Stuck shackle

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   I'm replacing my front springs and knew I was going to be in for a challenge when I saw this:
The lower arm of the c-shackle was welded onto a large washer. Out came the grinder that made quick work of it. Then I went to put a wrench on the top and it was frozen solid. Out came the large breaker bar and nothing. I assumed this one might have been welded too. Unfortunately the grinder was too handy and I was too impatient. I ground off the exposed nut thinking I'd punch it through. However, in the moment I forgot that it is threaded into the bracket. Now I am left with this. 

Please excuse the rotated photo. I was able to unthread the c -shackle from the center but now I have the outer shell frozen to the bracket. Any ideas on how to remove it before I mess this up even more?

I've considered a hacksaw blade through the inside, cutting through in a few spots and then trying to collapse it in with a punch. 

I think the diameter is too large to drill it out and I'm not sure I could salvage the threads.

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markcl52 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 04 Dec. 2015 Location: Mass Status: Offline Points: 286	Post Options Post Reply Quote markcl52 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Stuck shackle Posted: 18 June 2019 at 3:48am
	I'm replacing my front springs and knew I was going to be in for a challenge when I saw this: The lower arm of the c-shackle was welded onto a large washer. Out came the grinder that made quick work of it. Then I went to put a wrench on the top and it was frozen solid. Out came the large breaker bar and nothing. I assumed this one might have been welded too. Unfortunately the grinder was too handy and I was too impatient. I ground off the exposed nut thinking I'd punch it through. However, in the moment I forgot that it is threaded into the bracket. Now I am left with this. Please excuse the rotated photo. I was able to unthread the c -shackle from the center but now I have the outer shell frozen to the bracket. Any ideas on how to remove it before I mess this up even more? I've considered a hacksaw blade through the inside, cutting through in a few spots and then trying to collapse it in with a punch. I think the diameter is too large to drill it out and I'm not sure I could salvage the threads.

redrunner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 01 Apr. 2016 Location: NW Iowa Status: Offline Points: 308	Post Options Post Reply Quote redrunner Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 June 2019 at 4:04am
	Here is one option.... https://walcks4wd.com/shackle-bracket-bushing-1941-1957-mb-gpw-cj-truck-4wd-wagon-4wd-sedan-delivery.html Here is another option.... https://walcks4wd.com/bracket-spring-shackle-front-r.html You will need a welder and/or a grinder.
	“Life is tough, but it’s tougher if you’re stupid.”

JeepFever Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2750	Post Options Post Reply Quote JeepFever Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 June 2019 at 4:08am
	There might be a better way, but if me, -> I would thread the cut piece of C-shackle back into that bushing about half way, weld the shackle to bushing, then back the "assembly" out. If the heat of welding does not break the bond between bushing and frame, then maybe some penetrating oil would help.

Rus Curtis Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 25 Mar. 2010 Location: Alabama Status: Offline Points: 1733	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rus Curtis Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 June 2019 at 2:39pm
	The shackle bushings need to be able to pivot so the shackle will work as designed. I was lucky and got my trailer shackles off with an impact wrench and lots of penetrant. There are many threads describing "how to" when welding a nut on to a broken bolt/stud. I would definitely try that. Heat and shock along with penetrant should break this loose. Be mindful the original shackles have left hand on left front and right rear. The bushing heads and the shackle itself is marked as well, but those are removed now. This is all in the S section in the Service Manual.
	Rus Curtis Alabama 1954 CJ3B Bantam T3-C

markcl52 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 04 Dec. 2015 Location: Mass Status: Offline Points: 286	Post Options Post Reply Quote markcl52 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 June 2019 at 9:05pm
	Thanks for the replies. I messed with it a little more today and I don't think I can get it out and still have the threads intact. I might just cut out the bushing and weld in a new one. Thanks for the link redrunner. Should be easier then messing with the rivets to replace the whole bracket. This will also give me an opportunity to try out my new welder.

binthere Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 29 Nov. 2010 Location: Cherryville B.C Status: Offline Points: 707	Post Options Post Reply Quote binthere Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 18 June 2019 at 10:53pm
	Aren't some of those left hand thread???
	chuck 1953 CJ3B "a fistfull of dollars" 1949 willys jeepster "a few dollars more" and a few other retirement toys

markcl52 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 04 Dec. 2015 Location: Mass Status: Offline Points: 286	Post Options Post Reply Quote markcl52 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 19 June 2019 at 12:06am
	I believe that the left hand thread ones are only on 2 corners and only on the leg that goes into the leaf spring. So the brackets are all right hand thread.

Ol' Unreliable Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 25 Sep. 2016 Location: CO Springs CO Status: Offline Points: 4226	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ol' Unreliable Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 19 June 2019 at 7:04pm
	I have a vague memory from 41 years ago that some of those bushings do have left-hand threads. I remember that I tightened them down too much and years later I couldn't get them loose when I wanted to.
	There's a reason it's called Ol' Unreliable

vidaliaman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 23 July 2018 Location: gowen mi Status: Offline Points: 181	Post Options Post Reply Quote vidaliaman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 19 June 2019 at 10:18pm
	just replaced my rears, yes half of the shackle is reverse threaded dave