002/003 shackle problem

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Do not tighten the shackle nuts until the suspension is fully loaded (sitting on the ground after suspension had been jounced a few times). Front spring eye also, although with rear of car jacked up under diff, front can be tightened easier and still be ok. Still use jackstands to be safe, just not quite contacting axle tubes.
 
I shimmed my SS spings 1" back and used sliders for the rear.
Chances are they will de arch a bit over time and extend some.
 
Do not tighten the shackle nuts until the suspension is fully loaded (sitting on the ground after suspension had been jounced a few times). Front spring eye also, although with rear of car jacked up under diff, front can be tightened easier and still be ok. Still use jackstands to be safe, just not quite contacting axle tubes.

Also beware of over tightening the shackle nuts...

I know with the Mancini replacement shackles, the nut will break the shackle off if you try to torque to service manual spec... With those, you get them a little past snug or they will break... I always order or have an extra shackle in case I break one... Once you break one, you will have the feel for how tight to make them before they break...
 
Thank you guys for all the helpful tips. I replaced both shackles because the old didn't move freely. After bolting them back up, I left the shackle nuts loose and put a little pressure on the springs. Then, with a crowbar on the shackle I got it to flip. Once the car was on the ground and jounced on a few times, it looks pretty good. I didn't over tighten the shackles, just a little past snug and they move how they should. Plus, the angle will only get better as they sag. I took it for a drive and it all looks good to me. How close to the floor should I set the adjustable pinion snubber? This will primarily be a street car daily driver, maybe track day at end of summer. The slapper bars are only there because I needed the spring plate and helps the look IMO.
Driver side
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Passenger side
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I just installed the same springs on my 68 Dart GTS but I put both 002's on mine and I'm glad I read your post as my rear shackles are exactly the same way on both side. I haven't taken it off the jack stands yet as I'm waiting for my new shocks. Holy S$%T now what the hell do I do.

After looking at the photo's from the original OP's thread I was really concerned as my 002 SS springs looked the same way. I finally got my new shocks installed got everything back together and when I got the car off of the jack stands and back on the ground I didn't have to do anything to the shackles except tighten them up once it was on the ground. The shackles fell right into position without using a crow bar. Took it out for a ride and the ride is firm but really not bad at all. The main thing is I now have plenty of clearance for my 245/60/15 in the rear as my wheel lip is almost to the top of the tire, I now have 1 1/2" clearance between the wheel lip and tires that are on the car now and my new rims have almost a inch more backspace than my current ones.
 
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