10 minute challenge! Rusty Chevy Shackle replacement

Yes, this truck has 300,000km on it and has a broken shackle. I want to see if i can, with all my training and expertise, replace this shackle in under 10 minutes. I know it seems impossible, but you'll just have to watch and see for yourself.
Purchase the shackle used in this Video 330-175: simcoespring.com/products/330...
Fits: 1988-2018 Chevy/GMC 1500 4x2 & 4x4
1997-2003 Ford F150 4x2 & 4x4
1983-2008 Ford Ranger 4x2 & 4x4
Check out our store: simcoespring.com/
Follow me on Instagram: / simcoe_spring
Follow me on TicTok: www.tiktok.com/@simcoespring?...
‪@AndrewReuter‬ ‪@SouthMainAuto‬ ‪@chrisfix‬

[@mattmerritt1040]

Only real techs and home mechanics in the north can appreciate this. Even 20 minutes is outstanding! I was even more impressed with the speed you were able to operate your torch at... Bravo kind sir!

[@Scratchingforcash]

Just did both on my 2000 Chevy Box truck 80,000 Miles today. 4-hours of knuckle bleeding, cussing, sweating hard work and you do it in 16 minutes? Wow, I guess you can’t beat a man at his trade. Excellent video! I wish mine we done in that time. Lol. Absolutely impressive bro.

[@simcoespring]

4 hours. Not bad for first time. They can be some of the hardest bolts to remove.

[@jamesadams893]

It sure makes it a lot easier to stand underneath the vehicle rather than on your back with no room to move

[@simcoespring]

yes, I would not want to do this without a pit. Makes my job doable.

[@Owenwatkins-oc6xk]

@@simcoespring That's exactly what I'm doing. It sucks!

[@cavX2]

Take the box off it’s 8 bolts seems like a lot more work but it’s really not when you can do it all standing

[@AndrewReuter]

As a person who took six months to do this, seeing you do it in less than 20 minutes was awesome! Nice job! (No surprise that you got dirt in your eye, even with the safety glasses, considering the PURE FILTH underneath these trucks.) The true source here for how to do this job. Congrats!

[@simcoespring]

Thanks. Means a lot coming from you. I've been enjoying your channel quite a bit. I'm definitely not anywhere close to the wood crafter you are.

[@jaroszewicz33]

OMG ! I'm going to do this on the weekend and was dreading it. Now I'm freaking stoked for the 20 minute mark. YEEHAW!

[@rodgarcia6563]

Just did this same job but i should have watched this video before i started! It took me 5 hrs of hell, for both sides though lol. I have an air hammer and cut a stubby like you did but I don't have an oxy acetylene torch, just a hand torch. Need one for sure. Great video, thx!

[@leftybickel9877]

Thank you for this video, I only had a mapp gas but it did the job. It turned a weekend nightmare into a 2 hour part replacement on a rust belt truck that was performed after work. 👍

[@simcoespring]

Glad I could help. These can always turn into a nightmare

[@dirtyjobs3995]

Hats off to you, we have done this job a few times and no where even close to your time! Oh and thanks for sharing your method

[@paulradzwilowicz4900]

Scott, Great video, Your heating method with the air Hammer works great! Very impressive on how fast you get the job done.

[@paoloviti6156]

Hi, I'm half Italian and half Swedish, that said I can't refrain from commenting how much rust those pickups get from rain, snow and above all salt making your life so difficult sometimes. In countries like Sweden there are a lot of car wash that you can wash underneath with powerful jet wash, both cold and warm to wash off the salt. A much recommended procedure to do every once a while which I personally do it both on the cars and tractors too. But I have seen too many drivers skip this simple procedure not to mention what they don't even do check the oil level. Good job 👍 again

[@suekurrle6754]

