"C" versus "H"

Been thinking about shackels lately. My '53 M38a1 has the origional "C" type of shackels. They are pretty well shot. I can grab the rollbar push and the entire tub "creaks" to one side and stays there. Springs don't move, shocks don't extend, just hear a "creak" and it stays at that angle. So, I'm trying to decide what to do. I'm wanting to keep it "military" as much as I can, even though it is a Buick motor, rear gas tank, big tires, custom exhaust and nice new paint job, but I can't help but think that new style shackels will help both the handleing and the comfort. What is everyone else's opinion? I also plan on either getting new or rebuilding the old spring packs (don't know anything about it really) just to keep the 10 and 11 spring packs on it.....such a conversation piece. Are there shackels that will work with these narrow 1.25 inch springs? Are the new OEM "C" shackels really bad?

Dondo

 

You can definitely get aftermarket shackles for it. Most all of the major companies have some kind of offering. Warrior, 4WD Hardware, etc.

Not sure how much better an 'H' type shackle would be over the 'C' type, but I would think it would be noticable. The bigger problem right now is probably the bushings. I'll bet that's why it's squeeking so much and developing "memory" when you push on it. You can also get aftermarket bushings that will help in this area.

 

I converted mine to the later style bushings and shackles. Do you have the shackles at the rear of the front springs(reversed from newer style jeeps.) You have to watch out on length so it won't effect your front driveshaft lenght.:hurrican:

 

i made new shackles from 3/8" stock. just need 2 bars per side.

 

I've seen the "c" type on Jeeps on the trail and they hold up very well. I would think that if you just bought replacement "c" shackles, screw them into your existing holes and keep them greased that that would solve any shackle issues you have. I replaced my "c" type with the "h" type because I had just gotten into Jeeps at the time and was told that the "c" types would break on the trail. Since then I have seen many on the trail with bigger tires than mine and they hold up. When I went to the "h" type I had to chisel the outer ring of the old shackle out of the hole in the frame. There is a threaded bushing in the frame that the new shackle screws into. This has to come out before the new style bushings will fit. I don't know if that female portion that you chisel out comes with new "c" shackles so if you chisel it out I don't know if you can go back to the "c" type.

 

When I first saw this thread, I thought it was about the temperature gauge. I was about to answer C = Cold and H = Hot.

When I replaced my springs with a used set, the new ones had the poly bushings already so I converted to the later style. It seems to be a lot tighter, but my old bushings were shot.

 

I replaced the "c" type with new "c" type. You have to unscrew the bushing that is in the frame shackle mount to remove the shackle if they will just pull out you have big problems. Just remember they are location specific with left and right threads. My 5 will rub the 32" tires into the fenders with a 2 1/2" lift. So there is no limiting on flex. Plus they are already greasable so once you put in new ones they won't squeak.

 

I broke a C many years ago on the trail; I always carried spares anyway.
changed to 70s CJ H shackles many years ago, no problems.
Just recently installed ConFerr H shackles, stronger IMO.

 

Can anyone find me a link for the "new C" type shackles? I was poking around under my Jeep last night and counted 12 springs each corner, 1.75" width. It is an M38-a1, so it already has the shackle reversal. I'm having problems identifing what I need on various websites. I also don't know squat about different brand and dependability.

Dondo

 

www.4wd.com has a vintage section with the C type in it.