How exactly did you get this bolt off. Swapping in some belltech 6400's and its very difficult to get to the nut thats hidden in behind the hanger (really hard to get any tools in there). Wondering if you guys had any tips?

Thanks
Steve

 

Just unbolt the top shackle bolt on both sides, then lower the axle towards the ground. This will give you enough to loosen the lower shackle bolt and bolt the new shackle on. My old impact would fit up between the bedside and the bolt just fine and that's what I use.

 

if you are talking about the top bolt, the nut that is behind the frame has a wing welded to it so it will only turn until that wing catch, in other words you dont need to have a back up on it just start unscrewing the bolt

 

what i did on mine was just used a rachet and i believe and 18mm socket.....i had no problems getting to the bolt and getting it out

 

thanks for the tips. You only need to jack up the rear right?

 

yeah. Full droop and then some. Here's a pic of when I installed my shackles....redneck style, yo...





And as mentioned above....the top bolt has a kinda captive nut that has a stop built onto it. Just unwrench on the bolt and it'll come out. You'll ahve to jack up and down to get a neutral spot so the bastard bolt will finally make it's way out. It's not too bad at all.

 

do you mean you can leave the front wheels on the ground? yes you can, make sure when you jack the rear, you are putting your stands on the frame, not your axle... other wise that bolt isn't going to come out

 

Damn! I wish I thought of that... would have made things much easier!

 

thanks again for the tips. its really gonna help. I read somewhere that you can place the jack stands under the front leaf spring mount.. Is this safe.

 

yea thats safe, as long as you put the stand on the FRAME, not the leaf spring itself. thats how i did mine.....

 

It'd work...but if you did that, it'd be hard to rotate the leaf/axle combo downward for the shackle work. Plus you may be moving the truck while you rotate 'em down too if the stand was there. Just do it how I did...pop the wheels off, find someone with ramps or sold cinder blocks and toss on the jackstands under the frame next to the spare carrier. Or if you've got a hitch, you can suspend it by that too.

 

i heard its easy if u take your rear hitch off too...much more room

 

I'd just do it how Shane did. No need to remove anything extra, and I didn't even take the tires and wheels off. I used some huge 28" jackstands and a jack. Use a punch to realign the bolt holes. It will make it much easier.

 

i didnt use anything more than a jack, 2 jackstands, and a ratchet and socket and it took me maybe 15 mins to do both sides....

 

Thanks for all the tips. Shackles are on!!! truck looks way better now