How can I get rid of my rear shackles?

[73TXRallye440]

After looking at my rear-end, I noticed that the rear shackles stick out and take away from the look/shotgun exhaust tips. How can I keep the rear height what it is and get rid of those exposed shackles?

[Rolling_Thunder]

are they the factory shackles or aftermarket adjustable ones ?  If they are aftermarket remove them and cut off the un needed portions....      if they are stock then ummm....    no idea...      new leaf springs and sliders maybe ?

[73TXRallye440]

are they the factory shackles or aftermarket adjustable ones ?  If they are aftermarket remove them and cut off the un needed portions....      if they are stock then ummm....    no idea...      new leaf springs and sliders maybe ?

here is a pic--

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Cut off the excess.

[mauve66]

how long have you owned it?? were they put on by PO? probably due to weak springs causing rear to sag but still needed to get up off tires, like they said you can cut the extra but if it still sticks out you might need new springs if you go to a stock hanger

[73TXRallye440]

how long have you owned it?? were they put on by PO? probably due to weak springs causing rear to sag but still needed to get up off tires, like they said you can cut the extra but if it still sticks out you might need new springs if you go to a stock hanger

owned it a few months now. No, I dont know if Paul put them on.

[Charger-Bodie]

install new springs for the height you want and factory shackles.

[ACUDANUT]

install new springs for the height you want and factory shackles.

I agree, what about using coil shock too ??

[Charger-Bodie]

install new springs for the height you want and factory shackles.

I agree, what about using coil shock too ??

I don't like coil shocks. I think the spring and the shock should each be an independent part. 

[Back N Black]

Paint the shackles black, less noticeable. 

[Ghoste]

Yep, new springs with new shackles and make sure they're black.  The car will probably perform better too because if the longer shackles are there to compensate for a sagging spring they aren't helping the spring performance, just the cars appearance.

[73TXRallye440]

Yep, new springs with new shackles and make sure they're black.  The car will probably perform better too because if the longer shackles are there to compensate for a sagging spring they aren't helping the spring performance, just the cars appearance.

thanks. where online would i go to order both? is there one vendor I could support?

[Ghoste]

There are a few and pricing is a factor too of course.  I got mine from Eaton Spring in Detroit but I don't think they're the cheapest.  I'm 100% happy with the quality though.  Espo is a company that others on this site have used and have been pleased with.  Mancinis offer springs through mail order but I think they only offer the Mopar Performance replacement ones which you canorder through your own dealer.  A lot of people, myself included, dislike the MP ones based on a reputation for sagging early but many others can report no problems with them at all.  If you have a good sprign shop in town, they may be able to custom assemble a set for you or perhaps even re-arch your current set.  Personally I'm not a huge fan of re-arching but thats just me and I'm certainly no suspension engineer.
I'm not sure if your 73 requires anything unusual at the rear for springs but if it does, someone wil chime in here shortly.

[73TXRallye440]

http://www.eatonsprings.com/dodge.htm

[73TXRallye440]

Also, while im under there I might just replace the shocks too.

What rear shocks would you go with?

[Ghoste]

What kind of driving do you do?

[73TXRallye440]

What kind of driving do you do?

weekend cruising and redlight to redlight racing.

[Ghoste]

I would think you'd be happy with any name brand gas charged premium shock.  I know everyone seems to have their favorite and I do too but for the most part I think once you get into anything better than the bargain shocks you end up with a good shock for cruising.
I'm another one who isn't crazy about the shocks with the coils on them but thats an opinion.  I guess I'm just saying that if you aren't doing a specialized style of driving, do you need a specialized shock?  Some would say yes and some will say no.

Hows that for a generic answer?

[73TXRallye440]

wow, that was very politician-esque.

can i get your top 2 suggestions?

[Ghoste]

Lol, fair enough.  The shocks I run on my car for general driving around are just plain old Monroe's.  For more spirited use, I have a pair of Competition Engineering shocks for the back and a pair of worn out ones for that go on the front for even more spirited driving.  Ideally, I would like to get QA1's for the car but it isn't currently in the budget.  I have used Gabriel in the past as well and they worked fine for me.  There are others who have been raving about the Edelbrock IAS shocks but I really no nothing about them.
It's almost like asking whats the best oil or spark plug.  Everyone has an opinion and until they have a problem with what they are using they tend to prefer it.

[73TXRallye440]

On the QA1's would it be the STREETERS or STREET STARS?

[Ghoste]

I want a set of the Stocker Star double adjustables.

[73TXRallye440]

I want a set of the Stocker Star double adjustables.

WOW those are $$$$!

http://qa1.thomasnet.com/results/sports-drag-and-street-performance-shock-absorbers/eg-single-and-double-adjustable-stock-mount-shocks?&plpver=1001&categid=1026&prodid=3001002&backtoname=

[Ghoste]

Yeah, thats why it isn't currently in the budget. 

[mauve66]

KYB at all 4 corners