Should Shackle Straps Angle Towards the Axles or Away From Them

Question

Question:

I have a custom made tandem axle trailer on which the shackle straps are angled slightly towards the center hanger vs towards the axle. Is this dangerous? If wrong, why is this wrong? I am working on finding the manufacturers recommended hanger spacing but until then I want to see if this is safe to use. Thanks

asked by: Curtis N

0

Expert Reply:

In order for your trailer suspension to function properly you will want the angle of the shackle strap to be towards the axle so that as the leaf spring compresses and expands it will have somewhere it can go. Otherwise, you will not get the optimum performance from your trailer suspension. It may not be super dangerous, but if the suspension is not operating properly you could cause premature failure which might endanger yourself and other motorists. Check out the picture I attached that shows the proper angle of a shackle strap.

I would recommend you use the hanger spacing that the manufacturer of your trailer recommends.

I attached an FAQ article on trailer suspension for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

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Answer 1

You would want the shackle straps of your trailer suspension to be both pointing the same direction. The would need to be pointed up on the straight equalizer part #TREQR83. I attached a picture that shows how the straps should orientate with the…

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Answer 2

Thank you for the pictures. The shackles should always be pointing up at about a 45 degree angle towards the axle. There is not a specific angle set in stone, but they should should make a "W" shape at all times. They appear to be…

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Answer 3

The U-bolts of the U-Bolt Kit part #APUBR-9 are Grade 5. The torque specs for 9/16 diameter U-bolts like this is 65-95 ft lbs.

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Answer 4

I attached a picture that shows the proper position of shackles and equalizers on trailer suspension. Sometimes the shackle will flip up but if you jack up the trailer by the axle that's got the shackle flipped you can usually get it to flip back…

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Answer 5

Ff the springs you are installing are 25-1/4 inches, you would need to place the hangers between 24-3/4 and 25 inches apart. The shackle should be angled as the drawing shows in the attached helpful article, which should be toward the rear of the…

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Answer 6

You want leaf spring shackles to be at a slight angle as that prevents the springs from flipping around to the other side of the equalizer over uneven terrain. I attached a picture that shows what the angle is typically like.

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Answer 7

The height of your equalizer is measured from the center of the horizontal mounting holes, to the center of the upper mounting hole as shown as the 2" measurement in the included diagram of the #TREQ104. If you can send me this measurement, and…

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Answer 8

You'd have to go with a brake mounting flange designed for a round axle since we don't have any specifically for square axles. Most likely some modifications will need to be made but since only people with experience installing brake flanges…

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Answer 9

The first thing to do is verify that the the disc brake calipers and wheel bearings will fit your trailer. The majority of 3,500 lb axles use #L68149 inner, #L44649 outer bearings and the #RG06-050 grease seals, but you should check to be sure. Next,…

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Answer 10

Measuring the distance from the center of one eye on your original springs to the center of the other eye will give you a general idea of the length of the new springs you need. Your springs may measure slightly longer due to wear so you will want to…

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Answer 11

Leaf springs typically have the part #stamped on the strap that holds the leafs together at one end of the shorter leafs, or it is painted on the concave side of the springs. The part number can then be used to determine the capacity of the springs.…

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Answer 12

The bolt pattern for a 5 bolt brake mounting flange, like #4-44-1 is 5 on 3-7/8 inches. What that means is it measures 3-7/8 inches from one corner to its diagonal counterpart. From hole to hole across the bottom is 3 inches and between the others is…

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Should Shackle Straps Angle Towards the Axles or Away From Them

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