is this going to raise any major issues. I jacked up the frame in the rear and let my springs droop and since I have stock shocks I just topped the shock out. So I quess I am not sure if at full droop if the axle would come apart or not. So what do yall think....is it going to be safe just moving my shackle hangers back and leaving the axle where it's at???? I really need some advice here yota guys!! Thanks

abecedarian

make it right now and it will never be a problem again. after paying for relocating the rear hangers, you'd only be a bill or two from getting the right springs and avoiding any possible headaches and hassles.

band-aids don't last forever.

87YotaMafia

Ok, I know...your right. So I have decided to move the spring hangers up. The only problem is I have no clue how far to move it. So if anyone has any info on the correct way to swap a 43'' leaf spring over to a 47'' leaf I could really use the help!!! Im going to buy new hangers and get em on there as soon as I know where to put em!

abecedarian

Since logical, rational thought is being abandoned...

... considering the old spring is 43 and the new is 47, would it not be reasonable to consider moving the shackle mount 4" toward the rear?

grovedogg

UMM, i thought the spring hanger would need to positioned approx 1 3/4 to 2" forward, and the shackle hanger back approx the same.
difference between 47 and 43 is 4. divide that by 2 = 2" movement front and back.... right????.....

abecedarian

yeah, but he only wants to move the rear hanger.