All I can say is how the hell did I miss this?? I went on Sierra Trek last weekend and thought I did a thorough check on the 85 4Runner when I got back. I made sure my U-Bolts were tight and checked the steering. Currently my 85 is my daily driver as the 88 is down with head problems. So I drive into work today and I notice that the front end is creaking a lot all of the sudden. I'm thinking oh great, the bushings ar shot or something. I look at it once I'm parked and my right shackle is half way off :eek: :eek: !! The outer part is on, the lower bold is through both parts of the shackle and still has the nut, and the upper bolt is most of the way through the frame but missing the nut. The inner part of the shackle is dangling.

So, here I am, 4Runner in a parking garage, gotta be accross town at 2 p.m. I have no spare parts and minimal tools with me, not to mention only my dressy nice work clothes. The tools I have is my "electrical kit" that I carry with me, but it has a hammer (all electrical kits should have a hammer, right?). I have my stock jack (which is fine to get the tires off) but not my hi-lift. I live about 12 miles from where I'm parked, but I'm currently in San Francisco, so the terrain is less than forgiving.

My question is should I try to use the hammer to at least put the inner shackle on and drive it home (or specifically to someplace like home depot where I can find another bolt), put it back together and try to get it to the local stealership, get reamed but not get dirty, or perhaps you have some other suggestion?

Thanks in advance!

pound it back together with the hammer and put something (even tape will work) were the nut should be to hold it together

Actually, I've got a friend coming over that will bring me some tools, grungy clothes, etc. because of the weight on the bolt (one sided) the springs are kinda tweaked \ so I don't think that short of a hi-lift, I could get the bolts back through the holes. Hitting the bolt with a hammer didn't move it at all. Since he is coming though, I'll replace it right. Does 11/16" x 7" sound right for the bolt size?

I had the same problem out on the trail. Was making wierd noises and occasionally a metallic clunk. It took sereral stops and looking before I found it, especially since it was at night. A strategically place Hi-Lift, wench, hammer and a nut was all it took. I would rather have the nylock nuts that the crimp type.

put the other side of the shackle back on then if you have lost the nut wrap tape around the two shackle bars to hold them together