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Carcheologist
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-- 04-30-2022 @ 2:55 PM
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(1) Before I tear into replacing my rear axle shackle bolts, how difficult are they to remove and replace without removing the spring from the car?
(2) What is the best way to determine if they need replacing? I don't detect any looseness, but noticed some unusual gaps in the side plates and want to make sure they are in good order.
Hoping to get some feedback on the process from a veteran here on the forum.
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carcrazy
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-- 04-30-2022 @ 3:20 PM
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You don't need to remove the spring from the car to replace the shackle bolts, that is the good news. It is very difficult to remove and replace them. You will need a special tool for the job and the help of a strong friend. Unless they are totally worn out, my advice would be to leave them alone.
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Carcheologist
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-- 04-30-2022 @ 6:01 PM
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I appreciate your advice. I'll probably do just that; the only reason I am considering replacement is due to a knocking/clunking sound coming from the rear. I've been under the car and checked out just about everything I can think of that might cause the problem and keep coming up empty.
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kubes40
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-- 04-30-2022 @ 6:03 PM
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If you are detecting "unusual gaps", the perch / spring pins are most likely worn out.
You can replace these with the spring in the car.
Please, please, use a professional spring spreader, IE, NOT one made from threaded rod.
Removing the old pins requires some effort and patience. Installing new pins is made much easier if you have the proper press.
I'd suggest you seek both the spreader and press from a fellow member in your area.
If you would like to install pins that are copies of the authentic, be advised, do NOT grind down the outer diameter as many folks do. They are oversize for a designed reason. Grinding them down is akin to installing worn out pins.
If originality is not a concern, the kits that have rubber bushings are VERY easy to install. However, be forewarned, they will not restore the proper (read: designed) ride nor handling characteristics.
Mike "Kube" Kubarth
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Carcheologist
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-- 04-30-2022 @ 6:36 PM
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Thanks Kube for your feedback. I've done just about every kind of mechanical repair you can think of on these old Fords, but never replaced shackle bolts so I wanted to get some expert advice on what I'm getting into.
In your opinion, could worn shackle bolts be the cause behind the knocking/clunking sound I described? Not trying to pin you down, but I'm at a loss about what's causing the noise.
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kubes40
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-- 05-01-2022 @ 6:05 AM
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As you'd noted, it's difficult at best to determine the cause of the "clunking" from my office.
However, I can tell you this from personal experience: I had a '40 coupe come to my shop about five years ago with a similar issue. A "clunk" at times that could not be traced.
Turns out the front spring pins were shot. Replaced them, no more "clunk".
Mike "Kube" Kubarth
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trjford8
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-- 05-01-2022 @ 8:31 AM
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I would also check the shocks to make sure they are bolted down tight and working properly.
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TomO
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-- 05-01-2022 @ 8:54 AM
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I would also check the clearance of the tail pipe to the fuel tank and other chassis components. You need at least 1/2" and I prefer about 3/4" clearance between the tail pipe and the nearest object.
X2 on Kube's post.
Tom
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Carcheologist
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-- 05-01-2022 @ 4:03 PM
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As recommended above, I have checked the shocks and they seem tight and without any slop. Also checked the exhaust pipe clearance in several places along the frame rails and all is well there too. I'm using a tubular shock retrofit kit and my next move will be to remove the shocks and drive the car just to see if that makes any difference. I'm betting Kube is on to something with the spring shackle bolts.
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RAK402
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-- 05-01-2022 @ 6:36 PM
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I had various things loose under mine (shocks, shock links, torsion bar links, the rubber ball on the radius arm, etc.) and went through correcting them, but still had one last knock left.
Turns out the grommet that the parking brake cable in the center of the frame was gone (it was only 80 years old, so...). Installing the new one was "interesting,"but it took care of the knock.
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Carcheologist
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-- 05-01-2022 @ 6:46 PM
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The knocking noise is definitely coming from somewhere around the rear suspension and is mostly noticed coming from the right rear when going over choppy roads or potholes. I'm thinking about replacing the shackles and bolts just so I can take that off the list of possibilities.
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kubes40
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-- 05-02-2022 @ 6:45 AM
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Just a thought... if you are intent at replacing the perch pins in the spring, how about sourcing a NOS spring?
Mike "Kube" Kubarth
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Carcheologist
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-- 05-02-2022 @ 2:34 PM
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Kube,
After thinking about it more, I guess I'll continue to troubleshoot in hopes of discovering that the problem is something other than the spring perch bolts!  Removing the tube shocks and going for a ride is next on the agenda.
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