Is this gap normal?

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ecory0
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Is this gap normal?

Post by ecory0 » Sun Sep 12, 2021 1:14 pm

This is the front spring shackle. Should there be the gap where the red arrow is pointing?
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CudaMan
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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by CudaMan » Sun Sep 12, 2021 1:17 pm

Nope, at least not on my OEM Ford shackles. I suppose you could stack some washers or machine some bushings to fill the gap, then paint them black to help them blend in.

Or, maybe those are really rear shackles that have been mounted on the front? :)
Mark Strange
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1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)


TXGOAT2
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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Sep 12, 2021 1:19 pm

That doesn't look right. Are the bushings loose in the spring eye and spring perch?

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RajoRacer
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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by RajoRacer » Sun Sep 12, 2021 1:23 pm

Those appear to be Model A rear shackles - are they tapped for a grease fitting ?

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Mark Chaffin
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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by Mark Chaffin » Sun Sep 12, 2021 1:42 pm

I'm with Steve. Those are Model A front shackles.


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ecory0
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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by ecory0 » Sun Sep 12, 2021 1:42 pm

They don’t look to be tapped but no idea if they are for the rear. Have holes that look like they should have a great cap on front? Was thinking of buying new ones or using washers. I just installed new bushings and reamed them. Slides right in but too long.
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ecory0
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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by ecory0 » Sun Sep 12, 2021 1:44 pm

Guess I should buy new ones for the T. Any complaints about the cheaper reproductions instead of shelling out for the $100+ older style?

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CudaMan
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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by CudaMan » Sun Sep 12, 2021 2:28 pm

There have been some problems with the cheaper ones in the past.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/33 ... 1384559326

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1432652923


Post a wanted in the classifieds, maybe someone will sell you a new or lightly used pair of OEM Ford shackles, plates, and nuts. For some reason, OEM rear shackles are harder to find than the fronts.

The replacement steel bushings from the vendors come a bit undersize on the ID and need to be reamed to fit new shackles. However, sometimes you get lucky and slightly used shackles will fit the bushings well without having to ream them.
Mark Strange
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)


Topic author
ecory0
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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by ecory0 » Sun Sep 12, 2021 2:30 pm

Thank you!


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Re: Is this gap normal?

Post by Allan » Mon Sep 13, 2021 3:34 am

We could buy off-the-shelf 2" long bronze bushes to suit T model front and rear shackles. A set of those could be left just long enough for that shackle to work well. Good original forged shackles are likely better than the repops available. Yours may not even be for a Ford, but they are likely better than others you will find.

Allan from down under.

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