1966 k10 Shortbed Build

[66K10shortbed]

I've been working on my '66 k10 for a while now and I am hung up on a major problem. Both front axle rear shackles have sheared, and I cannot find them anywhere. I was originally going to order them from LMC but when I called them (because the part was out of stock) they told me they will no longer be selling those types of shackles. I ordered a set from Brothers and they have been on back order for almost 2 months. I got in contact with the sales manager and he said they have no idea when they will be getting them. I just wanted to know if there was anyone who knew where to find these things! Thanks everyone.

[Captainfab]

If you don't have the means to make them yourself, I would find a local fab shop to make a set for you. They can't be difficult to make.

Additionally I would be looking into why they 'sheared' in the first place.

[TJ's Chevy]

Only thing I can say is...Never order from Brother's. I would cancel and find some place else. The people there are the biggest pos's I've ever dealt with. Many members here have also had problems.

[61K10]

dansclassics.com did have them (thanks for the info ron) can you post up a pic as how they broke off? what broke on the rear? what pieces do you need? I do have some used front stuff that's usable.

[66K10shortbed]

This is what both pins looks like, I know they both sheared from not being greased, you said you may have some parts that would fit this year of truck (1964-1966), do you have anything like this.

[61K10]

thats the rear of the front spring right? the bushing in the frame will have to come out and a new one installed (or used). is the one in the spring eye froze up? I didn't take my frame bushing out just replaced the pins. I think the spring ones are the same (anyone know--Les?) Here is a pic of an old and new one. the front of the spring are different. just a bushing and a bolt.(the bolt un-screws) don't try to pound it out. LMC shows them in stock?

[66K10shortbed]

That is the rear shackle of the front leaf-springs. The one on the passenger side is frozen (as pictured) but the one on the drivers side is free. Both of the front shackles are fine. In LMC I am only seeing the rear front shackles in stock for a 60-63 Chevy, not a 64-66. I am also planning on only replacing the pins if I can, the bushings are fine. I only really need the pins because everything else regarding the shackles is fine, except for the broken pins. So if you know where to even get the pins themselves that would be great, being that you seem to have a new one in your picture. I don't know if I could order the shackle kit from LMC for a 60-63 and then use the pins from that. I'd love to hear some ideas!

[aotte1]

The shackles are different between the early and later years for 60 to 66s.
Will get you more information on possible source for new pins, I also may have some used ones, will check.

The removal of the frozen one, may destroy that bushing. Like Kimble said, understand how they are removed. The removal may take lots of time, the stuck one for me took several weeks of using Kroll penetrating oil and rotating back and forth with limited force. It slowly rotated a little more each week. Mine took me about 8 weeks, but did final come out. Have a photo of penetrating oil I used, it is very good and suggest it.

Will get back to you with more information, may have some helpful information in my 64' K10 build "64 K10 Project Long Bed" page 8, maybe post 174.

Is the pin sheared on both sides or just one?

Glad to help.

Les

[66K10shortbed]

Its sheared on both sides on the passenger side and only on one side on the driver, I haven't messed with them too much, but from what I understand you shouldn't try to force it out, you should try to rotate it right?

[aotte1]

This is for the front spring rear shackle/bushing-pin.

Yes, the preferred method is to rotate them out.

Post number 223 on page 9, lists the phone number and person where I purchased mine from. Ron, suggested this source, and they have been very helpful. If they can not supply the parts, PM me and I may have the part numbers for the company that made them, it is a big truck parts manufacturer.

I would start slow and easy, however, looks like you have a difficult task. Especially the pin with both threaded ends gone. It may end up, that you have to press out the bushing and pin together. If after a week of soaking in penetrating oil you have no movement of the pin in the bushing, may need to consider other approach for removal, e.g. the pin and bushing may need to be removed together. Do you have a service manual, to reference GMs suggested way to remove. They may list tools that are not available, however, it will proved method for removal. You can then improvise or make any tool needed. If you get to this point, we can discuss more.

Les

[Captainfab]

So it is the pins that are sheared and not the shackles.

[61K10]

some pics of how they go together. So what is the difference between the 60-63 and the 64-66? My front springs are 2 1/2" wide. I would think the frames are the same except for shock mounts. Ck out Les's build as he has some great pics of the bushing's and pins. Les measure your old bushings and pins for me to compare with my old ones.

