Hey y'all, I'm still working on finishing up my rear axle and I finally have the funds to finish the job, but I do have a question concerning the shackles. Mine are worn really badly so I need new ones, but according to a couple old threads I've read the repos are no good. The posts I read were at least a year old and I was wondering if it was still true that the reproductions aren't to be trusted?

Oh and this is for a 20-23 T

Thanks in advance.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/401615.html?1384559326

This happened to me with the type shown. The other 3 shackles have been fine since then. I bought the original type from Chaffin's and intend to install them as I believe they work better. I am not sure how many actually failed or if better lubrication would make them work better.
Rich

I use them (no choice) and have never had a problem. Don't do up the nuts tight.

If you have original L-shaped shackles that were used those years, then they're the easiest model to repair - just weld up the worn area and turn them back to std size in a lathe.

Often it's possible to find useable or even NOS '23-'27 style shackles cheap when looking through the boxes at swap meets.
The '23-'27 U style are also reproduced, though rather expensive.
There are other repro models besides the unsafe style though I haven't tested myself, so I can't say how good they are.

has anyone had any issues with these?


https://www.modeltford.com/item/3840B-OR.aspx

Shackles should be hardened for wear resistance. Unless you can harden them when you are done; then simply welding & turning them down in a lathe will produce a shackle that won’t last as long as a poor reproduction.

I think your car uses the L shaped shackles. They are easy to find. Just bring your mikes, so you can tell the size. I wouldn't mess with a reproduction. I've been lucky enough to find NOS shackles, but my car uses the late style U shape.

The shackles linked above are a faithful reproduction of the later style - I believe Chaffin's Garage has them made - I've used several front & rear sets - good stuff !!!