On the double shackles in the rear I had my own shackles made 5 1/2" eye to eye. When I bolt these to the stock toyota shackle what kind of spacer should I use in the middle so that when I tighten the bolt I can keep from tightening the shackles into a V shape (with nothing in the middle as the bolt is tightened there is nothing to keep the shackle from bending to look like this / \ ) Also how tight should I make the shackle bolts? I bought grade 8 1/2" hardware and nylon locking nuts so they will not back off easily but how tight should they be in order for the shackles to still be able to give me the most articulation possible. I know this is a common swap so thanks in advance for any input.

 

I think that you need to get a "sleve" to fit over the bolt in between the shackle arms (did'nt they come with them ??) and then I guess I would tighten them down to the torque specified by the shackle manufacturer... is this even a real question ???

 

I had my shackles made for me and they are just 4 plates drilled for me to attach to. I need to make my own "sleeve" and since this has been done a million times I figured someone else had to have done it this way and could provide me with a little help.

 

This is what they look like, but you can just use a stack of washers really. Grease em up, it's about the most low-tech application there is...

 

If you want to buy some, they are $20 at
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...l#OrderingInfo