Bumper D-shackles - leave them attached on dd?

[ChrisD]

Just wondering if it is ok to leave D-shackles attached to the bumper when not wheeling?

Just mounted a Warn front bumper and wasn't sure if I should keep them mounted.

[Kurt]

I wouldn't.
Generally if left on they will swing back and forth on the pin and slowly it will back out. You end of losing the whole shackle.
Also they can easily be stolen.
Cranking down the pin will prevent it from backing out. But then the pin is then a bear to get out when you really need it on the trail.
You could use a piece of SS wire or a twist tie to secure the pin.

[SidewaysTim]

I lost one on 93 N one time. It bounced off the undercarriage of the Jeep, against the ground again, and came out from the back of the Jeep to achieve an altitude of approximately 6 feet above the pavement. I thought it was going to go through the windshield of the Jetta behind me but it hit the ground and the car went over it instead.

[nostaw]

2x what Kurt said.

It is safer to keep them in the jeep and only install them for wheeling.

JW

[Frank]

I never gave it a thought ? FjR68

[johnsxj]

Me neither! I don't recall having ever lost one, but it could (and has) happen.

[Captian Carnage]

a ziptie would work great thanks Kurt I never have a issue with then being stolen out here Maybe in a city Here in the country almost ever PU truck has them on
I use Very lightwire on mine from the hole in the pin tothe bumper in front In the rear I go from the pin aroundthe 2in receiver tube so the pin just wont un screw more than a turn or 2
I lost 2 in 3 week period before

[Hoodoo Man]

I have an extra piece of wire on mine and so far its held them in. Wouldnt bring it to boston like that but in my town no big thing...

[beaker]

Channel locks are my solution...

[Marky]

I've never thought about it. We've had ours on for over two years and never lost one. I'll probably add some wire as described above to prevent that from happening (I'm not concerned about theft... it'll finally be garaged by the end of the week!)

[wesley4x4]

id say leave them on for look i leave my tow strap on my jeep all the time... wrapped around the two horns and tied over once with a D ring on it... hasn't came loose and driven over 600 miles with it like that.. it adds a this is my DD and Daily wheeler look to it

[DOUG]

I've never heard of shackles being stolen. I've seen them loosen up and fall off though. I don't put them on until I need them.

Speaking of theft, there are a lot of peolple that run 24/7 with their hi-lifts mounted outside with no locks, haven't heard of any jacks being stolen...even in Boston. (not to say it hasn't happened)

[wesley4x4]

i think that the main amount of people that steal arnt really going to be looking for D shackels or highlifts... thiefs are dumb they look for high dollar items like cellphones, GPS's, Radar detector, flux capasitors... but yeah not too many people on the blackmarket can make a profit on a 25 doller stolen D-ring and also highlifts are not on the list of a must have for honda civics and such...

over the year ive noticed that sometimes you guys are a little extreame