Help please with bent front shackles

[+GOAT+]

Very new here. I just joined. Hello to all. I need some help please. Search isn't working for me.
I have a 1987 gmc 4x4. My truck has been dog tracking. Not much but enough to notice. I found my front /rear shackles are bent towards the pass side. The pass side tire sticks out bout 1" maybe 2. I just ordered some new shackles. The questions are will this fix the problem? Do I need to loosen up anything to get the diff moved back over towards the driver's side? If I put the shackles on , will a alignment fix it? Any help will be great.

[mongocanfly]

Welcome...are they lift shackles that were bent..do they have the stabalizing brace between the vertical pieces?these are the better/stronger design..you may have to pull the axle over to get it ligned up..loosening the axle u-bolts would make it easier if its way out of line

[+GOAT+]

Stock shackles. Shop wants $160.00 to do and they will take it for alignment. I want to do my self cause I don't think they will attempt to move my diff over. Not sure if alignment will. I figured something would have to be loosened up front or when I tighten up the shackles they might just bend again.

[wildwilly4x4]

I would begin by making sure the rear axle is square in the truck. Check that the spring locating pin is actually in the hole in your spring perch, and that it hasn't broken off. Do the same on your front axle. This is very common, especially on lifted trucks. Replace the shackles with new ones, or just bend them back straight. The shackles do not provide much if any stability to the truck as far as the way it tracks. If all else fails, I would then start measuring the frame for square.

[El Dorado Jim]

sub'd

[Jeff's bowtie's]

Also check the bushings in the shackle when they wear out this will happen

[+GOAT+]

I ordered some shackles last night. Just stock. Might beef em up some. I don't off road. It's my daily. Gonna attempt to loosen everything then replace shackles. Back is nice and square. Frame up front looks straight. Hope it goes well. Thanks for all the help.

[kwmech]

All they can do for an alignment is check for worn parts and set the toe-in. Everything else is not adjustable unless something is seriously bent. Can you toss up a couple of pictures?

[+GOAT+]

I tried posting pics. Can't get it to work.