Can Shackle Straps Be Used at the Front and Back of a Leaf Spring

Updated 03/12/2013 | Published 03/10/2013

Question:

Can you put shackles on the front and back of leaf springs under a trailer?

asked by: D W

Expert Reply:

Usually, you do not put shackle straps on the the front and back. One end the the spring should be suspended from a hanger. The reason that shackle straps are needed is to compensate for the extra drop of something like an equalizer or shorter hanger and to allow the spring to have the proper range of motion it requires. To use shackle straps in both places you would have to have hangers of different height.

I have included a link to our FAQ article on double-eye trailer suspension that covers all of the parts needed when replacing suspension.

expert reply by: Michael H