Question: Do rear shakles align with frame???

[83power]

My rear frame rails were completely rotten and I have no idea if the rear shakles should align with the centre of the frame rail or off to one side??
As it stands both my rear shakles are offset to the outer side of each frame rail.

Is this correct???
, anybody have pics of where the rear shakles should be???
I have pics of the rotten rails and the welded in replacement
View attachment 16353

View attachment 16354

View attachment 16355

 

[Torxhead]

83power, those are some awsome pictures of what Mother Nature can do to metal. The leaf springs should be parallel to the frame, in other words the axle has centering pins and the same spacing should be applied through out their length. The rear spring shackles also.

 

[83power]

83power, those are some awsome pictures of what Mother Nature can do to metal. The leaf springs should be parallel to the frame, in other words the axle has centering pins and the same spacing should be applied through out their length. The rear spring shackles also.

These centering pins you speak of, Are they between the springs and axle?
Do I loosen the U-bolts and re-align??

Thanks for all and any help....

 

[Torxhead]

The centering pins are located on the top center of the leaf springs and fit into holes on the axle spring pads. Did I explain that correctly?

 

[Sasquach]

Wow I guess salt is to blame?
Yes measure the axle perch center and this will be the same as the frame hanger centers, everything should be equal.

 

[83power]

Ok thanks, I will check it out and get back to you guys with better pictures if it doesn't.

thanks kindly
best

 

[tarry99]

The Shackle hanger should be in the middle of the frame same way as the front. You really need to get your new frame rails in there square and at the right length first.........the springs on that year should be 44" from eye to eye but not knowing if that spring is lifted may not help you in a measurement where to set the new hanger? You could measure the front frame hangers and the distance between the two should be the same. The pin in the middle of the spring is in the middle our at 22.060".........set the length and weld them up.........might want to check the rest of that frame......not sure I have ever seen one quite that bad.

 

[83power]

Ok , I measured and re-measured then I spot welded and re-measured my new rails, everything is square on that end of things.
Having said that, both Shackle hangers are showing on the side edge of each frame rail.
Would it make sense to loosen the u-bolts and align the springs and shackles???

Thanks to all for the advice

 

[tarry99]

Ok , I measured and re-measured then I spot welded and re-measured my new rails, everything is square on that end of things.
Having said that, both Shackle hangers are showing on the side edge of each frame rail.
Would it make sense to loosen the u-bolts and align the springs and shackles???

Thanks to all for the advice

Yes loosen the u-bolts and allow everything to settle to neutral.

But, I would be squaring that frame and hangers from front to back and side to side. Basically drawing an X from each corner.......both measurements should be the same..........you want the front and rear ends to be going in the same direction , that rear must be square with the front axle.