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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: chippy on February 22, 2015, 03:51:36 pm

Title: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: chippy on February 22, 2015, 03:51:36 pm: First post!!!! Hello all..
I have an 86 long bed 2WD. I simply wanted to lower the rear 2 inches to level her out. The swap went fine, but when I took her off the jacks the new shackles rest on the bed.
Talk about disappointed in my skills.. Here is a picture of the finished product. I looked close at the new ones and it didnt appear to be a front or back, no significant bend or bow in the shackle so I dont think they are on backwards.
Any help will be appreciated. Chip
Title: Re: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: blueboy86 on February 22, 2015, 04:29:28 pm: I have read on this before but not 100% sure. You are going to have to c notch the bed support it is hitting. Hand grinder with cutting wheel should do it.
Title: Re: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: FlatBlack77 on February 22, 2015, 04:37:51 pm: ive always read the same thing. there needs to be a small notch in the bed supports
Title: Re: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: blueboy86 on February 22, 2015, 04:41:53 pm: Here's a picture I found.
Title: Re: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: VileZambonie on February 22, 2015, 06:11:36 pm: What length spring do you have? The shackle should be behind the wheel house
Title: Re: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: chippy on February 22, 2015, 08:30:52 pm: How do I measure the springs?
Title: Re: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: 78BIG-TEN on February 23, 2015, 11:08:43 am: I had the same problem with those on my 78.I didn't want to notch the bed so I used the lower hole on the shackle and cleanced it for the spring,then cut the top off the shackle .But youl raise it up about a half inch or so
Title: Re: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: VileZambonie on February 24, 2015, 11:21:58 am: Quote from: chippy on February 22, 2015, 08:30:52 pm
How do I measure the springs?

http://www.eatondetroitspring.com/how-to-measure-leaf-springs/
Title: Re: 86 long bed, 2 inch shackles hitting bed!!!! what the heck did I do?????????
Post by: MaxmillianS on March 23, 2015, 05:05:28 pm: On my 80 short bed i had to notch out the bed as well, it said in the instructions for the kit I bought.