Play When Installing Redline Wet Equalizer Bolt with Locknut and Grease Zerk # 126B2

Question:

Hello. I am in the process of installing these bolts, along with new shackles, equalizers, and bushings, similar to the video for this product. However, I am unsure if I am ran into a problem or if it is suppose to be this way... As shown in the video for this product When I went to install the bolts and fully seat the splines, I ran out of threads on the bolts, and I had to use washers to allow the bolt to be pulled all the way in. My question is, now do I just install the nut until I run out of threads and leave this amount of play? Or do I need to use a washer and adjust the amount of play by how far I tighten the nut? I seen on your webpage that all the equalizers and springs are of the same width, and on another question for a suspension kit similar to one I bought that it is said from Dexter to just tighten the nut and it is designed to leave play. So I am assuming it is meant to be like this. It just seems like a little too much play in my opinion, and the bolts that I took off of my trailer, though the same diameter and length, had more threads and were tighter than this will be if I only tighten the nut until I run out of threads on the bolt.

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

Thank you for providing a photo of your trailer shackle straps showing the extra non-threaded portion of the Redline zerk-fitted bolts # 126B2.

Shackle bolts are intended to have a fairly loose fit with the shackle straps when installed properly. This is to ensure that there will be enough play in the suspension to allow full articulation of the springs and equalizers. You definitely do not want any binding of any of the components that could interfere with free movement.

If you want you can place a washer or two on the nut ends of the bolts to eliminate some of the play but be careful not to allow the installed nut to bind the shackle strap. It should be able to move freely when the nut is tightened. Initially you want to torque them down, then back off slightly for a free-moving fit.

expert reply by: Adam R