REAR LEAF SPRING SHACKLES

[DANDOR]

I have a 1939 Cadillac Lasalle I have a question about the shackles they are pinned forward is this the way they came out of the factory if not how do you get them back to the right position any help would be great thank you

[35-709]

That is not how they came from the factory but a common occurrence when the rear of the car is lifted with a frame or bumper jack or put on a frame lift.  Once you get them back where they belong (I can attest it is not a fun job), make and use some wedges like those pictured below before jacking up the rear of the car or putting it on a frame lift.  A drive-on or ramp lift won't present this problem.
Or you can fabricate a stop as in the second picture.

[35-709]

Sorry, you asked how to get them back in their proper position.  Someone else should answer that, it has been a long time since I did it and I may not remember it well.  I do seem to remember putting the car back up on the lift and using a long crow bar to force them back far enough that I could drive a wedge like that pictured above far enough in that the shackle went back to its proper position when the car was put back on the ground.

I am assuming though that someone else can add to or refine my recollection.   

[DANDOR]

Thank you for your help I now know that they are wrong and now the fun will begin lol

[z3skybolt]

Happened to my 40 LaSalle. Old time mechanic used a long crow bar to snap them back in place while the car was still sitting on the floor.  Afterwards he welded two small taps on the frame which prevents them from rotating when the car is lifted. End of problem.  In the day....the lifts were drive on and the cars were lifted while sitting on the tires.

Easy fix. Good luck.

bob r.

[DANDOR]

Thank you