I have a 1999 Chevy Blazer LT 4x4 with 30" Nexen Roadain MT'S. I am looking to lift via shackles and torsion crank. I did just put new shocks on two months ago.

My Blazer spent 10 years in NY before coming to Florida (Minor rust to frame)

I have attached a picture of my shackle to get opinions on the ease of removal.
Last week I was able to remove bumper bolts to install frame hitch.

Do you all think that that shackle is going to come off easily?? And do I have to remove rear shock bolt when changing shackles?

Thank You

Metalslug137

 

Just spray the bolts with some PB Blaster or your choice of penetrating oil 2-3 days before replacing the shackles. When I say 2-3 days before, that means 3-5 times each day. And, no, you don't need to remove shock bolts, just the rear bolt on the leaf spring.

 

Thanks man, i'll start soaking. Btw, I like the looks of your Blazer, especially thew winch.

 

But be prepared to do some cutting and burning. If you have access to a sawzall that will help and we had to use a small torch to remove the rubber bushings. Not saying they will be super hard, just that you should be prepared so if you do have to resort to cutting and burning you have the tools already.

 

You dont always have to burn them, I drilled the rubber all the way around then hammer and chiseled out the outer sleeve. Sometimes you get lucky and the bolt comes right out. Being a FLA truck that just may happen

 

I hope they come out that easy, it has some rust but it is not to the extreme. I have access to both sawzall, air hammer, and torch if needed. Maybe they'll come out as easy as the bumper hardware?

 

The problem comes with the bolts being rusted to the sleeves inside the bushing and the outer sleeve of the bushing being rusted to the eye of the leaf spring. If those two spots don't look too bad then you should be good. And if you don't plan on replacing the bushing then you won't have to worry about getting them out of the leaf spring.

 

^Shouldn't have said that. Murphy is always watching.

 

I remember using a ball joint press/clamp to squeeze the bolts out.

 

my 2000 zr2 bolts slid right out. Truck came from PA