Can 2" Shackle Straps Be Switched With 2-1/4" Shackle Straps

Updated 06/28/2025 | Published 06/18/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs

(1168)

$218.85

MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps

(2243)

$125.09

Question:

I have a tandem single wheel Dexter 3500? axle utility trailer. I have replaced the worn shackle straps, bushings and bolt parts in the past. Now I find 2 straps. I see the Dexter HD upgrade is for 2.25 straps. Is there a way I can check if my design is compatible for the change from 2 to 2 1/4? I even wonder if I did not pay close attention in the past and used the shorter ones by negligence. Can I measure from the frame to the end bushing and compare to the hanger when level? Tire to fender clearance when loaded will not be an issue.

asked by: David D

Expert Reply:

Hey David! If I had to guess your utility trailer originally had 2-1/4" on there since that is the standard. One way or another, that slight difference isn't enough to cause an issue with the suspension geometry. If you want to use the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers # K71-359-00 you can. However, you need to make sure your current equalizers match the 5-3/4" length of the Dexter from the kit.

If you don't want to swap out the equalizer, or find yours is a different length, you can use the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps # MR46ZR instead. This comes with wet bolts, bronze bushings, and the heavy duty shackles without the equalizer.

expert reply by: Robin H