How to Flip Tandem Axle Shackle When Flipped Down

Question

Question:

After the rebuild I loaded my boat and drove 250 miles each way to a lake north of here. When I got back I took boat off trailer and discovered the the rear axle forward shackle straps had flipped downward where it connects to the mid point support and the axle had rotated about 30 degrees clockwise. Why would this happen?

asked by: Steve

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Most likely you hit a strange bump and it happened to flip your shackle the wrong way. If you use a floor jack to jack up the rear axle it will go back to the right orientation. If it happens repeatedly that would indicate your leaf springs are too short or your equalizer needs to be a bit longer. What springs and equalizers did you use with what measurements?

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

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Answer 1

If the shackles are flipping the wrong direction frequently that typically means the leaf springs are too short, the hanger spacing is too big, or the shackles are too short. Most of the time it's somebody changed leaf springs and just went with…

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Answer 2

In order to pick out the correct hub assembly for a trailer you are going to need know a few key pieces of information. The first thing you will need to know is the bolt pattern of your hubs. Since the figure you came up with doesn't match any of…

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Answer 3

The 1.18" width on the Grease Cap Plug for E-Z Lube Grease Caps #RG04-010 is the only size that is offered.

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Answer 4

The appropriate torque spec for any application will vary depending on the construction of the wheel as well as on the stud size. I suggest checking the wheels you're using to see if their manufacturer has a suggested torque rating. Steel trailer…

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Answer 5

One common grease seal size for a 6,000 lb axle has an inner diameter of 2.25" and outer diameter of 3.376" just like the #RG06-070. More than likely this matches what you have now, but you can't be 100% sure without either measuring or…

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Answer 6

According to our FAQ on slipper springs, linked for referenced, the torque specs are as follows: Torque Ratings 1/2 inch Bolts: 45 ft/lbs - 70 ft/lbs 9/16 inch Bolts: 65 ft/lbs - 95 ft/lbs 5/8 inch Bolts: 100 ft/lbs - 120 ft/lbs The Replacement…

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Answer 7

Generally the issue when shackles flip when hauling empty is that they are too short. So I recommend measuring them from center hole to center hole and assuming they are less than 3 inches, replacing them with longer ones, the 3-1/8" Shackle…

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Answer 8

I have attached for you below some common torque values needed for a trailer suspension system but a lot of these will vary by bolt size and other factors. U-Bolts: Varies by Size - 1/2" bolts: 45 ft/lbs - 70 ft/lbs, 9/16" bolts: 65 ft/lbs…

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Answer 9

In regards to the shackle straps, you are correct about the orientation being off. My suggestion is to flip it to the correct orientation, to see if they start working correctly. If it does not work for you the strap or springs will need to be…

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Answer 10

What most likely occurred when you were driving on the bumpy road with no weight on your utility trailer is the trailer bounced enough to upset the suspension and after it landed it caused the shackle to flip. This tends to happen a lot with trailers…

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Answer 11

It sounds like the eye of the leaf spring is coming in contact with the bottom of the trailer frame. If this is the case then your only three options to fix this would entail either replacing the equalizers, shackle straps, or leaf spring hangers.…

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Answer 12

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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