Can't get shackles/leaf springs removed - HELP!!

[jmpric]

Is it possible that the bushing is metal? It sure seems like it. I might just keep it in there and re-use it.

 

[AMX364]

You should never plan to remove that bushing unless you already have a replacement shackles in hand. Even at the best they will get bent and it often breaks instead off the nut coming off.

 

[jmpric]

You should never plan to remove that bushing unless you already have a replacement shackles in hand. Even at the best they will get bent and it often breaks instead off the nut coming off.

I do actually have a brand new set of shackles ready to go in. I went ahead and installed everything, using that old bushing. It seems ok.
NEW PROBLEM: So I've got everything tightened down (the 4 front bracket/frame bolts, and the 2 shackle bolts), but the leaf spring center pin is not lining up with the hole in the axle bracket. It's a good 1/8" off.
How can I remedy this situation? The Hotchkis instructions told me to tighten everything down except the big 5/8" bolt that secures the leaf to the front bracket. Should I have left the 4 front bracket bolts, that attach to the frame, loose so the leaf would have a bit of fore/aft play?

 

[Mike Gaines]

I just put Cal Trac Mono Leafs on my 66 Coronet 2 weeks ago and HAD EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. lube and prybar got them off, but we didnt think it was gonna happen. You have to pry (or hammer)the front and rear ones at the same time... little with one, then little with the other and back and forth, etc.

 

[66Satellite47]

I presume it's side to side misalignment? Try loosening the 4 front hanger bolts on both sides a little shackle nuts a little loose, 2 x 4 & BFH on spring sideways & let housing drop onto center bolt.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

For everyones information.If you choose to eliminate the rear shackles and go to a slider box,if you have Caltraks you should but their slider.I bought the Afco slider which gives you a choice of chebby or Chrysler. The Chrysler bushing is too small for the Caltraks,I had to also purchase the proper size bushings from Caltrak.

 

[jmpric]

I presume it's side to side misalignment? Try loosening the 4 front hanger bolts on both sides a little shackle nuts a little loose, 2 x 4 & BFH on spring sideways & let housing drop onto center bolt.

It's actually fore/aft misalignment. It's like I need to grab the axle and pull it toward the front of the car.

 

[66Satellite47]

It's actually fore/aft misalignment. It's like I need to grab the axle and pull it toward the front of the car.

Have you got the drive shaft out? Parking brake cables or brake line keeping it from moving?

 

[jmpric]

Have you got the drive shaft out? Parking brake cables or brake line keeping it from moving?

Drive shaft is still connected, and the brake line isn't an issue. I haven't been able to mess with it for the past week. I'll get to it sometime this week and figure it out.