If I didn't bash my finger--and get pissed off--and had more time I would've tried to finish the job, but I have to go to work and this is my daily driver so I have to just bite the bullet and have the mechanic do the job for me. It really bites but I really don't have a choice. I'm borrowing a 2001 blazer w/leather and I'm getting spoiled driving it now!

 

Sorry to hear that. Time is def not one pressure you want when working on a ride.
well at least your shackles got you home safe...looks like that could have been on really bad day if they failed.

 

id melt them suckas with a torch and just put new ones in

make sure you have some water to cool them off and an fire extinguisher just in case

 

I'm getting into this job also. It's too late to call the dealer and have been searching on line for the past few hours looking for shackles. My searching isn't going so well. Advance auto parts guy said dealer or get someone to make them. Any other ideas on a source for spring shackles for a 1996 4 door 4x4?

 

Here is what I came up with today.

1982-2005 Chevy / GMC S10 (9/16 Bolt) - Rear of Rear Shackle Kit - M1755 | $24.95

Now all I have to do is get it apart. I'll update when I receive parts and get them on.

 

i used a ball joint press to get mine out... put as much tension ont as possible, then whack the press rod with the sledge, cracked th rust bond easy, spray with pb then tap out bolt...

 

I cheated! Went down to the local garage and had the guy run the air wrench on them. Took them all the way out and greased the bolts then hand tightened them for the ride home. After that I changed them both out in about an hour. Made for a nice easy job. Good luck with yours.

 

I think Chevy Dave had the best idea. I just wish I would of thought of that when I had it in to get an inspection (fail) and it was up on the rack. I'm in the process of drilling my bushings out. Three out of four bolts were froze. On the bright side this job has given me a reason to buy a sawzall.

 

i had a question about replacing the leaf spring shackles. i have an 01 blazer. got one of the shackles down, but it looks as if there are two bushings per shackle? one on top and one on the bottom... but the kit i bought only has one bushing...... the one for the bottom. is it ok to not put the second one back in (the one on the top)?

 

depends if you damaged the bushing removing the bolt, if it looks good and isnt falling apart, then no, you don't need to replace it