You know I'm researching this repair I need done tomorrow.. @300,000 km on my Silverado 8' Delivery Pickup which I drive through the car wash regularly getting underbody wash, we here still have rusted out fenders and tons of rust on every nut and Bolt. Its never the Motors that Blow on Silverado Trucks! It's the Stress of Shit Roads. This 20 yo amazing machine really can't be Beat. As a metro Detroit 365 day a year Driver (through Rains, Ice, Sleet, Slush, Snow and God-Awful SALT). . I gotta say, 🙏May you Paolo never be as manipulated to Lease $70,000 new Big 3 Vehicles yearly! We in Michigan had Government that refused to update and fix our crumbled, Potholed, piece of shit, purposely dilapidated damn roads. Thankfully we have now a Democratic Governor who campaigned to "FIX THE DAMNED ROADS!" They are now ALL being renovated a massive overhaul, by our grand Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Thanks be to Her and the Voters! 🙏❤️😎 🚘 a 100,000 miles are At least nowadays there's full Aluminum shields covering the underbelly chassis of the modern Electric Battery Cars in production and hopefully for our American made Hydrogen powered Vehicles we expect soon. Now if we could just get rid of Wheels Rust and Roads. . Like The 'Jetsons' Personal Transport vehicles! Our Michigan Mechanics of old school Detroit stock are amazing though their population is dwindling with The Cell phone Generation of Lazy Boys with ZERO Muscle. For now we dread these Repairs. Especially us lower Paid Women! Believe You Me. 🤞

[@chrisdutton2329]

Haha. Found this video after getting home from Autoland Delhi. Pulled a pair of springs from a 2011 for my 2007-1/2. Waiting on shackles and I can get started. Good tips that I’ll be employing thanks.

[@Lizardprez69]

This is where the m12 stubby impact is a life saver

[@williamstubbs9737]

My thoughts exactly! yes, I do have one. Also gear wrenches , and shallow well impacts would have shaved some time.

[@mikem1406]

I'm performing this job at home right now. I don't care if it's "cheating". The only thing I'm lacking is the air hammer. I have one, just need to access it. Thanks for the video. I'm sure it will help me out!.

[@kaylex44]

That was a fun watch, good job!

[@simcoespring]

thanks brother =)

[@robertjackson3698]

you are amazing got 5 hours on the bottom going for the leaf spring hope i can do half as good as you THANKS

[@johnpratt9429]

GREAT video! That job is a TOTAL PITA! Lots of fun without a hot wrench🔥.

[@deanmay144]

I'm here in n.ky.,got an 89 Silverado,never easy but the heat and air chisel def makes it easier for sure, good video bud👍

[@mikerolla5601]

That was excellent! 16 minutes is awesome! Took me ~18hrs without power tools.

[@simcoespring]

if only i didn't forget some tools it would have been down to 14 minutes hehe

[@archiecarpenter7458]

Had I known. Great video it took me days while struggling. I did not have a cutting torch. Thanks it will make next time easier but never to do it that fast for me. Lol

[@simcoespring]

I think the heating of the bolts are really important. it really frees up the rust and lets it break down

[@Gr33kChief]

just watched a normal dude doing this and i was scolding him for not doing it right and i couldnt understand why. Then i remembered ive been watching you guys work on this for the last two days, ive learned a lot lol

[@matthewpalm7484]

Holy hell this dude is fast, I highly doubt my 05 G35 has this much rust on it's eccentric bolts but at least I know what to do when I need to do it now

[@collinaire]

Impressive a.f. I love it. You're awesome

[@Owenwatkins-oc6xk]

That was freak'n impressive!

[@1966badnova]

1st power wash it. Then give it a good soaking of penetrant. Drive it. Rinse it so the torch doesn't light the up the penetrant Then do your thing. Still an awesome attempt. Much respect.

[@douglasthompson2740]

I envy you! I have almost never had a shackle rust through that the bracket itself was also gone. Many require you to move the gas tank to get to the backside of the frame to bolt the new brackets on as well. Seems much easier to just pull the bed on trucks. I call cheat on reusing old bushings! That is usually a big part of the fun game as well!

