LEAF SPRING REAR SHACKLE

[Mopar Mitch]

70 T/A Challenger -- I've seen different length rear shackles.. with the same OE reference part number, except... with actual different lengths... not much.. maybe ~1/4-1/2" inch at most.   I personally witnessed this about ~30+ years ago while changing rear leafs (naturally, after this observation, I chose the shorter length part for my car... it may have Moog or TRW as the replacement from the broken OE part).

While working on a buddy's restored T/A, I snapped one of the shackle studs... they are weak and brittle, despite new, my experience is that they break easily if slightly over-tightened.

Can anyone comment on the rear shackles -- different sizes/lengths?  A suggested OE replacement part?   I'm searching for spare OE parts in my collection boxes, etc... may have to get an aftermarket, such as Moog.

Time is getting critical... MCACN show (Chicago-Rosemont, IL) coming up for the debut of the restored T/A.
 

[60K T/A]

This is a survivor shackle

[Mopar Mitch]

60K T/A -- T/Anks for the photos... they match the OE as I thought!   Can you tell me the center-to-center length (inches)?

I did just happen to find a spare old original one in my parts collection late last night... need to clean and prep it for re-install, assuming its the same length as the other good shackle still on my friend's T/A (not knowing IF the new replacement shackles on his car were/are OE or aftermarket, perhaps Moog or other).

T/Anks again!

[dakota]

I have a base model 70 Challenger.  The center to center distance between the bolts on my OE shackles is 4.0". 

[60K T/A]

4.0 inches

[burdar]

Don't throw the broken one away.  If it's in good shape other then the end twisted off, you can just cut a bolt to length and weld it on.  No one will ever know.

I've got broken end link studs that I'm holding on to.  If I ever need them, I'll have some threaded rod welded onto the ends instead of paying $50 for replacements.

[Mopar Mitch]

Well.... sure enough... the factory OE shackle length is 4" center-to-center... just measured my old original spare one... and compared it to another that's never been removed from a Challenger... 4".

The aftermarket (Moog and/or Dorman) are shorter at 3.75" (1/4 shorter!)..... Moog is pretty dominant in the aftermarket... not certain about the Dorman.   TRW was likely the OE supplier, as they (TRW) had dominance with the big-3 for chassis/suspension/steering components on the assembly lines and OE service parts.

So.. IF you'd want OE factory original rear shackles, you have to have the ones that are at 4" center-to-center.

IF you want to slightly lower the rear of the car and help with improved handling (many other factors also required), OR else, IF 100% factory originality isn't within the picture, then install the aftermarket shackles... at 3.75" center-to-center length.

If it really matters to anyone, hopefully a phone call to a supplier (or parts store) would get the answer to what you're buying.... the physical measurement needs to be taken.

 

[60K T/A]

Lower is better!