Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW Technical questions and discussions, regarding anything related to the WWII jeep.
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fireguyfire
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Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

Post by fireguyfire » Thu Oct 11, 2018 9:07 pm

Just finished fully disassembling the frame on my 43 GPW; good thing I did as I found tons of hidden cracks and rot.
When I removed the spring shackle brackets off of the frame they were riveted, as well as welded to the frame. Is this factory correct?
My suspension has tons of Bubba mods and upgrades so I’m not sure if the welding was done later to beef up the brackets, or was original.
Unfortunately only half of my brackets will be re usable as some have quite oblong holes now and I’m guessing I shouldn’t reuse them; too bad as they are nice F script marked brackets.



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Re: Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

Post by artificer » Fri Oct 12, 2018 12:00 am

Fill weld & bore as we used to do when no parts were available in the system.
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Re: Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

Post by Joe Gopan » Fri Oct 12, 2018 3:39 am

The MB/GPW used the same Spring Brackets, The Pivot Brackets are Willys A-500, and the ones for the shackles are A-544.
They were Riveted with two 1" long tack welds on either side. The replacments (availible from Ron Fitzpatrick) are predrilled to match the original frame holes. If you cannot Rivet, you can use 3/8" NF x 1" Grade 8 bolts (no lockwashers) and tack weld the nuts.
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Re: Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

Post by Boyso » Fri Oct 12, 2018 4:06 am

fireguyfire wrote:
Thu Oct 11, 2018 9:07 pm
Just finished fully disassembling the frame on my 43 GPW; good thing I did as I found tons of hidden cracks and rot.
When I removed the spring shackle brackets off of the frame they were riveted, as well as welded to the frame. Is this factory correct?
My suspension has tons of Bubba mods and upgrades so I’m not sure if the welding was done later to beef up the brackets, or was original.
Unfortunately only half of my brackets will be re usable as some have quite oblong holes now and I’m guessing I shouldn’t reuse them; too bad as they are nice F script marked brackets.



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I think I have a set of original brackets at the cabin, I'll have a look tomorrow to see if they're in a good shape. If they are and its easier for you to swap these in than to fix yours, just pay shipping and they're yours. (I believe you're in Canada?)

I'll keep you informed.
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Re: Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

Post by fireguyfire » Fri Oct 12, 2018 6:19 am

Excellent Boyso; keep me posted!


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Re: Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

Post by fireguyfire » Mon Oct 15, 2018 2:52 pm

Got the hole location info I needed; brings up one more question as I am trying to be as authentic as possible in my restoration.
We’re the front bumper breaker welded as well as riveted to the frame, and if so how long and where were the welds?(so I can replicate them)


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Re: Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

Post by Old Pal » Mon Oct 15, 2018 4:13 pm

They were welded. I’ll take some pics and some measurements of my originals.

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Re: Ford GPW spring shackle brackets

Post by fireguyfire » Mon Oct 15, 2018 4:20 pm

Thanks old Pal; I appreciate it!


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