Installing spring shackles

[Linda]

Iam starting to put my cj3a back together. I purchased a complete spring kit. My problem is installing the c-shackles,I cleaned the hanger eyes & the springe eyes. I started with end wrenches and ended up with a air wench.iT took me 3Hrs on 1springe .My question is , is it alway this hard or is there something Iam  missing?  Thanks Al.

[athawk11]

Hi Al,
I had to use a torch to cut and burn the shackles off the frame of my current project.  Poorly maintained shackles can be very difficult to remove.  Additionally, on the original set up, there are a couple positions that are Left-hand-threads.  This messed with me for a while on my first Willys.

Here is a drawing I did recently that shows the Left hand positions...

[aboyandhisdog]

Hi Al,
I was just going through the same thing yesterday.  Well, almost.  I wanted to move the right springs to the left and left to the right.  I jacked up the frame and supported it on stands, then put jacks under each spring pack to get them to the right point where the shackles were centered in the spring and hanger eyes.  It takes some finesse to get them just at the right point where they require the least effort to R&R.  Penetrating oil may help.  My issues were trying to align the u-bolts with the lower shock mount plates while the axle was wanting to rock'n roll all around on the floor.  I was thinking...someone on the 3A page ought to do a write-up on exactly how to R&R springs.  Fortunately, after a day of screwing with this, my fridge keeps beer very cold!     I know this is of little help, but you are not alone.

[Ryan_M]

We could do a write up but those fellas at WO already beat us to it...