A leaf hanger problem and solution.

[TrailBeast]

Some may remember this issue with my leaf spring hangers.
In my normal daily driving I do a ton of cornering and it took a toll on the spring shackles.

It cost less than 20 bucks to build two sets of tougher ones.
1/4 thick and 1.5 inch wide plate steel, 1/2 grade 5 bolts and nylon lock nuts.
The poly bushings have a 1.5 inch shoulder so these new shackles fit those perfectly.

When I make a change I don’t post it until it’s tested for months to be safe and effective, so here it is.
The destroyed hangers and the new ones.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Very nice. I ASSume you used a regular bolt with a hex head on the other side? I always thought that splined, small head pressed in boosheet was chinsey and cheap. You proved it.

 

[toolmanmike]

Some may remember this issue with my leaf spring hangers.
In my normal daily driving I do a ton of cornering and it took a toll on the spring shackles.

It cost less than 20 bucks to build two sets of tougher ones.
1/4 thick and 1.5 inch wide plate steel, 1/2 grade 5 bolts and nylon lock nuts.
The poly bushings have a 1.5 inch shoulder so these new shackles fit those perfectly.

When I make a change I don’t post it until it’s tested for months to be safe and effective, so here it is.
The destroyed hangers and the new ones.

View attachment 1716360565

View attachment 1716360566

View attachment 1716360567

Nice job on the shackles too.

 

[TrailBeast]

Nice job on the shackles too.

Thanks Mike.
I looked up new stock hangers at about 40 bucks, but they would have just done the same.
Thankfully the nutted side stayed on.
It tore the pressed sides out.

 

[TrailBeast]

Very nice. I ASSume you used a regular bolt with a hex head on the other side? I always thought that splined, small head pressed in boosheet was chinsey and cheap. You proved it.

Yes, it’s a standard grade 5 bolt.
I made a set that I cut the head off and welded the shank into the plate because I moved the hanger brackets inboard front and back for tire clearance.
Then when I saw I had the clearance for the bolt head I made this new set.
You might notice the hanger brackets need to be removed if these ever need to be serviced.
I don’t mind that, as it’s easy enough to do.
I made a 2 inch longer than stock set as well, because I wanted 1 more inch of lift in the back.
These are on the car now.
I am going to get a center drilled aluminum block where the center bolt goes through and then that bolt can be tightened down against that stabilizing the heck out of them.

 

[RustyRatRod]

The only thing I wouldda done different.....because I'm just anal retentive like that is gone with grade 8 bolts. But still, nice work!

 

[TrailBeast]

The only thing I wouldda done different.....because I'm just anal retentive like that is gone with grade 8 bolts. But still, nice work!

Grade 8 can suddenly snap.
Grade 5 would only bend but stay attached.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Grade 8 can suddenly snap.
Grade 5 would only bend but stay attached.

Maybe so, but I'm hard headed. lol

 

[TrailBeast]

Maybe so, but I'm hard headed. lol

Grade 8 hardware obviously has its place, but not where a sudden let go could be disastrous.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Grade 8 hardware obviously has its place, but not where a sudden let go could be disastrous.

Like you almost had happen! That wouldda sucked.