I am trying to change out the rear leaf spring shackles on my 1998 Ford ranger. I can't get the top bolt to come out. I unscrewed it from the nut that holds it in but it's stuck half way through the shackle. I beat in it with a bfh and even took a torch to try and melt the bushings but nothing worked. I have it jacked up by the axle. Is that why? Does it need to be jacked off the frame to release the tension? Please help

 

jack off the frame!!!! if you got it out like that it wouldnt be pretty. The spring is under tension like that

 

x2

the best way i've learned to do them is how fx4wannabe01 taught me lol.

jack up the truck my the rear axle
put car ramps under the truck
put jackstands on the flat part of the ramps
lower truck down so frame rests on jack stands
keep jack under rear differential to articulate the leafs up and down as needed


like this. picture taken from a how-to i made on putting in add a leafs

 

Yes, jack up frame to take weight off the spring on the side you are working on.

Pound the bolt out as much as possible, if it comes out great if it gets stuck cut it off and pound it back in, it will be free now.

I had to use a torch and burn out the old bushings.
And a grinder is needed to remove the rivets if you are changing the hangers.

On pick up trucks it is actually easier to remove the bed, if you are replacing all 4 hangers.