So, I haven't been on here a lot this winter, but back in the fall I broke the driver's side rear leaf spring shackle. I cleaned up the truck and put in my parent's garage for the winter (first winter in the truck's life to sit in a garage). Well next weekend I will make the trip down to fix it. I want it back on the road, I miss driving the thing!

I ordered the shackle, which was only about $20 on Rock Auto. It looks fairly straight forward, but I think I will need to take my hitch receiver off to get to the back of the bolts through the frame.

Has anyone else done this before? Doesn't seem like something super common as I don't remember really ever seeing it on this forum before. Just looking for any tips to make it easier if someone has done it before. The biggest problem is probably going to be the condition of the bolts.

Here are a couple photos - It damaged my bed!
Shackle1_zps3661bf8c.jpg

Shackle2_zpsfef37246.jpg

 

Likely going to have to cut the bolts off and replace.

Are you replacing the leaf springs too?

 

here is a hint. ALL ways use anti-seize compound on ALL threads on the bottom of truck. 100,000 miles latter you will be glad you did.

 

Man am I glad I don't live up north! How do you guys put up with all that corrosion and rust??

Jimmy

 

It is common and yes, I just went through it in December. Luckily my bed didn't get damaged.


Hey, at least it isn't a Toyota!


You do have to take the hitch off. You can't access the bolts for the shackle when installed - on a 4x4 anyways. Pick up some new bolts and bushings for the spring too.


Check the other side. It won't be far behind.

 

Now is a good time to do the T/S lift if you haven't already.

 

We b!tch and moan about it all winter, that's how! No, seriously I have a lot of friends that buy beater Subarus, civics, jetts, etc. just for winter. I didn't intend to put my truck away for winter but it just happened to go that way. I bought a '02 Legacy GT last May and have been driving it all winter. I hate the thing though and want my Dakota back.

I'm hoping to avoid the torch, but we'll see how that goes. I'll definitely use anti-seize and replace the bolts even if the original ones do come out. Depending on how difficult the driver's side is, I may order another one and do the other side too, just because it's only a $20 part.

Basically it didn't get done this winter because I despise working in a cold garage... If it's 45 out next weekend like the forecast says, it will feel like 65 and I'll get it done no problem.

 

Very tempting! Who makes a shackle for the rear that will work?

 

You don't need a torch. I cut mine with a Sawzall.

 

Yeah, that'd work too. We'll see how it goes.