Author Topic: Leaf Spring Shackle Frame Mount (Read 477 times)

65fast · « **on:** September, 06, 2011, 04:43:40 AM »

Can someone tell me how the upper mount for the leaf spring shackle attaches to the subframe? I jacked my car up and noticed the tube the goes through the subframe is loose. With the suspension at full droop I can grab the leaf spring and make the tube rattle in the subframe.

Was this tube that the bushings go in originally a press fit or welded?

cmayna · « **Reply #1 on:** September, 06, 2011, 05:20:39 AM »

If this ole brain can remember, I believe both upper and lower tubes are afixed to one of the shackle plates. You slide both tube through the frame rail hole as well as the leaf spring eyelet. Attach the other plate followed by nuts and lock washers.

But wait, maybe it's just the bolts that are attached to one of the plates. Maybe the tubes are loose? Now I'm all confused. Must go look at a mustang now.

midpack · « **Reply #2 on:** September, 06, 2011, 05:29:41 AM »

Pretty sure that's a welded assy... any rust around it?

buening · « **Reply #3 on:** September, 06, 2011, 05:47:48 AM »

The tubes should be welded to the frame. The shackle itself has the 2 bolts attached to the plates.

AzPete · « **Reply #4 on:** September, 06, 2011, 05:49:05 AM »

Should be welded. The rubber bushings fit snug inside the tubes. The tubes fit in holes in the frame rail. Never seen them loose....either tight or missing.

cmayna · « **Reply #5 on:** September, 06, 2011, 06:09:12 AM »

oh goodie, now I don't have to go crawlin' under a Mustang.

65fast · « **Reply #6 on:** September, 06, 2011, 06:10:28 AM »

Thanks for the info.

The only reason I am thinking it came loose as the vehicle was hit there at one point in time. I am guessing whatever repair was done at the time was not up to par. Sounds like I will just have to weld it back up.

Jonk67 · « **Reply #7 on:** September, 06, 2011, 11:17:38 AM »

Here's a couple pics if it helps any:

Jon

Midlife · « **Reply #8 on:** September, 06, 2011, 01:24:55 PM »

There should be a big fat grommet between the rear shackle bolt and the frame through-hole on both sides.

65fast · « **Reply #9 on:** September, 06, 2011, 04:29:14 PM »

Thanks for the pictures.

Mid,

By grommet I take it you are referring to the rubber bushings?

Midlife · « **Reply #10 on:** September, 06, 2011, 04:41:33 PM »

Quote from: 65fast on September, 06, 2011, 04:29:14 PM

Thanks for the pictures.

Mid,

By grommet I take it you are referring to the rubber bushings?

Yessir. They fill up the entire through-hole, leaving only enough room for the shackle bolt. They are thick and wide!

65fast · « **Reply #11 on:** September, 06, 2011, 05:42:55 PM »

Gotcha, have them in there already...definitely will have to weld up the tube to the frame.

Dennis Harrelson · « **Reply #12 on:** September, 07, 2011, 11:28:29 AM »

Here's some pics of a repro rail...the way it arrived, and after I did some welding because it didn't look sturdy enough to me, espicially around the tube you're talking about. The tube on the repro was welded only halfway around it's circumference, the bottom half. The original rail was welded only halfway also, but the top half. I welded all the way around, along with tying the inside reinforcement to the outer skin.
HTH.
http://ynned.solidwebhost.com/Repro%20Frame%20Rail%20Mods/Index.html
Click on the thumbs for full size.