Rear spring shackles

[joevit]

I have to replace the shackles at the rear of the leaf springs on my 97 Explorer. I was wondering what is the best way too support the vehicle. With jack stands under the frame? under the axle? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Joe.

[shorod]

You might want to check with a local suspension shop before getting too far in to this. This issue seems to be pretty common with the Ranger and F150 of that era, and you might find that a suspension shop has a rebuilt kit that they will install for not a heck of a lot more than what the parts would cost you from a salvage yard.

-Rod

[joevit]

I already have new shackles from rockauto.com. I just want to know how to support the vehicle to change them out. One of them is rotted and broken and the end of the leaf spring is sitting up against the frame.

[MagicRat]

Support the truck with jackstands on the frame, just in front of the rear axle. Then use a hydraulic floor jack under the diff housing to raise and lower the axle, so you can hold the axle at the correct height.

[joevit]

So I finally started to remove the broken shackles and was wondering if the bolt going thru the frame needs to be pressed out. If so, how do I do it and what do I need to do the job?

[inafogg]

no its just rusted,,,,spray with a rust buster then try after 30-60 min
unless your talking about brackets to the frame??then you need to cut rivets
good luck

[joevit]

It is the bracket to the frame. Where are the rivets located?

[inafogg]

you will see them (3-4 ea.) holding the brakets to frame 1/2 round heads
why are you replacing,,,,rusted through??i did brackets on a ranger
not sure what was worse frame or brackets

[joevit]

The bracket is pretty much gone from rust. I took the nut and bolt from the back of the leaf spring out. The bolt going thru the frame won't come out. It goes thru a rubber grommet with a metal sleeve around it. I tried pounding it out but won't move.