Hotchkis Performance Leaf Spring Shackle Kit

Hotchkis Performance Leaf Spring Shackle Kits: Engineered for Classic Muscle Cars

When it comes to restoring or upgrading the rear suspension on a classic Mopar, the shackle kit is one of those components that can make or break the entire system. A worn or weak shackle introduces slop into the leaf spring geometry, hurts handling precision, and can compromise safety under hard acceleration. Hotchkis Performance — a brand with over 30 years of motorsport-derived suspension engineering — takes this often-overlooked component seriously, bringing the same race-track philosophy to their Leaf Spring Shackle Kits that defines every product in their catalog.

The Hotchkis Difference: Custom-Machined Hardware

The flagship offering in this category is the Hotchkis Sport Suspension Heavy Duty Shackle Kit (Part No. 17367), designed specifically for Mopar B-Body (1966–1972) and E-Body (1970–1974) platforms — including Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth leaf spring cars. What separates this kit from generic replacements is a proprietary bolt design that goes well beyond industry standard practice.

• Custom-machined shackle bolts: The bolts are specially machined by Hotchkis as direct copies of the original shackle bolts, consisting of a large machined shoulder that acts as the bushing sleeve and is machined down to lock the opposite shackle plate in position.
• Superior strength vs. competitors: Many other aftermarket shackles on the market use a bushing sleeve and a smaller bolt to achieve this, which reduces strength. Hotchkis eliminates that compromise entirely.
• Heavy-gauge steel construction: These shackles are made from .250 in. steel, finished in gloss black powder coat, and include 1 in. leaf spring bushings.
• Complete hardware included: The kit includes Grade 8 hardware, nylock nuts, polyurethane bushings, grease, and 1 in. leaf spring bushings, which are commonly used on many Dodge and Plymouth applications.

Part of a Proven Suspension Ecosystem

In the early '90s, Hotchkis and his small team began developing precision suspension systems for classics like the Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang, and Mopar B- and E-Bodies, translating lessons from the race track into components designed for the street. That deep roots in the Mopar platform is why the shackle kit fits so precisely — it was designed by engineers who understand these chassis at a fundamental level.

Unique to Hotchkis Sport Leaf Spring packages is the complete installation hardware kit that includes Grade-8 fasteners, heavy duty u-bolts, Hotchkis-designed shackles, hangers, and polyurethane spring pads. The shackle kit can also serve as a standalone upgrade for enthusiasts who already have their springs sorted but need reliable, performance-grade mounting hardware.

All Hotchkis suspension components go through an extensive development process that starts with the latest in computer-aided design, modeling, and engineering, and ends with real-world performance testing — including a 600 ft. slalom, 200 ft. skid pad, and a 14-turn autocross course. Even a shackle kit benefits from that system-level thinking.

Who Should Buy the Hotchkis Leaf Spring Shackle Kit?

This kit is purpose-built for owners of classic Mopar B-Body and E-Body muscle cars who demand more than what a stock or generic replacement can offer. Whether you're building a Pro-Touring restomod, dialing in a track day car, or simply refreshing aging rear suspension hardware, the Hotchkis shackle kit delivers a factory-correct fit with meaningful upgrades in material, design, and durability. Browse the full Leaf Spring Shackle Kit selection, or explore the complete Hotchkis Performance lineup for sway bars, springs, control arms, and complete TVS suspension systems.