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1955 Shackle Questions

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017.

  1. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    New owner of a '55 CJ5. Starting on a frame up restoration and after taking the tub off and inspecting the frame more, the driver side front shackle was improperly installed at some point and started widening the hole in the frame. It's not TOO bad right now, but I'm not sure how to remedy this problem. Will thick bushings work or do I need to weld in and re-tap? Crappy picture of front rear shackle (front front shackle is worse) below, but I can get better ones this afternoon.
     

    Attached Files:

    Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017
    #1
  2. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Last edited: Dec 15, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer, Dec 15, 2017
    #2
  3. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Thanks, Howard. Did these Jeeps originally have the shackles in the frame like pictured? I assumed they had hangers but mine obviously doesn't. Been searching for related pictures online and haven't found anything.
     
    Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017
    #3
  4. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    "55/'56/early '57 CJ5's have a bit of an oddball setup with the shackles to the rear of the front springs. This is a carryover from the M38A1 from which the 5 was derived; earlier & later CJ's have the fixed hanger at the rear of the spring riveted to the bottom of the frame. What you have is factory.

    '55-'56-'57-

    [​IMG]


    Others including later 5's.-

    [​IMG]



    This may or may not apply to your vehicle depending on who did what when-

    [​IMG]
    If you haven't got a copy of the factory service manual (FSM) pick one up ASAP, reprints are ~$40 or so. Don't waste time or money with the Haynes/Chilton's/etc, they're worthless for your vehicle.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Dec 15, 2017
    #4
  5. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017
    #5
  6. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Yup, that's it. Some people recommend buying originals (occasionally show up on ebay) as the pictures are clearer.

    Yes I've done spring jobs, no biggy- just the usual issues with removing the rubber bushings from the fixed ends.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Dec 15, 2017
    #6
  7. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Just ordered the book. So for the hangers, do you just weld/bolt them onto the frame directly underneath the existing shackle holes?
     
    Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017
    #7
  8. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Focker, Dec 15, 2017
    #8
  9. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Not sure I understand the question- I'm not recommending replacing the shackle bushing in the frame with a hanger bracket. I pointed out the brackets because I thought you indicated that the hanger brackets at the front of the frame horns also were suffering from worn holes.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Dec 15, 2017
    #9
  10. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Howard I understand now. No, the hangers in front are fine. It's just the shackle hole in the frame that's bad. I thought you meant to use hangers on that. I think all I need are the weld-in bushings then. I appreciate the help!
     
    Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017
    #10
  11. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Focker, Thanks for the post references. I'll be using these as reference and ideas after my frame comes back from the sandblaster.
     
    Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017
    #11
  12. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Any advice on a lift kit for the 55? Not looking to go huge, but I was thinking 31's would look good
     
    Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017
    #12
  13. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Here's a better picture of the frame shackle. Will one of those bushings work if I weld it in here?
    Front Shackle.jpg
     
    Dgroshek, Dec 15, 2017
    #13
  14. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I don't think you need any lift for 31s.
     
    PeteL, Dec 16, 2017
    #14
  15. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    x2, the stock tires it came with were 30 or 31 inchs, go smaller & your speedometer will read wrong :)
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Dec 16, 2017
    #15
  16. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    I'd wait until you have things disassembled, I'm not convinced yet that you actually have an issue there.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Dec 16, 2017
    #16
  17. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    x2. At worst, re-weld a tube through the frame.
     
    PeteL, Dec 16, 2017
    #17
  18. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Thanks guys. Taking more apart today. I'll let you know what I find
     
    Dgroshek, Dec 16, 2017
    #18
  19. Dgroshek

    Dgroshek Member

    Work on the jeep today revealed some frame cracks. Is this fixable or am I looking for a new frame? The front crossmember is boxed in and the bottom is rusted out 20171216_134315_resized.jpg 20171216_134336_resized.jpg
     
    Dgroshek, Dec 16, 2017
    #19
  20. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Last edited: Dec 16, 2017
    timgr, Dec 16, 2017
    #20