I noticed one side of my truck sitting shorter. Also noticed an increase in noise, I.e tweaks and squeeks. So when I got home I got underneath and took a look. My driver side leaf spring rear shackle broke.
Called the dealer 125 bucks for shackle, bolts, and nuts. Called Napa. A shackle kit containing all of the above for 40 bucks.
I'm going to have too drive it like that in the morning to work, and fix it after my shift. The leaf is pressing up on the bed and the bed is keeping it in place.

Now my question:
I'm. Going to jack the truck up and place the frame on body stands. Then place a regular floor jack under the axle. Then I can raise or lower the axle to where I need it, to remove pieces of the old one, and install the new one.
The parts guy at the dealer said he didn't think I had to remove the U bolts to do this, has anyone done it???
How did you do it?

 

You can do this without unbolting the axle from the springs, but it may be easier. You'll know if it will help once you get to that point.

 

The problem will be getting the bolts out of the bushings. If you get the bolts out, the axle can stay bolted to the springs. Make sure you anti-seize the new bolts.

 

The eye bolts the shackles are these giant torx bit thingy ma bobs.

 

T-60 iirc.

 

Well, ordered the part from Napa. Took about an hr and a half. The bottom nut 24m came right off didnt even need to hold the bolt head so I knew I was in for some ****. I left the truck sitting like that and zipped off the top bolt with a torq bit and 23m socket on a half inch drive impact. Then I heated the bottom bushing and air hammered the bolt out. Jacked the body up and put in the new shackle. Had to install the top bolt first (without tightening the nut all the way) then raise the body that way the frame wouldn't block the head. I put pressure on the head with a 3 foot pry bar to tighten the nut after.








New one had allen head not torq bit

 

Ah, the hot wrench. One of my favorite tools.

Bet it rides better now. How's the other side look?

 

Booooyyyy they really love that road salt up there dont they?



The other side might be getting close to letting go like Hey You is probably thinking.

 

Hell yeah! Sitting pretty again.
The other side looks like it's getting done on Friday. I only did one today because it was broke and so am I till payday.

 

Good ole New England!!!