ORD Shackles arrived today - nice chunk of steel

[msgross]

I decided to upgrade the shackles on Project Money Pit (68 K-10) since new shackle bolts were $10 each x 4 bolts. ORD has their HD upgrade kit that comes with greasable bushings and such but since I already have a new Energy Susp. bushings kit I gave them a call. They sent me the 3/8" thick shackles by themselves for $44 + shipping so that's not a bad upgrade. I can now use 1/2" x 5" Grade 8 bolts from the hardware store.

Wish I had a drill press and bandsaw beacuase you could easily make something like this yourself. DIY 4x4 has them for $30 for 4 but they aren't zinc coated... SHould I paint these or put them on gold? any thoughts?

ps Shackles are also 1/2" longer which won't affect height much but is said to keep from having frame contact under extreme compression....