Spring shackles

horse · Post by **horse** » Sat Aug 07, 2021 12:47 pm

Hi, been having a look at the front Spring shackles as I was given a set when I bought the Jeep.
I have followed the instructions from TM 9-8012 to be instructed to tighten the bearings alternately and evenly. Back off the lower bearing about one thirty-second inch.Does the top one want a little movement as well?
Also It says to road test and if the shackle is too tight, remove and again install spring shackle bearings. How would you know if the item was too tight?
Not fully understanding how the said item works. As ever any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Horse

Post by **wesk** » Sat Aug 07, 2021 2:14 pm

I believe the sentence: " Road-test vehicle and check for tight spring shackles." can be a bit misleading. The road test allows you to feel how the springs behave on the road. In other words: Do you feel anything odd? if so recheck. The second part of that sentence wants you to re-check the shackles for tightness. This is not done on the road but instead by pressing weight on each corner of the jeep and observing how the shackle behave.

horse · Post by **horse** » Sat Aug 07, 2021 2:36 pm

Thanks Wes, I will road test tomorrow. Should the top bearing have a little backing off as well to allow for movement?

Post by **wesk** » Sat Aug 07, 2021 3:00 pm

Should the top bearing have a little backing off as well to allow for movement?

I believe when the spring flex's the U-Type shackle should be free to move top and bottom. This is why you are told only to tighten until snug (meaning not loose and rattling). The specified 1/32" clearance at the spring eye to bushing is to prevent adverse wear at that point only. I rechecked the early CJ civvy manual SM-1003 and this is more apparent there.

horse · Post by **horse** » Sat Aug 07, 2021 3:15 pm

Thank you for taking the time to check, I will make sure it is only snug.