are the shackles made to rotate with the up and down motion of the rear end? if so...they wouldn't need to be "squished". if not then they would work like the rubber in the ...spring perches... ......
The rotation is probably so minimal you couldn't measure it ... I supposed we need a picture of a 100% original stock factory rear shackle and spring to see if the factory squished em .... Here is Ralph's ORiginal ... not that could a picture though ... http://www.dmhines.com/Our_Website/Price_Grabber.html#16
I am presently in the process of changing out my entire rear end and installing my CalTracs at the same time. I purchased a new shackle kit from Mustangs Unlimited thinking it would be the same. Wrong! The bushings were TOO FAT, kinda like me. Anyway, I figured I'd just go to the parts house and get the correct bushings. Got the Moogs and they were correct. Figured I'd use the nice shiney new shackles and the Moog bushings. Wrong again! The Mustang shackles are definitely too narrow for the Maverick bushings (I didn't measure but probably 1/4 inch or so). I cleaned and painted my original shackles, installed with the new Moog bushings, tightened the nuts till they bottomed out, and everything looks great. They did squish the bushings to a certain extent but that is the design. Hopefully get to test drive tonight with the new 9" and 389 gears with the Caltracs. The rearend is the one I picked up from Mark Lee a few weeks ago when I went up to Atlanta. Looks like it's gonna work out great. I still won't be able to drive it up to Atlanta next week for FFW but I'll be there.
Good info guys, fixin to be on mine soon. You won't get it done hangin round here Mr. Squishy . GET TO WORK!!
I don't have any pics with more detail here at the office. But, I have this one from just after the exhaust was installed back in 2004. My rear suspension has never been rebuilt-to my knowledge unless it was prior to 1984. Seth
It'll be a while before I bring the Sprint any where. Gotta get my shop up soon and get her done. I haven't done anything to it but drive it some. Gotta redo the unholstery and repaint. Will probably wind up being a showcar resto when I get into it. So, that leaves the Grabber since I sold the 74 LDO.
the frame has a...metal sleeve...in it. if you take that measurment and add the thickness of the 2 rubber bushing lips...that should give you the ...installed thickness... mine were too tight..the top bushings had the lips cut off ... Dave, could you get the specs. on that extra set of shackles you have "laying around"? thanks...:Handshake ...Frank...
