Which rear shackles to use?

[Denee007]

Hi! I didn't realize there were two different styles of rear shackles until now. Is one better than the other? The original style is quite a bit more money, like 35.oo vs. 75.oo for one side. Which would you buy?

Obviously this is like the original: I like original looking parts.





Something turns me off regarding one bolt holding the shackle together.






THis is this entire kit~ I think it was Ecklers, about 135.oo. But if this kit would do the job and my rear axle shackles won't fall apart with this~ that'd be OK too!

[OrrieG]

GM spends many thousands on rooms full of engineers to design stuff that has lasted 60 years. After market guys spend hundreds and the best they can come up with is a $2 grade 5 carriage bolt??? As Orge is finding out with his front suspension aftermarket engineering is not what its cracked up to be. My opinion is to go with the stock shackles and upgrade the springs and bushings.

[Denee007]

Thank you Orrie~ that's all I needed to hear/read!

Good statement!
"best they can come up with is a $2 grade 5 carriage bolt???"

Originally Posted by OrrieG

GM spends many thousands on rooms full of engineers to design stuff that has lasted 60 years. After market guys spend hundreds and the best they can come up with is a $2 grade 5 carriage bolt??? As Orge is finding out with his front suspension aftermarket engineering is not what its cracked up to be. My opinion is to go with the stock shackles and upgrade the springs and bushings.

[Rude Dude]

early 50 to 56 had the center bolt it came as a carriage bolt, later 57-59 GM got rid of the center bolt, no real difference other than that. I used the later model no center bolt on my 56.

[Daze57]

x 2 with OrrieG

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Like Rude says. The later model is much improved over the carriage bolt early one. I always use it.

[Denee007]

I do so appreciate all the responses! I think Classic parts has the best price so far~ still about 180 ish, but that's OK! My springs are on the way from Speedway, about 350 plus a hefty 65 bucks to get it here. It's pretty amazing what leaf spring weigh!
Well, hopefully next week I'll have my parts~ new stuff is nice!
dne'

[itstheshu]

Not to hijack the post but can you use the later style on an AD?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Denee007]

you're not hijacking, you're offering valuable information thank you!

Originally Posted by itstheshu

Not to hijack the post but can you use the later style on an AD?
Posted via Mobile Device

Posted via Mobile Device