replacing shackle on 2wd

[gold84gmc]

ok i was just driving my truck and felt something and didnt know what it was (almost felt like the tire popped)...got home and looked at the leaf springs and noticed that one of the rear shackles broke right in half...the the back part of the leaf springs are up against my bed...how hard is it to change one and what do you need for tools

[Captkaos]

Couple big wrenchs or an impact and a jack.

[VileZambonie]

Some penetrating oil, safety glasses and a pry bar might help too. It's only two bolts.

[gold84gmc]

ok i didnt know if i needed a torch or anything because i dont have one

[Flamingbig10]

the way I do it lift up the frame and put jack stands under hangers where there out of the way and keep the tires still on the ground and if I'm stock mistaking the bolt and nut sizes are 13/16 and 7/8 and remove the bolts holding the shackle to leaf watch figures because the leaf has pressure on it and then remove the hanger to shackle and the to put in back bolt the hanger to shackle first, then lift and lower the floor jack or jack stand until the bolt holes line up then tighten down the bolts

[gold84gmc]

i got a set of the universal shackle things that are just 2 flat bars with holes and bolts...i have to modify them a little bit but i think im gonna use those instead of a factory shackle

[Blazin]

I would get the correct one. The flat stock type will fold from side to side. The are cheap.

[gold84gmc]

what do you mean by fold from side to side?...the flat bars are like 1/2" thick

[Donut]

They'll bend on you, and possibly start "hogging" out the holes.  Check to and see if they are legal for an inspection.  I wanted to fabricate spring mounts, and I was going to need a "waiver" from the state police to get a sticker.  It was easier to just get replacements from the local GMC dealer.

[gold84gmc]

hm ill have to check to see if theyll pass inspection because my sticker expires at the end of this month