[61K10]

Some more info from Dans Classics--

1964-66 front shackle kit front 1/2ton part #S-CS382 he lists a different part # for 60-66 kit 60-66 3/4t and 60-63 1/2t. must be a spring difference.

[aotte1]

Kimble,

Will get the information requested tomorrow.

Les

[66K10shortbed]

My plan for removing the sheared shackle pin will be to drill out the center and try to remove it with an "easy out" so that i don't have to remove the bushing. Just wanted to see if this seems like something that could work for getting it out. Also, regarding aotte1's post about getting the information on where to purchase the shackles, it is post number 223 on page 10 of what forum? please let me know, and thanks to everyone who has given their input on this step of the build.

[aotte1]

It is in build "64 K10 Project Long Bed" under 60-66 builds, same one you are in. Yes, It is post #223.

The drill out center ...... , is worth a try. If you can drill the pin material. Probably need a high quality easy out, not a cast one, that will likely brake with the amount of force you will be using. Also consider drill and tap for grade 8 bolt, that will bottom out and that apply rotational force and see if it will move. If it is easy to drill would drill all the way through and only tap part of it.
You will likely need force to get it started of a long 1/2 breaker bar, along with additional pipe.

The pin may be corroded to the bushing, or have done damage to the bushing.

Les

[61K10]

You're gonna need some heat also. Mine was a little rusty but the grease was hard as a rock in the threads. I used a propane torch that helped. look at post #13

[66K10shortbed]

OK thanks guys, I didn't know where to find the user name at (aotte1) on the builds since I am new to the sight but i got it now. I was definitely going to heat it before anything else, and I have been spraying it with penetrating oil for about 2 weeks now, so hopefully luck is on my side. When it comes to removing the pin from the threads look like they're just your standard left is loosening and right is tightening, but if I rotate it right will it just end up coming out on the backside? I will be calling dansclassic tonight to see if I can get two shackle sets, or at least the pins, washers, and grease fittings.

[aotte1]

Have you been able to find my build? One way is to click the "search" icon, next click "advanced search", then type "aotte1" in the name box, followed by start icon. This search will show the person named recent posts. Hope this helps, and a welcome to the group. again name of build is "64 K10 Project Long Bed"

The following photos are some more of the shaft/pin and old bushing, along with new bushing.
The first three photos are of the original bushing, pin, seals, and nut. The last two photos are of a new bushing. Next post will show their placement.

Les

[aotte1]

Photos of the front rear spring shackle.

Les

[aotte1]

Kimble,
The measurements of 1964 K10 front spring rear shackle parts, specifically the bushing and pin are:
o Pin overall length is - 5"
o bushing overall length - 2.5"
0 pin thread dia - 0.657"
o bushing OD - 0.868"

Looks like the 1964 bushing is about a 1/4" longer then then the 1961, you posted. Also, maybe the 64' pin is about 1/4 " longer too.

Les

[66K10shortbed]

Yep I was able to find your build, it is very cool I might add. Navigating these forums can be a little tricky until you get the hang of it. I am very appreciative of all of the feedback everyone has given me, it has all been very useful. With the information I have gathered, I now have a plan of attack. I will drill out the center of the shackle pin and insert an easy-out. After weeks of applying penetrating oil, i will also apply heat to the housing via a propane torch. Once the shackle pin is removed I will install a whole new shackle set on both sides of the truck from dansclassic, as listed above. If anyone recommends anything else to help things go smoothly, I would love to hear it. Thanks again everyone.

[RANDY COX]

Welcome and I really like your truck looks good with the rallies, I like them west coast mirrors to...Is it factory drive train what engine..is it 4spd...

[66K10shortbed]

Completely original, factory 4x4, 4spd, short-bed, and 283 V8. The only change is a 1/2 ton Dana axle in the front from 1973 so the truck could more easily be equipped with disk brakes and power steering (which it now has both). It runs and drives great (at the moment it needs shackles, but other than that it is one mean Chevy truck! It also has an aluminized flow-master exhaust so it sounds great.

[66K10shortbed]

After a lot of work I was able to replace both of the front shackles on the Chevy. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that helped out by giving advice, it was very useful. Up next is to scrape off the junky old undercoating and re-spray it with something nicer and stronger.