MTFCA Forum

My front shackles are a little worn but not horrible, I would like to get rid of the slop. Langs and Snyders has their original style on backorder, the new versions arent a solid U but an assembly of plates and hardware. Would they hold up? I havent removed mine yet, if the U bolts arent worn I could replace the bushings... do the bushings usually wear out before the U bolt?

Bushings are supposed to wear out before your shackles.

Stay away from the pressed together shackles.

Definately. I ordered a set of bushings. Cheap enough and if the shackles are still good I can get away on a T budget.

The pressed steel shackles aren't much different than the original two piece. Would a bit of weld to the tie bar secure them?
Shackles wear on the inside of the studs as a result of the weight placed upon them. But does uneven wear on the shackle stud indicate another issue besides a worn bushing?

The picture of these shackles is an typical example of wear for any year. As you know they are not 26' 27'

I can imagine 98 years of bombing dirt roads and lack of periodic oiling can do them in.

If available by anyone, especially our vendors, the brass ( bronze ) bushings are in my estimation better than the steel. They are listed for '09 to 13 ,,but will they fit the later years? ...... Thank you Steve and Allan for the bronze correction.

We make the 26/27 shackles. They are in the final stage of production. Should be available soon.

...does uneven wear on the shackle stud indicate another issue besides a worn bushing?

Yes. The other issue is a worn shackle.

The shackles in Frank's picture are not 26-27. I would wait and get the correct ones from Chaffin's.

I agree that steel bushings were not Ford's best idea. I would rather replace bushings than shackles, so I bought bronze bushings by size.

Good to hear Mark.

Ford's steel bushings were cheap. Without regular lubrication, both the bushes and shackles wore appreciably in quick time. When you can get hold of the correct new shackles, use Bronze shackle bushes, not the split steel ones. The bronze bushes will wear without taking it out on the shackles. It is better to replace a worn bronze shackle than have to replace everything.

Allan from down under.

Steve ... What size bronze bushings should we ask for at the hardware store?

Mark, would you let us know when the new shackles are available? That would be appreciated!

What size bronze bushings should we ask for at the hardware store?

Well, this is nice. Not only did I keep the info, I was just able to find it.


Front perch bushings(#3820) are ⁹⁄₁₆" ID and ¹¹⁄₁₆" OD, 1½" long.
Rear perch bushings (#3844) are ⁹⁄₁₆" ID and ¾" OD, 2" long.
Hand crank bushings (#3909) are OD 1", ID ¾", 2⅝" long,
Spindle arm bushings (#2714) are OD ¹¹⁄₁₆", and ID ⁹⁄₁₆", 1" long.
Parking brake cam bushings(#2559*) are 1⅛" long, OD ¹¹⁄₁₆", and ID ½".

*1909-1925.
You may need to do some reaming.

One can wait for the "correct" ones, but the "incorrect" ones are a consideration based on need/safety (wait time), & price.
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The pressed style is similar to how MaeWest, Figure Eight & L-shaped are made.

Chaffins look pretty good and alot cheaper.

Did you check all the MTFCA want ads? I'd say there might be a chance there are some for sale. Also, EBAY Motors auctions. I probably have an extra set but my parts are 140 miles one way from me right now.

I usually brouse the site ads but havent seen any. Ebay has some used rusty ones and cheap looking new ones, all for hefty prices.

While the pressed steel types resemble the original L style they are very different in construction. The originals were one piece forgings, not two piece assemblies. As indicated in a previous post, stay away from the assembled style.
Allan from down under.

I wouldnt use the assembled ones. I think they would make the car handle worse than worn stock ones.

Mark’s shackles are very well made and worth the price.

I have a set of forged front shackles that I plan to use whenever I rebuild the front end on my roadster. I would be willing to sell them and then replace them when they are available again.

The important equation is rust is a lousy lubricant. I have never taken a worn out shackle apart that was oily or greasy. Mark produces great & authentic products and forged is definitely stronger than pressed. I have a set for my next project. If you have leaf springs on your trailer I'll bet
you have pressed pin shackles that carry far more weight & go faster than a T does. JMHO
Craig.

I sent you an email, Scott. Boat trailers I have alot experience with, but the spring mounts were alot different than a T. Forward end fix bolted with a bushing, the other end floating.