Front spring shackle busted

[stevenelle]

Heard a loud sharp noise yesterday while driving. Discovered that the back shackle of the front spring had broken. I can't get the bushing or the bolt out of the housing. In fact, I twisted off the 7/8 hex head of the bushing. I guess everything is rusted tight. Are there tricks to getting these free, or is it heat, PB blaster and big hammer? In the meantime I have improvised an oak block to keep the spring separated from the frame.

[48Dodger]

Take a few pictures of the damage, and maybe we can make a few suggestion.

These are a few threads I was involved with awhile back. Hope it helps.

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_...ad.php?t=12710

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_...ad.php?t=12742

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_...ad.php?t=12801

48D

[MBF]

At this point it would probably be wise to remove the spring and take it to a press and have the broken section pressed out. The threaded bushing isn't really threaded into the spring eye-just what is supposed to be a snug fit. Mike

[stevenelle]

Thanks - I looked at some old posts; but found nothing to address this situation. The broken off piece of shackle is rusted tight into the housing that is riveted to the frame. This would be the rear mount of the front spring. Since I twisted off the head of the bushing, I was probably twisting in the wrong direction. Bad mistake. Now shackle piece and bushing are locked tight into the housing with nearly 60 years of rust.

I guess brute force and heat may be the only option.

[Jerry Roberts]

Some of these parts are left - hand threaded . I don't know which ones though .

[geopcanuk]

Just went through the same exercise and yes the left side is left-hand threaded.Don't waste your time...take the springs and frame (if need be) to a spring shop where they can be pressed out.Make sure you have replacements as the shops won't carry such a thing.New shackles/bushings are easy to come by.