Rear shackle height, pros & cons

Recently going thru my rear suspension. about to install caltracs and new shocks. I need all new bushings in my 3leaf springs looking at my rear shackle it's obviously not factory. appears to be 5inch eye to eye on bolts. if I decide to go back to a factory shackle(which I believe is 3 1/2 inch ) what will it effect other than ride height? I have a Ford 9inch tires are 265/50r15.

 

it will be more stable in corners......

 

Do you know of a good aftermarket company that makes shackles for our car with better bushings? I was looking at Global West and they have some nice sets for 200 but it doesn't seem like they make one for a Maverick

 

most leaf spring place sells them.

 

Use the ones for 67/70 Cougar, p/n: 113SH Del-A-Lum rear shackle kit, this is what I used on my 73 Comet.......
http://www.globalwest.net/113sh.html
I'm sure you already been on Global's site and read up on these? They work, period! If you have any questions, contact Doug at Global, very helpful.......
David

 

I don't have any experience with those, but it seems like the ride would be very harsh (and noisy).

 

I found it the same as when I went fully "rollerized" on my front suspension, reduces or almost eliminates binding, which allowed the suspension to work "freely", more smoother precise ride/handling, no more side to side movement in the back end. For me, this is what I was looking for, might not be for everyone, it all depends on what you want your car to do.......
David

 

So those cougar ones fit our cars? I know the leaf is a 1inch bushing. but idk what the bushing is that goes through the frame rail. do you know the length of the shackle, from eye to eye?

 

What about sliders?
http://www.leafspringnation.com/products/gazzard-brothers-racing-rear-leaf-spring-sliders

 

I looked into these once. was told they are very noisy but being made for a race car it didn't matter. they do look to be metal on metal.

 

Here is link to picture and info regarding the shackles, if you are unable to open, let me know and I can re-post a pic.....read post #2 (yes, 67-70 Cougar rear shackle bushings are exactly same as our Mav/Comet)
http://mmb.maverick.to/threads/rear-shackle-bolts.104972/#post-1065941

uploaded the pic anyways, top shackle is OEM 3 1/2" eye to eye
middle is heavy duty set I fab some 25 years ago, 3" eye to eye and
bottom is Global West, 1" dia both frame and spring eye, 3 5/8" eye to eye
David

 

I found a set on ebay for $89 brand new. one of the bushing sleeves is messed up. it appears the original buyer tried to hammer it in a hole that was too small. so del a lum? I'm assuming is a delrin insert inside of an aluminum housing? if so, I can just make another bushing on the lathe at work if I'm not able to order a replacement. what do you think?

http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=232123231075

 

Yeah, that fellow did a number on it! I would first go and contact Doug at Global and explain what happened, I am sure he can fix you up with a new aluminum bushing and any other replacement part. I have talked to him a few times, great guy to deal with, at least they are in CA, so close to you. Go back and check their site for contact info etc., I'm sure you could fabricate one yourself, but I would give them a call first. Once you receive the kit, it should have the detailed instructions with it, shows you how to "press in" the aluminum bushing with tools you may have, actually using bolts/washers/nuts. I don't think the fellow that you got the kit from followed the simple instructions too well........congrats on finding that kit, that is a great price, even with having to purchase a replacement bushing/insert, you will still be ahead of the game! Good luck!
David

 

I agree a simple piece of all thread a few washers and nuts will go a long way on press in bushings. lol I went ahead and bought the kit. couldn't pass up the price with no wait time. I'm gonna call them Monday when they open. if I'm able to buy the part I'd happy.

 

Just take your time cleaning the "eyes" in your leaf springs and frame rails, as with anything else, it's the "preping" that will make life easier down the road. Also once you receive the kit, do a quick count with the parts list before calling Doug........
David