[@mattyboyz16]

Wow this took me 6-7 hours on the weekend and i have all the same tools minus the chisel, i even pulled my box off to gain access, presses out the sleeves with the bolt used oxy fuel to separate them, no one had bushings so i welded a custom Press to press the sleeves in for the bolts and i torched out the old shit lmao installation was smooth and my trucks back on the road but good work man when i need to do the other side ill try this

[@mattyboyz16]

update; the driver side shackle broke, i did it this way and it works much faster, i live like 30 mins down the road i should have just took the truck down to simcoe eh .. time is money

[@dkdj5]

Still impressive! Took me weeks to do my Blazer.

[@racerx2084]

Nice, I’m about to do this on my 02 1500hd on both sides. Luckily my bed is off and I only have to worry about the bolt going through the leaf spring. Unluckily the bed is off bc I’m replacing 3 crossmembers and the hanger it self. So yay. I like the cut the bolt and use the nut as a centering tool for the chisel.

[@kevingoring212]

Thanks! I used almost all of your techniques to accomplish this task. I would add that just removing the bed made this way, way easier... if you have that option.

[@KS-dg5zh]

I just did one a 2500hd.what I did for the lower bolt is torch off both the head and the threaded end and spread the frame mount to pop it out .(this with the hitch mount in the way).for the upper I torched off the 10mm hex before the the thread and was able to air hammer out the upper bolt after a couple heat cycles. Lots of ny state dirt and rust lol

[@wilfredbrown8033]

wow even that time was amazing ive fought them bastards for hours will try your way thnks for the video

[@stevem5139]

Shout out from New Jersey I know that smell anywhere! Nice work

[@simcoespring]

Appreciate it!!

[@jackfentress0281]

Still pretty impressive. We always run into a stubborn bolt or 2.

[@johnscheffler1514]

You did good.

[@ashylarry1589]

This is my first time catching you guys on here. I like people who just want to get things done so I’m subscribed. With that in mind, I’m not trying to be a naysayer at all so I hope you don’t take it that way. I have to say, though with this shackle install that leafspring bushing got melted. I know this was a challenge and you were against the clock but that really needed to be replaced. It was compromised.

[@simcoespring]

I wouldn't have re-used it if it was compromised. If you get the heat on fast and get the bolt out fast the rubber doesn't have time to melt. if it melts the outside 1/64" of the outside of the rubber then 99.9% of the bushing is still fine. it is the internal structure that matters. The bushing had more damage from the 15 years it was in the vehicle than the damage we do to them changing them out. if it was my own vehicle at this age I'd just put 2 new springs it with all new hardware. it can go from a $155.00 job to a 775.00 job if we do a whole refurbish/rebuild on the rear suspension. if you go this far, change the Ubolts, front bushings, rear bushings, shackles and the plastic pads in the springs. not the job we where hired for.

[@michaeldavis3487]

You differently know what you are doing, great job and good info, I have 2000 Silverado one spring support broke off, should I go ahead and replace both sides, thx again for you sharing your info

[@species8472nl]

Pure entertainment 😂

[@glengilbert9904]

good job i pass your shop live 30 min. away

[@jacobmacdougal2529]

It works I tried it!

[@dustin3876]

So basically I have another 4 hours to get my second bolt out. Fantastic

[@9013kota]

Wow awesome

[@209Stretch]

Nice work either way⏲

[@donvoll2580]

Good day from Kitchener Waterloo. Boy I am 73 with serious asthma, watching the timer & seeing nut not coming. My wife friend live in Renton My 2013 has a problem Good video I did sub & rang bell Thanks for now

[@aaronjensen5503]

Very impressive! This job sucks. I am very jealous of the number of tools at hand. But hey, it's your trade. I got so sick of the cramped corners that I got mad and pulled my box off. Made a world of difference. Let's be honest, it's not hard to pull the box, and it's kind of nice to get a look at what else is going on under there once and a while. Nice job!

[@sebouharakelian3586]

by box, you mean you pulled your entire bed off or? impressive.

