[IronNam]

What can I do to adjust the Ackermann steering angle of my truck. Making it turn tighter would be nice.

and how do you guys properly install a leaf spring shackle?


the two of mine in the rear are.... sorta.... off.

 

[kamesama980]

you mean the ackerman length? the angle will just make hte tires scrub on turns, shorter length will change the leverage and speed of steering as well as the ultimate limit (more rotation of the spindle per movement of the steering assy). that's one of those new-custom-spindle or machine work type things.

shackles: lift the truck by the frame so the weight is off the leaves. if the shackles are broken it's easy and you can just let the axle sit on the tires. then take the bolts out by any means necessary (hammer, pneumatics, fire). lift up on the diff with a jack till the new shackles are lined up and bolt them on.

 

[IronNam]

alright, last time i tried bolting them on, it just "turns" the whole shackle with the bolt.

 

[kamesama980]

so they thread directly into the shackle? can you stick both bolts in finger tight then torque them? that way the leaf holds it steady.

 

[Jayota]

IF there is too much corrosion in the shackle hardware you are fighting a loosing battle.

Usually by this time the bushings are getting there anyways, might want to replace the bushings at the same time (cut hardware, burn out bushings etc...)

 

[IronNam]

yeah, bushings need to be replaced.

i can get the nuts back on the bolts, but when i'm at the point where i'm torqueing down the whole shackle assembly, it'll pull the shackle to the frame, depending on which side.

 

[kamesama980]

let it hit the frame and hold itself that way?

 

[Jayota]

what kinda torque can you get on the nut before it rotates the shackle?

It might help to jack up the front opposite side so the shackle gets closer to the frame so it'l just bottom out.