ConcoursMustang Forums

1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1967 Mustang => Topic started by: rocnhrse on January 26, 2016, 10:59:31 PM

Title: Length of shackles
Post by: rocnhrse on January 26, 2016, 10:59:31 PM
1967 gta s code April San Jose  3:00 gear I just took the shackles  off my rear leaf springs  and the new replacement  ones look to be approximately  1 in longer the package  said they were for a dual  exhaust  car  ,what would be  the proper  length
Thx john
Title: Re: Length of shackles
Post by: J_Speegle on January 28, 2016, 10:32:36 PM
Have never heard or seen a different length of shackles being used on cars based on the type of exhaust. On early cars there was a different design used for one side to clear the exhaust though
Title: Re: Length of shackles
Post by: Bob Gaines on January 29, 2016, 01:12:34 AM
Have never heard or seen a different length of shackles being used on cars based on the type of exhaust. On early cars there was a different design used for one side to clear the exhaust though
I was looking through the newest NPD catalog for any new added items and noticed a extra long shackle that they offered to offset the effects of sagging leaf springs or to adjust the standard lower in the rear Mustang stance.This is the first time I have ever heard of a longer shackle. Maybe the one that is the subject of this thread may be a after market something like the NPD is offering. Just a thought.
Title: Re: Length of shackles
Post by: rocnhrse on January 29, 2016, 08:58:46 AM
I will  use the longer ones for now  because  theses cars sat low at the back if I don't  like it it's a easy change, I am using my  original  springs
Title: Re: Length of shackles
Post by: WT8095 on January 29, 2016, 01:49:19 PM
Keep in mind that longer shackles are going to allow the leaf spring to flatten out under load slightly more than it was designed to. This is going to accelerate the fatiguing/creep/relaxation of the leaf springs, which is already far enough along that the car is sitting low. Eventually you'll end up having to replace the springs or restore them.
Title: Re: Length of shackles
Post by: Bob Gaines on January 29, 2016, 02:06:01 PM
The ones npd sells look like a factory piece (even though they are not).  I can remember back in the late 60's -70's that it was common to add "shackles",as it was referred to.  They were after market generic longer steel plates usually chrome plated with mounting holes positioned evenly along the length so as to provided the adjustable height change of choice. It was done for tire clearance (big tires in back) and or to give the more streamlined look of higher in the back. Also done because when these cars were every day tranportation it was not uncommon to bottom out over small bumps when carrying two people in the back . Raising the back eliminated that bottoming out. I car pooled with my 69 back in 70-72 is how i know first hand.   
Title: Re: Length of shackles
Post by: rocnhrse on January 29, 2016, 02:39:20 PM
Thanks for the advice  I will go with original  height
Title: Re: Length of shackles
Post by: rocnhrse on January 29, 2016, 02:43:37 PM
Sorry  here is a better pic