655 South Lincoln Ave San Bernardino Ca. 92408
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Kit #104SH Installation Instructions

Parts List:

  • 4 shackle halves
  • 2 Ex-thick thrust washers, .620"
  • 4 1/2x20 stove lock nuts
  • 4 Thick thrust washers, .225"
  • 2 Alum Ft. eyelet bushings
  • 4 Thin thrust washers, .150"
  • 2 Alum Frame bushings
  • 6 Long grease fittings
  • 2 Alum Rear eyelet bushings
  • 2 Round plates, 21/2"x1/4" thick
  • 6 Bushing inserts
  • 2 Special steel washers, .125"
  • 2 Ft. bushing steel sleeves
  • 2 .100" EX thin thrust washers

We recommend that a competent shop install this shackle & bushing kit. Hydraulic presswork and special tools are required to install frame bushings. We strongly recommend reading these instructions at least once before installation is attempted.

  1. Remove the rear leaf springs from the vehicle.
  2. Remove the original rubber shackle bushings from the car's frame and thoroughly clean the frame hole, removing all traces of dirt and rust to allow easy installation of the new bushing.
  3. You will notice that two of the Del-a-Lum bushings have no lips and the 9/32" grease fitting holes at the end of the bushings are not tapped. These are the frame bushings. In Step 6 you will be installing these two bushings into the vehicle's frame, with the 9/32" holes located on the inboard side of the car. Make a mental note that the grease fitting holes on all the bushings must be in a location that will be easily accessible when the vehicle is complete and sitting on the ground.
  4. Press out the original spring eyelet bushings and press in the new Del-a-lums. Grease fittings should be located on the inboard side of the vehicle.
  5. To insure proper spring alignment, the front eyelet bushings must be pressed in all the way to the bushing's lip. Spacing for the rear eyelet bushings is exact as well and they must be pressed in all the way to their lip. Grease fittings should be on the inboard side.
  6. Rear frame bushings must be installed from the outboard side of the vehicle. Do Not attempt installation from the inboard side, the bushings will not go in from this direction. Install the two frame bushings now, making sure that the 9/32"holes in the bushings will be located on the inboard side of the vehicle when you are finished. Once again, these holes should be lined up so that they are in a position that will allow easy access to the grease fittings. When the bushings are properly installed, they will be flushed with the frame, with the grease fitting holes on the inboard side. Installation Hint: You can fabricate a simple press to facilitate bushing installation by using a section of threaded rod, two flat plates and two nuts. Drill a hole through the center of both plates and use the tool to pull the bushing into place in the frame. Remember- the bushing must be installed from the outboard side.
  7. Drill a #3 hole in the frame rail housing, exactly in line with the 9/32" hole in the frame bushing. Tap the hole with a 1/4x28 threads and install the long grease fittings provided.
  8. Install the bushing inserts next. Lubricate them before you assemble. We recommend the use of waterproof synthetic grease such as Neo Z-12 for assembly. The two round steel washers, 21/2"x1/4" thick, must now be welded in place on the frame. They are in the location of the front eyelet of the rear spring, on the outboard side. You will see that they have a very nice step machined into one side. This step indexes into the hole in the front spring hangar. We recommend TIG welding for this operation.
  9. Following the diagram at the very bottom of this page, place the thrust washer on each side of the front eyelet bushing and slide the bolt into place. Torque the nut to factory specifications. Prepare the rear shackle kit by locating the washer in accordance with the diagram below:

10. Shackle halves are installed as follows: The bolt on the outboard shackle half goes through the frame and the bolt on the inboard shackle half goes through the spring eyelet bushing.

11. Torque all shackle bolts at 15-25 ft lbs. Do not over-tighten! Over tightening results in slow bushing reaction and harsh ride.

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