[@aaronjensen5503]

​@sebouharakelian3586 yes, truck box. (Bed) Glad I did to. Then I was able to give a bunch of other attention to everything back there. I live in the rust belt. Trust me, it needed a little love. Good to go now.

[@MissyMuthaTruckiN]

i gotta get this done 😢 my mechanic dont seem so thrilled

[@downby76]

I'm about to go get some PB blaster

[@Barbarossa_BuildsLLC]

That is custom tools made, for a certain job, in a certain area, over time. This is knowledge over time, and that is power. Being from Ohio, we know the deal.

[@jasonwilson6043]

Great video, and absolutely not knocking anything. I greatly appreciate this kind of stuff. I am just curious if the heat/flame messes up the leaf spring bushing? Also curious if you have any speed techniques in getting them out and the new one in!

[@govsux1]

I used a torch to help get the upper bolt out. Yea it caught the bushing on fire a bit but as long as you don't let it burn for long time it doesn't hurt them from my experience. Mine came with new bushings didn't even bother replacing them it was enough of a PITA already LOL

[@billybowbob2071]

"Can I do it in 10 minutes?" Me: checks the video time length; "No. It'll take 23 minutes"

[@blkcoupequattro]

It would be nice if the factory would grease those when they put those in. As an alternative, you can always tell your customers to come back after loosening the shackle bolts in few months, that will give them time to loosen themselves in those rusty eye bushing..... lol

[@moyenkeno6434]

Living in northern Ontario with no service centres near where I live and only accessible by ice roads in the winter months and I know this is a common struggle we I mean I deal with as a home mechanic with no schooling or nothing I am inspired to make a KZbin channel on the struggles we deal with living in an isolated town I live in and all the tools needed to do this kinda job is not cheap to get. Even the gas for torch is not available anywhere near here …. But I get the job done with what I have and it ain’t fun …

[@simcoespring]

dang that is crazy. I know that the remote villages have to plan months in advance to even have access to parts and basic supplies. and it is all expensive

[@djmips]

Even a MAP gas torch should help. If you can get that.

[@caddyguy5369]

Get to tackle this in a little bit on my dads 03. I'm a mechanic, but I don't think ill be aiming for the 10 min mark.

[@fyrman9092]

Something I've noticed is to take suspension work to a spring shop for a pickup rather than the dealer.

[@rayclark9643]

Still a very respectable time!

[@simcoespring]

Thanks, I was disappointed in not reaching the 10 minute mark, however still happy with the results.

[@johnjohannemann1220]

You still get an A for effort 👍🏻

[@simcoespring]

I might have to try it again some day. Not on an easy one but on one of these hard ones.

[@johnjohannemann1220]

@@simcoespring Just remember if it was that easy to do anyone would do it. Love what you guys do. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing.

[@simcoespring]

@@johnjohannemann1220 I just want people to know that they Can be done. I do it every day.

[@johnjohannemann1220]

@@simcoespring no doubt !!

[@C0wMan]

Wouldn’t heating it up with a torch melt the rubber that in the leaf spring?

[@djmips]

Why do you not heat both ends of the bolt? It seems like it could creep faster if you attacked from both sides.

[@Slick1G3]

whats the shackle part number for a 2002 gmc seirra 2500 HD

[@Barbaratio]

Lol, I used my Milwaukee high torque with a shallow 10 to get the bolts out. About 300K miles in Ohio winter. These do suck.

[@richardrichard5409]

That's the best way, just hit it with heat, leave the penetrating snake oils to the DIY boys

[@bangs2ndshotgarage865]

Man that is pretty slick. Gonna have to try it on my s10 blazer here. The only thing though is the spring bushing still good after getting it that hot? Do you have any tricks on how to get them out easy?

[@simcoespring]

the trick is to get them hot quickly with a torch. if you do it over a long period of time then everything just gets too hot and starts melting everything. its is a fine balance of heat and air chiseling.

