How Tight Should Nuts that Hold Shackle Straps be When Installing New Leaf Springs

Question

Question:

When torquing the shackle bolts when replacing the springs What should the Snugness be? Shouldnt there be some looseness to let the shackles and springs flex easily These nuts are deformed threads, so they are not easily loosened once tightened.

asked by: Richard P

0

Expert Reply:

The shackle bolts used between the springs and hangers do not require a specific torque rating because tightening the shackle bolts too much will squeeze the shackle straps against the leaf springs, and the whole suspension system will bind and cause problems. The best thing to do when tightening down shackle bolts is to use lock nuts, tighten them until they are snug, then back them off 1/4 turn. Lock nuts should be used because they resist loosening with vibration or torque.

I've attached a video below that will help walk you through this process.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

You may be able to reuse the same shackle bolts provided that they are the correct size, are not severely rusted, and are not cracked or otherwise damaged, but not the lock nuts. If you think your bolts might be rusted, cracked, or damaged I would…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have…

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Answer 4

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is…

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Answer 5

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 6

Hi Bruce, To lift your trailer we'll first need to check of the suspension and see if you have torsion axles or a leaf spring suspension. If you have torsion axles then I'll need to see the axle tag in order to determine what you have…

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Answer 7

To correctly measure a leaf spring, you'll want to jack the trailer up on jack stands so the axle is hanging freely, then measure directly across from the center of one spring eye to the other, as shown in the provided diagram. The height of…

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Answer 8

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind…

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

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…

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How Tight Should Nuts that Hold Shackle Straps be When Installing New Leaf Springs

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