ampMX

i was just wondering how to make shackles and if they have to be a paticular height? if you had pics that would be great. i just need some tips

buckweat84

advance auto parts carry universal 1,2and 3in lift shackles for 15$ thats pritty cheap...u could buy those or go up there like i did and take paper and pensil and trace them out go home find some 1/4inch thick steel and cut them out urself

4rnr

3/8" steel. cut em out drill the holes and your done.

If you want lift be sure to take the shackle angle into consideration. It your shackles are 90* and you want 2" lift. then make the shackles 2" longer. If your shackles are at 45* and you want 2" lift then the shackles must be 4" longer. If your shackles are going to be longer than 7" then brace them by tieing them togeather in the middle. ESPECIALLY if these are front shackles. The lateral stress put on shackes by a steering is substancial. I ran 7.5" shackles (3/8" steel) on my rear for a long time, then I gave em to my buddy for his front and he lost all steering because the shackles would just distort and absorb all the steering.

86toylet

4rnr x2

Another pointer. Before you drill, stack all four plates together and match drill them all at once. This will ensure all the holes line up perfectly.

Birfailed

i think YOU would be better off going and buying the , then pay a shop 250 bucks to install em for you

whokrz

x3 on the 3/8" steel

4Banger

you dont need to spend the money at a shop my dad an i put mine in our self

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Yes, I actually tack weld all 4 side plates together and then drill them all at once. I use 3/8" x 2 " flat bar for mine. Tricky part is getting the right sized drill bit (18mm) for the larger holes. And some of the later model trucks have bent sided shackles (wider at the top than bottom). Also, I like to add tabs beside the bolt heads to keep them from rotating inside the side plates:



Helps to keep the lock nuts from loosening up on the bolts and vastly diminishes wear as the hardened bolt rotates inside the mild steel side plate:

- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/Shackles.shtml