[@turboflacko946]

Oii thanks man I'm in Canada at 640,000+KMS I'ma use the air chisel tm

[@michaelloyd7571]

Nice try! From Atlas Spring & Axle. Wichita Kansas

[@simcoespring]

Next time!

[@matthewnegrete6230]

Don't worry, its been a whole week and I just removed the passengers leaf spring off my XJ, hoping the driver side is better.

[@simcoespring]

try this technique - let me know if it helps kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWKqmWNtZpmWkKM

[@ripnk6950]

What type of jack/lift is that?

[@anthonyiannone7618]

also if you weld a nut on your short air hammer bit it will stay centered over the bolt threads just like your doing but in reverse and then you can just torch the nut in half and get it out of the way saving you some time

[@djmips]

Not a bad idea but note that he often uses his air hammer to push right inside of the bushing when pushing out rusted up bolts.

[@anthonyiannone7618]

@@djmips yea then he would have to switch back to a straight punch

[@tristencox3907]

A trick I’ve used is to cut the head of and take the nut off stack some washers and tighten the nut pulling the bolt through

[@swchannel6147]

Exactly, definitely the way to do it

[@salatiello1956]

I have the bed off of my 2010 Silverado in order to replace the shock mount cross members. I'm sure the time to do this job is now (100% easier access to everything). How do you recommend to get the frame brackets off (3 rivets and a bolt)?

[@simcoespring]

ususally just grind the heads off the rivets and then pop them out with a punch or an air chisel

[@ricjohnson84]

Pride cometh before a great fall . Lol

[@simcoespring]

you don't know if you can do it or not if you don't try.

[@user-hw7uy1yn8k]

I have to do this on my 2009 Chevy silverado, but I would think a cutoff wheel would be a lot faster, cut both ends of the bolt, then tap it out, let me know if this is a good idea or a bad idea, I’m replacing the shackle and the mount or opposing piece what’re ever it might be called. The piece attached to the frame.

[@simcoespring]

it is really hard to get a grinder inbetween the frame and the shackle, if you do that, I would cut as much of the shackle away as you can to make it smaller so you can get into there with other tools.

[@salatiello1956]

One more question. Scott. Have you ever tried heating the shackle bolts and then rapidly quenching them? I've had good success with this on other rusty bolts, not necessarily on spring shackles but wonder if it would work here too?

[@simcoespring]

nope. I could give that a try

[@bobmoore8321]

Will it not need a new bush in the spring after being set alight

[@djmips]

It'll be fine. 😂 Just a little surface scarring.

[@999benhonda]

Was it just me, or was the shackle pocket weak as well? Seemed pretty flexible

[@stevenrobinson9610]

Please do reviews on the tools you use or recommend. Have you created your own tools?

[@davidsuperdavelarson6174]

Are you kidding?

[@anthonyiannone7618]

i bet you could have done in 10 mins if you would have just torched out the remaining part of the shackle ,as there was nothing there to save , and spent the remaining time on the spring bolt

[@davidsuperdavelarson6174]

A grinder works about as fast and with less heat issues.

[@prestonjmathis]

I thought it would be an easy 4 bolt swap, ended up reinstalling nuts and watching a bunch of your videos. Probably going to Sawzall bolts and replace. Don't have oxy-acetelyne torch. Just map gas. No air chisel either.

[@simcoespring]

yes, most people end up grinding or sawzalling them out, which is going to require a bushing replacement as well. So prepare for that.

[@davidsuperdavelarson6174]

@@simcoespring Oh it does not!

[@govsux1]

I definitely need to add to my tool chest that air chisel tip that captures an end of a bolt. All I have is a pin or chisel just bounces right off. Useless. Just spent several minutes looking on Amazon fior that if anybody see's it please post and let me know!!

[@simcoespring]

the other tip is to thread the nut onto the bolt, cut the end of the bolt flush and then back the nut 1/2 way off. That way you can stick the air chisel into the nut and use it as a "holder" just make sure that the nut doesn't fall off

[@animus13racer]

Might be stupid question but couldn't you cut the lower bolt with a sawzall on either side to remove?

