How Tight Should Shackle Bolts Be Tightened On Trailer
Updated 08/06/2026 | Published 01/23/2015
Question:
I have just replaced the shackles, equalizers and bolts on my tandem 3500# Dexter axles. How tight do I make the shackle bolts? Do I bottom them out on the bolt shoulders or leave them a little loose so the assembly can move?
asked by: Tom P
Helpful Expert Reply:
There should be enough free play in the shackles to allow them to move.
There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. The first thing you should make sure of is that the bolts you use are long enough so that when installed you will have at least 2 threads protruding from the nut.
Next, make sure that the nut you are using is a locking nut, so that it cannot work loose and fall off.
If the bolt you are using has knurls at the bolt head you will want to tighten the bolt down until the knurls go through the shackle link or spring/equalizer hanger and the bolt head is flush. Then, back off the nut just a bit so that all of the components are pulled together but not so tight they cannot move.
I have attached a helpful article that explains trailer suspension you can check out. I have also attached a video about replacing shackle bolts you can take a look at.
Cody
4/17/2025
Thank You, Sir! Good and straight to the point. I’ll go loosen my “way over tightened” shackles.
Chris R.
5/2/2025
Garvin C.
11/16/2025
I just replaced all 4 2200 lb leaf springs with 2500 lb leaf springs, New 1/2" U bolts. Both oem equalizers, thick shackles, Replaced reg bolts with wet bolts on a 2010 keystone cougar 278 RKS. 5th wheel. I torqued U bolts to 70 ft lbs. Equalizer hanger to 50 lbs. Shackle bolts to 50 ft lbs. I torqued everything while suspension was hanging. I put tires back on and put them on the ground. Do I need to loosen and re tighten anything before using ?
Robin H.
11/18/2025
Don B.
1/20/2026
If the nuts are not locking types can loctite blue or red be utilized?
Emmett
8/6/2026
You have confused me here because the upgrade kit that I bought from you guys says to torque the shackle bolts to 50 ft lbs in the instructions and the lippert site says 30 to 50 ft lbs! Every where I turn I get conflicting answers! My first first reaction and past practice is to tighten then loosen until I could move them but I have had issues with wallowed eyes and worn parts so I had come to the conclusion that I was doing something wrong so against my personal judgement I torqued and left them. In my mind if the components are matched and sized appropriately the shoulder on the shackle bolt should stop the nut at the proper tolerance but it just seems tight to me but I do have about 4k miles since I did the upgrade with no issues. Regardless it's frustrating that there are so many conflicting answers.
Kate F.
8/6/2026
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 2-1/2" Front/Rear, 3-1/4" Center
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Hangers
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Tandem Axle
- etrailer
more information >
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Gilbert
5/11/2024
Very good information thank you