Replacing Shackle Straps After Switching To A Taller Equalizer

Question:

Ive read the recommended wet bolts needed for 2 1/4 shackles, which i currently have with solid equalizer thats 2 1/4 in height. Since the Morryde cre3000 equalizers are 3 1/4 in height, wouldnt i need the 3 1/8 shackles?

asked by: Mike

Old Equalizer
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hi Mike,

With the height of your equalizer increasing an inch you might need to switch to 3-1/8" shackle straps # TRSL313 to keep the leaf spring stack level but this isn't an exact science so your leaf springs could end up sitting too close to the equalizer and will bind up. Your suspension should form a 'W' shape with the equalizer and shackle straps for proper suspension travel. Too far in or out with your shackles will cause binding or will flip the axles down on the equalizer. Because there isn't an exact science to this we typically recommend just matching your current equalizer's measurements to avoid having to swap out the leaf springs and shackle straps.

3-1/8" long shackle straps are typically used on single axle suspensions and 2-1/4" # TRSL225 or 2-5/8" # 115052 are more typical for tandem axle trailers. Personally, I'd grab both the 2-5/8" and 3-1/8" so that I could play around with the suspension and get it right without having to wait for parts. If you haven't already I recommend also measuring the shackle strap bolt holes from center to center to make sure that they match from old to new, otherwise you'll most likely be looking at replacing the leaf springs as well. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers # MR87ZR has a 6-1/2" measurement.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Mike

2/20/2024

Kevin, Thanks for responding quickly n your info about these equalizers. I have measured the equalizer I'm looking to replace. It's just shy of 6", believe it's a lippert, guessing it's most likely 5 3/4". Thus Morryde/Road Armors probably won't work without spring replacement, which I prefer not to do because they're newer, only have had camper 1 yr. That being said I'm looking at the Dexter E-Z flex that's 5 3/4 shackle to shackle rated for 6,000 lbs. My camper is 4,700lbs dry weight, with lippert 3,500 dual axles, loaded probably around 5,100/5,400. You think this would be sufficient for me, I'm guessing it'll be fine. Thanks Mike

Kevin C.

2/26/2024

@Mike There would probably be enough tolerance for a 1/4" difference between your current equalizer and the Dexter E-Z Flex # K71-652-00 but you'll want to also check the height. This equalizer has a 2" distance from the center of the hanger bolt hole to the center of the shackle strap mounting holes. With it being rated for 6K axles the rubber dampener is going to be stiffer than you really need but this could end up helping a bit more with road shock and overall life span since it won't have to work as hard as a lower capacity option.