Best Leaf Spring Shackles: A Cheap and Effective Upgrade
Properly securing your leaf springs is essential, and these products can help.
Our Top Picks
- Allstar Performance Leaf Spring Shackles
- Fishbone Offroad Greaseable Shackles
- Dorman Leaf Spring Shackles
- Zone Offroad Lift Shackles
- JKS Manufacturing Rear Shackle Kits
If you enjoy spending your weekends on rough off-road paths, you're probably looking for any enhancement to improve your vehicle's capability. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, this could mean investing in lift kits, shocks, off-road-specific wheels and tires, or other useful upgrades.
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If your vehicle is leaf sprung, one of the cheapest and most effective things you can do is to install a new set of leaf spring shackles, to either replace already worn-out shackles or upgrade what you have for better overall performance, on road or off. Below are some of the best leaf spring shackles you can fit onto any vehicle equipped with a leaf spring suspension, along with some helpful advice and tips.
Allstar Performance Leaf Spring Shackles
Made from durable steel, these leaf spring shackles feature six holes spaced 1 inch apart, allowing flexibility regarding their mounting position. The extra strength that steel shackles can provide makes them a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts looking for high durability. You can trust them to handle any challenge, and the black paint protects against corrosion.
Key specs:
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Exterior: Black anodized finish
- What makes them special: Multiple mounting position options
Fishbone Offroad Greaseable Shackles
These are made specifically for the Jeep Wrangler CJ, one of the most popular vehicles for off-road adventure fans. Fitting these shackles on your Wrangler will significantly improve its suspension articulation, raise your ground clearance slightly, and protect other suspension components from wearing out prematurely. The special grease fittings can also make it easier to lubricate their polyurethane bushings.
Key specs:
- Material: Steel, polyurethane bushings
- Weight: 8.95 pounds
- Exterior: Zinc-plated
- What makes them special: You can lubricate their polyurethane bushings to extend their life span
Dorman Leaf Spring Shackles
If you've had your vehicle's original leaf spring shackles for a while and think it may be time for a replacement, consider fitting these. They're designed to perform like original shackles, and they come with all the hardware needed for installation, so you can replace them yourself if you enjoy DIY auto work. They're made for rear-wheel suspensions and are compatible with a wide range of Chevy and GMC SUVs and pickup trucks. Just be careful to choose your exact vehicle model and year when buying them.
Key specs:
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Exterior: Powdercoating
- What makes them special: They're designed to replace original parts with little to no adjustment
Zone Offroad Lift Shackles
These shackles are ideal for lifting your vehicle and improving its articulation. They'll add up to an extra inch of ride height, giving you protection against obstacles that you find on your off-road adventures. They're built to last with a corrosion-resistant finish to protect them and come in specific shapes and sizes to fit various Jeep models and trucks. You could technically install them yourself, but you should probably leave it to a professional if you lack experience.
Key specs:
- Material: High-strength steel
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Exterior: Black e-coat
- What makes them special: They can add up to 1 inch of lift
JKS Manufacturing Rear Shackle Kits
These rear shackles fit a variety of older Jeep models. They're ideal for drivers wanting to go off-roading without fearing they'll damage their suspension components. The special boomerang design allows your Jeep's leaf springs to fully compress, making your rear suspension more flexible than ever. They'll also lift your rear a little, and their heavy-duty construction should prevent them from losing their shape after hardcore off-roading.
Key specs:
- Material: Alloy steel
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Exterior: Powdercoat finish
- What makes them special: Durability, increased mobility, and a slight lift
Leaf Spring Shackles FAQ
These are some of the most common questions that off-roading enthusiasts have regarding leaf spring shackles.
What's the Purpose of Leaf Spring Shackles?
Leaf springs are a type of suspension commonly found on older vehicles and also on some modern vans and trucks. They have an arc-shaped design featuring multiple layers stacked on top of each other, which allows them to bend as you go over obstacles, helping provide a smoother ride. Leaf spring shackles are what secure the leaf springs to the vehicle frame and give the leaf springs the space they need to flex.
How Do You Know When to Replace Your Existing Leaf Spring Shackles?
Leaf spring shackles tend to wear out over time, which may be why you're reading this. If you've figured this out, you'll find a suitable replacement among the ones we've mentioned. If you're unsure whether it's time for a new set, look out for these signs:
- The ride is rougher than it used to be. One of the signs you need new shackles is having a stiffer-than-usual ride. That usually happens when the old shackles lose their initial shape and no longer allow the leaves to flex as they should.
- You hear strange noises from underneath. A broken shackle can lead to clunking or popping sounds. That could affect maneuverability and safety, so fix it as soon as possible.
- Your vehicle is leaning one way or the other. If the shackles on one side are more worn out than the ones on the other, it may cause a slight lean.
How Can I Keep My Leaf Spring Shackles in Good Condition for a Long Time?
The first thing you can do is get quality shackles such as the ones listed here. It's important to clean and lubricate them regularly so they can operate smoothly. Inspect them from time to time to see if there are any signs of damage, as replacing them on time can help prevent further damage to your suspension system.
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