Shackle U-bolt source

[1955CJ-5]

I bought a set of 4 "U" shackles  for my CJ-5 last summer and they seem to work OK. There were two problems with the install. On the hex head a 7/8" end wrench would fit across maybe two opposing flats but not the others. So I got the file out and took just a little off each flat until the wrench would fit. ....I'm using Craftsman and Mac tools...so with four shackles and 6 flats per that was 24 filing operations....Next issue was when I went to grease the shackles they would not take any grease...unless you backed them out a bit and then all was good.

Do all U-shackles come out of the same factory? Can I get a better quality version, other than NOS?

Thanks...

Randy

[garage gnome]

The bolts should be backed out a little as per the spec in the manual. I did half a turn on mine. I think it is like 3/32". I just use an adjustable wrench on mine.   No, mine fit a regular wrench perfectly. They were Omix-Ada brand.

[1955CJ-5]

Maybe I just got lucky and and got the last set before they re-tooled!   I'll check Walck's and where they get them...

So it seems the backing out is normal. One of these days I'll learn to check the book even for the "obvious" things!!