Availability of Trailer Suspension Shackles that are 3-1/2 inches Long

Question:

I am looking for heavy duty thicker shackle straps with a measurement of 3 /12inch center of hole to center of hole. For example, the trailer we have has shackle straps like part # TRSL350. Since this trailer is used daily for work, they wear out wear through after only a few months. What I am looking for is something like part # 018-026-00 which is twice as thick. But I do not want to use a shorter shackle strap as that will raise the height of the trailer. Yes, not much, but when you are hauling cars ever 1/4 inch matters. I am considering part # K71-653-00 but those have short shackle straps. As a side question, is there a way to lesson the wear on the shackle straps and equalizers so that they last longer?

asked by: John T

Expert Reply:

We only have the # TRSL350 for a shackle that is 3-1/2 inches long from hole center to hole center. Typically these don't wear out as quickly as you described. Are you tightening the shackle bolts really tight which is causing added friction possibly?

There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. You'll want to ensure that the bolts you use are long enough so that when installed you will have at least 2 threads protruding from the nut. Make sure that the bolt you're using has a lock nut, like part # 166081. If the bolt you are using has knurls at the bolt head, tighten the bolt down until the knurls go through the shackle link or hanger and the bolt head is flush. Then back off the nut slightly so that all of the components are pulled together but not so tight they cannot move.

expert reply by: Jameson C