[@simcoespring]

I don't like using the sawzall on the bottom bolts, not enough room to work, too easy to cut into the hanger. I can't risk that on a customer's vehicle.

[@oldman9642]

Maybe a stupid question but why not put anti seize or grease on the bolt shaft to help prevent this kind of problem, especially with cars lasting longer.

[@simcoespring]

I did plaster never seize on the bolts before I installed them. we didn't install the bolts in the factory we are just a mechanic garage.

[@robertsmith616]

Not 10 minutes but not bad at all a

[@simcoespring]

I now realize that 10 minutes is a tough ask for these shackles. However I will attempt again in the future.

[@fordnut4914]

Ford rangers had same issue.

[@simcoespring]

yes, did a ton of ford rangers and 1997-2003 F150s...so many. Seems like that is all I did when I first started here

[@BillySBC]

Yeah but you heated up the leaf bushing rubber so much that it's probably toast now too.

[@rileywalker9862]

I can get the top bolt out 😤

[@robs8754]

Everytime I do this job the bolt get stuck in the sleeve for the bushings on the spring!! Suck time killer!!

[@simcoespring]

Yes, these bolts are ALWAYS welded into the sleeves with rust.

[@thepoopsoup]

Why do the manufacturers put the bolt heads to the in side of the frame?

[@simcoespring]

great question, I believe it is for the ease of installation on the factory assembly lines, they don't care how they go in or in which direction....just whichever is easiest for the assembler/robot that puts these together.

[@davidsuperdavelarson6174]

Dose not matter as a rule is only an issue when the truck has a towing receiver added.

[@edwinmadera8755]

Tried this my self better off going to the professional

[@j3a3k3e5]

What if I don't have a torch or air?

[@fyrman9092]

Based on this video, you're kinda effed... No amount of swearing or bloody knuckles are going to make up for the effort those tools provide.

[@j3a3k3e5]

@@fyrman9092 to true! 😆🤣😂

[@edpinner6059]

Do ya torque shackle when all the weight is on the tires??

[@simcoespring]

yes, all bolts should be tightened when the weight is on the vehicle.

[@edpinner6059]

@@simcoespring I fallowed all your tips and shackle came off fairly easy I’m in New Jersey so we don’t get killer salt here …. My problem is bracket broke that is riveted to frame having a hard time locating it 2500hd Silverado

[@sebatkarfedai]

No shocks

[@jojib7621]

Catches the bushing on fire. Doesn't replace it.

[@kjoe5532]

You jinxed yourself by saying the top bolt comes out fairly easy. lol

[@michaelhancock9636]

My top bolt is broken and seized in the bushing sleeve. It isn't coming out easily.

[@davidsuperdavelarson6174]

For someone who works in a spring shop and then claims what 20 years experience? I had to laugh at his way of doing this several times. I have replaced a few of these in my time and a spring man told me how. I guess if I wanted to time myself I could probably beat your time but why bother is my stance as in what's the point? I don't need a torch and the man who told how to do it does not use them either. Oh BTW I don't have a pit to stand in. But I'll say I avg 30 minutes and thats with jacking my jaws and probably a beer or cold coke as well.

[@simcoespring]

Yet you don't say your technique or how it was done. you have no proof other than the word you typed, which are worthless.

[@CHEVYK10]

There is no wrong way

[@ryanallen5334]

That bushing is destroyed now that you heated the living piss out of it and caught it on fire

[@turboflacko946]

Or I might have another set I'll cut it all

[@urbexandbrokenthings4806]

300,000 km is only like 289 Miles i think , plus or minus a beaver tail

[@FMChimera]

So what is that in civilized measurements; about 185k miles? That's a pretty low mile truck.

[@jamesmorgan6782]

Damn good try.

[@williamgay3]

Please turn off that this channel is for kids so that we can save the videos, great video though!

[@raylaux8295]

Your not a professional, you can't even set up that torch properly. Acetylene full blast, wasting the gas.