Sure you can do this, WD-40 is no good for this job use PB Blaster or Deep Creep instead on the nutz and bolts. Thing is the nutz will come off ez I would say, but the bolts will be seized inside the spring bushings, This is where it will get ugly, possible new spring eye bushing will be needed and they can be a pita to get in.

 

This is extremely dangerous. Somone could get killed, possibly you. Post up pics.


+1 on no WD40, use PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench. Get some good jackstands. Do not climb under there with just a jack holding it up. It ain't worth getting hurt over!

Download the manual and make sure you read the safety precautions. A guy like you can do it - that's how we all started out! Get in and get'r done! But just be careful.

 

Ok, no WD40...got it, use jackstands (have heard this from my dad before), and I'll get it done soon. I don't doubt either of you, but I am curious as to what the specific danger of this is? If I get lucky I may get the parts in by Saturday, my mom said we could order ASAP once I informed her this is more dangerous than we thought. If this is the case I wouldn't mind tackling it this weekend. I never knew the risk was pretty big...to think my dad drove this truck with the driver's side shackle broken for quite some time, and now I drive it with both shackles in ruins :O

 

Shackles don't just hold the springs. They hold the differential in place under the truck. If another piece breaks, which is a high probability due to excessive strain, the differential could come loose at one end, and the twisting will break the other end. Differential will come out the rear or to the side, possibly smacking someone else, and the rear of the truck will come crashing to the ground, causing you to loose control of the truck, and slam into something/someone.

 

0____0 Wow...I had no clue this was that severe of a problem...definitely going to try and put new shackles on ASAP. I can honestly say I'm quite surprised the truck hasn't fallen apart due to this yet...the DS shackle broke quite some time ago. Going to put this on the top of my list!

I am wondering--will the truck ride better with the springs where they should be (instead of them resting on the bed)?

 

I would think so, but you should seriously consider parking it until you get shackles and leaf springs fixed.

 

Just an update guys, my dad and I put the new shackles on today. Made a huge difference in the ride and the ride height, we were both pretty impressed.

 

That's great. And you are less likely to have a major wreck now also!

 

What shocks did you decide to go with?
I need some new shocks for my 97 Ram and was thinking on the KYB Excel-G, or the Monroe Sensatac.
I don't have the tools to install them myself though.

I found some good prices on this website, free shipping too.
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm

 

I haven't actually done much with the shocks yet, as soon as I mentioned the broken shackles the guys here said those should be taken care of first. If I did I'd probably buy the $25 Monroe Monro-Matics, since they're in stock around here.

What kind of tools do you need? Looked like they're just held on by your average bolt to me.