Steel leaf swap?

FROM FIBERGLASS MONOLEAFS TO AIR BAGS, STOCK HEIGHT TO BODY SLAMMED, EVERYTHING EXCEPT LIFTS GO HERE.
Post Reply

Topic author
Jboy2
I sleep in my van
Posts: 272
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:23 pm
Location: Scarborough, Ontario

Steel leaf swap?

Post by Jboy2 »

Alright,

so i managed to get some steel leafs with the front mount, however the rear shackles are a :butthead: to get out.
I couldnt manage to get one out, so i was looking at my van and the shackles look about the same?

http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/prod ... 3-156.html

Do i need the rear shackles as well to swap to steel leafs?


Thanks!
1991 Chevy Astro Extended- Stock 4.3

Image
User avatar

doyoulikeithere
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 2060
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.

Re: Steel leaf swap?

Post by doyoulikeithere »

you will find that the shackles from a fiber leaf spring are 3" wide, steel are 2.5" wide.
I used 3" wide shackles and I use them on my 2.5" springs no prob, but I used a 1/4" spacer plate on each side to make up the difference.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.

Topic author
Jboy2
I sleep in my van
Posts: 272
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:23 pm
Location: Scarborough, Ontario

Re: Steel leaf swap?

Post by Jboy2 »

doyoulikeithere wrote:you will find that the shackles from a fiber leaf spring are 3" wide, steel are 2.5" wide.
I used 3" wide shackles and I use them on my 2.5" springs no prob, but I used a 1/4" spacer plate on each side to make up the difference.
Hmm, thanks!

I guess i'll have to struggle getting them out then. LOL
I'd rather have the shackle instead of making a 1/4" spacer.

Thanks again!
1991 Chevy Astro Extended- Stock 4.3

Image
User avatar

Herbie
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 674
Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:45 am
Location: San Diego, CA
Has thanked: 12 times
Been thanked: 4 times
Contact:

Re: Steel leaf swap?

Post by Herbie »

What kind of trouble are you having getting the shackle out?

Not sure how/if the Gen1/Gen2 differ, but on my '03 there were two ways to get to the head of the shackle bolt. There's a slot in the "tube" that you can put an open-ended wrench into, or there was a big hole on the inside edge of the tube that you could put a socket head on - IF you drop the spare tire first.
"My minivan is cooler than your bro-truck"
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
Image

Topic author
Jboy2
I sleep in my van
Posts: 272
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:23 pm
Location: Scarborough, Ontario

Re: Steel leaf swap?

Post by Jboy2 »

Herbie wrote:What kind of trouble are you having getting the shackle out?

Not sure how/if the Gen1/Gen2 differ, but on my '03 there were two ways to get to the head of the shackle bolt. There's a slot in the "tube" that you can put an open-ended wrench into, or there was a big hole on the inside edge of the tube that you could put a socket head on - IF you drop the spare tire first.
There just rusted in there!
That's what sucks about living in canada #-o

I guess i'll try again tmrw to see if i can atleast get 2 out.

doyoulikeithere:

would you have a picture of these spacers you made?
I might have to do that if anything :)
1991 Chevy Astro Extended- Stock 4.3

Image
User avatar

doyoulikeithere
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 2060
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.

Re: Steel leaf swap?

Post by doyoulikeithere »

I found a slick way to get those out.
I have a small floor jack from crappy tire.
I have the spring still bolted to the shackle, but the top shackle not bolted to the van.
I place the floor jack on the top of the leaf so it jacks up on the underbody.
Pump it till the jack starts to lift the van body up from the spring, forcing the shackle out of it's hole.
Works for me every time.

I lied, I actually only use 1 spacer per spring and just squished it a bit by tightening it.
Not very photogenic, just a square 1/4 plate of steel or aluminum about 1.5 inches square or round or whatever you have around, as long as its tight when you do it up, it should be fine..
I have many thousands of kilometers on mine with no problems at all. here's a pic fer ya...
download/file.php?id=862&mode=view
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
Post Reply