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First Post Question On Front Shackles

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Bill Niven, Aug 3, 2016.

  1. Aug 3, 2016
    Bill Niven

    Bill Niven New Member

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    Hello everyone, first post. I recently purchased this 72 cj5 with 304v8. The steering is a challenge, I have checked all suspension and steering box for loose or worn parts. This is when I noticed the front shackles, I can move the front spring side to side with a screwdriver. They are loose in the housing, did the PO install the wrong ones or should there be a bushing in there to prevent the side the 20160803_085526-640x480.jpg 20160803_085600-640x480.jpg 20160803_085605-640x480.jpg side movement of the front spring?
     
  2. Aug 3, 2016
    Focker

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

    WA
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    Looks to me like the spring isn't wide enough for the shackle?

    The springs should have bushings. It looks like there are bushings...Are you saying it's metal on metal?
     
  3. Aug 3, 2016
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    My 75 is a challenge keeping the spring shackles maintained. I'd pull it apart and check the bushings.. I have replaced mine a few times. And the OEM Jeep tolerances aren't exactly "NASA" spec...
     
  4. Aug 3, 2016
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Measure the inside width of the shackle. The springs should be 1 3/4" wide so if the shackle is 2" wide then they may be for a different application. Some aftermarket shackles did use a flanged bushing or used washers between the mount and shackle.
     
  5. Aug 3, 2016
    rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Rochester, NY
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    I think your shackle hanger isn't exactly vertical...
    or its the angle of the picture
     
  6. Aug 3, 2016
    Bill Niven

    Bill Niven New Member

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    Thanks, the springs are 1 3/4" wide and the shackle is 2" so the PO did install the incorrect ones. Im not new to turning a wrench but am new working on the CJ5. Will have to research and make sure i get the correct ones.
     
  7. Aug 3, 2016
    Bill Niven

    Bill Niven New Member

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    I noticed that too on the passenger side. Thanks for the observation,i need all the help i can get with this project. She is a blast to drive will get even better when i get the steering trued up.
     
  8. Aug 3, 2016
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    They may be correct for your jeep, but would be missing the bushings or washers as nick stated.
     
  9. Aug 3, 2016
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    time to replace all spring bushings 6 front 6 rear
     
  10. Aug 3, 2016
    Framer Mike P

    Framer Mike P Member

    Hopkinton, NH
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    I agree things do not look quite right there. The shackles look like they are the correct width where they connect to the spring hanger. It looks to me like the springs might have a military wrap which might not be as wide as the main spring eye - if this is the case I do not think there is necessarily a problem there. I does appear to me that the passenger side spring mount might be bent outward. Obviously the front bumper is not stock but is it tying the framerails together properly? Maybe this is not as important on the intermediates as it would be on an early cj5?
     
  11. Aug 4, 2016
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Just as an FYI later ('76-'86?) CJ's used 2" front springs as did Scout 2's so it's possible someone simply purchased the shackles for a "CJ" not realizing '75 and older were different.
     
  12. Aug 4, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yes, unlike an early CJ, the front bumper on an intermediate is not structural.
     
  13. Aug 4, 2016
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
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    The intermediate springs had bushings that wore out by the time the rig made it home. I usually put a spacer in with the spring to make up the distance. It makes all the difference between the lose feeling when turning and a tight feeling suspension.
     
  14. Aug 4, 2016
    Bill Niven

    Bill Niven New Member

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    I ordered new shackles and bushings specific for a 72 CJ5, will be interesting to see if they match the current ones installed. I will update when they come in, thanks everyone.
     
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