Will Increasing Spring Shackle Length Allow More Clearance Between Tires and Fenders

Published 05/25/2016

Question:

Hello, I have a sing axle trailer that mainly hauls my side by side, it has 13 inch wheels on it now and I want to change it to a 14 inch wheel with a bigger tire for a better ride. I have a clearance issue with my fender and need 1 inch more clearance. My question is, can I go with one inch longer shackles on my leaf springs which would raise my distance for my clearance. Is there a rule or tip on how long the shackles brackets are or can be? Thanks

asked by: Brad

Helpful Expert Reply:

Because a suspension is not static but is meant to articulate, going with longer shackle links won't provide the clearance you're looking for. The best course of action would be to raise the fenders to provide the proper clearance. At the very least, you want to see at least 3 inches of clearance between the tire and the underside of the fender with the suspension at full load.

A better bet for gaining height would be to go with taller spring hangers. Keep in mind that the amount by which you increase the height of the spring hangers won't necessarily be the amount the ride height increases, due to the fact that the suspension articulates. This being said, the best and easiest way to gain your clearance is to raise the fenders.

expert reply by: Mike L