WooHoo! New shackles on new Montanas! - Montana Owners Club

sreigle · 05-24-2005, 01:13 PM

We took the factory tour today and I looked to see if they're putting the same old shackles on the new ones. They are NOT! I neglected to ask if they're still using the nylon bushings but, given the problems they've had with those, I'd bet not. Here's a picture of the new shackles. To me this tells me once again Keystone is listening. I don't know yet if this is what they'll put on ours when they replace our defective ones but I sure hope so. These are on Dexter axles but I hope they put them on ours anyhow.

azstar · 05-24-2005, 01:41 PM

Steve,

It's hard to see the difference. Can you put what you see into words?

Hope things are going well for you.

rlwhit · 05-24-2005, 02:02 PM

Those are the same as what come on our 2005 3475. Thanks for the report.

sreigle · 05-24-2005, 02:22 PM

Steve, I would say at least double, perhaps 3 times, the thickness and appears to be hardened far more than the OEM on ours. Maybe this picture will show it better.

azstar · 05-24-2005, 03:02 PM

Yep,

Better Pic.

Remember the Old Pontiac commercials? Wider is Better.

Thanks Steve

RMccord · 05-24-2005, 03:10 PM

I have a 2005 Mountaineer. Will it share these same shackle problems and if so maybe I should look to see if mine look like these. I wonder what the old versions looked like.
Thanks

azstar · 05-24-2005, 03:22 PM

Bob,

I just measured my original links and they are .215" I didn't mic. the new Dexters, but using a tape they were right at 1/2".

This should give you a good idea. Can you measure yours?

RonS · 05-24-2005, 03:33 PM

So what good are they if you cant grease them? Thicker will just take a little longer to wear thru.

Charlie · 05-24-2005, 03:47 PM

Bet that the new shackles will give you a peaceful easy feeling when you hit the road. Glad you made it there without a problem.

azstar · 05-24-2005, 03:57 PM

RonS,

Your so right. It's a shame that for such a small amount of money, they could make a tremendous improvement with the Dexter (lubed) Kits.

awaywego · 05-24-2005, 04:07 PM

Now the bolts will wear out before the shackles.
Big improvement don't you think?
The lubed shackles from the factory were $130+or- and I am sure Keystone wouldn't pay 1/2 that.
Who wouldn't pay $70 more for a unit with lube fittings???

Montana_2753 · 05-24-2005, 04:07 PM

sreigle:

If you don't mind and think about it, when you go back to factory for the Cambridge tour, what about checking if "new and improved" shackles, etc. can be ordered from Keystone by the dealer to changeout the OEM ones, along with checking if they have the grease fittings. I agree w/RonS. If they can't be greased and have the nylon bushings, then it's probably better to get the Dexter components.

Thanks for being our "eyes and ears".

Bruce

sreigle · 05-24-2005, 04:08 PM

I am not so sure about the greasable point. I've never had an auto or truck with greasable shackles and they don't wear out like this. I wish I'd asked about the bushings. I'll try to remember to ask before we leave here. The bushings would be a major role player in wear, wouldn't they?. The thicker links would be stronger and maybe would protect the bushings a bit more? I'm just trying to apply some logic since I'm not an expert on this.

I have no idea at this point whether ours will have the new shackles or will be replaced with the same as we originally had since we don't have the Dexter axles. I'll have to wait and see about that.

Montana_2753 · 09-20-2005, 01:04 PM

Steve:

I know this has not been responded to for quite awhile, but do you have any further information about what Keystone is/has done about this and whether current models can be "upgraded" with the new shackles. Did they put the newer ones on your Monty?

Thanks,
Bruce

sreigle · 09-20-2005, 02:00 PM

I didn't see the question about the Cambridge tour until just now. I think RichFAA may plan to take the Cambridge tour so maybe he'd check on that.

They put on ours what they're putting on the current Montanas. I was told the new ones are the same size but are a hardened material and far more resistant to the problems we and others had. They gave me some spares when I asked so if anyone at the Reno rally wants to see them, just remind me. The new ones have an '11', the number eleven, stamped on them. Does anyone know if that's a hardness code of some kind?

Since mine has the Alko axles and the new ones come with Dexter (I think) then the shackles must be interchangeable? I don't have the old shackles to do a side by side comparison but the new ones look thicker to me even though they told me they're the same size.

richfaa · 09-20-2005, 03:41 PM

We are taking the Montana tour but just added "Shackle question" to my list.

Montana_2753 · 09-20-2005, 03:47 PM

Looking forward to hearing the answer!!!

Thanks,
Bruce

drhowell · 09-20-2005, 05:29 PM

Yes Steve the Dexter shackles fit the Alko/Kober axles also. The upgraded kits we have been installing are Dexter parts. My axle is Alko/Kober on my 2001. Both manufacturers use the same Monroe shocks also. Don't know about the brakes, wheel bearings and drums though?

Be interested in hearing what Rich finds out.

You may also like: