Trailer Shackles
Shackles are an essential part of your truck’s leaf spring suspension system. Without them, your leaf springs cannot change their length properly as you travel over bumps, rocks and uneven terrain.
Trailer Parts Superstore(r) offers a wide selection of trailer leaf spring shackles. These include Double Eye leaf spring shackles, C-Hook and Slipper style leaf spring shackles.
Leaf Spring Shackles
Shackles are part of the leaf spring suspension that connect the double eye leaf spring to the rear hanger or equalizer on a trailer suspension system. They keep the spring attached to the rear hanger while allowing it to change length and articulate with the rest of the suspension.
When a leaf spring shackle fails, it allows the end of the spring to move forward into the frame of the vehicle or the trailer bed. This can cause a lot of damage, and it can also lead to the failure of other parts of the suspension.
The shackle itself is made of metal, usually steel. It can be stamped, cast, or bar type. The material may have an impact on how the shackle functions or how it looks, and it can vary by suspension design or vehicle manufacturer.
Stamped shackles are the most common and typically contain a rubber bushing and a bolt on each end. They are commonly used on older vehicles and are available in different shapes to match the suspension design.
Cast shackles are similar to stamped shackles, but they have a more rugged look and are more often found on heavy-duty trucks. They are generally more durable than stamped shackles, and they can be replaced with new ones if needed.
They come in various sizes, and are commonly used to mount Double Eye leaf springs in front or rear of the trailer. They can be purchased individually or in packs of four.
These shackles are specifically designed for use with Double Eye leaf springs on Single Axle, Tandem Axle, and Triple Axle trailers. They are mounted towards the back of the leaf spring and move as the leaf spring compresses to provide the necessary suspension for the trailer.
They come in various lengths, and are available in both Hot-Dipped Galvanized and Raw Steel. They are sold based on the center bolt hole measurement, so it is important to get the correct length. Changing the length of the shackle can affect the ride height of your trailer, and it should be checked against tire/fender clearance to ensure it is not too long or too short.
Shackle Links
Shackle links are a dime a dozen, but the ones from New Deal Trailer Parts come in a variety of colors and styles to meet your unique needs. They are a lot of fun to install and will last you a lifetime. The best part is that they cost far less than most do it yourselfers and will save you a bundle on labor costs in the long run.
The most impressive of the bunch is a slick looking forged steel shackle that is hot dipped to prevent rust from setting in. It measures in at a hair under 1″ thick. This shackle is made in the USA by a reputable manufacturer and is likely to outlast your vehicle in a pinch. The shackle is accompanied by a set of threaded steel nuts to give you the best of both worlds. The shackle is a lot smaller and lighter in weight than the nuts it replaces. The shackle also comes with a set of bolts to tighten it down. The shackle is about as easy to use as they come, and is the perfect complement to your other suspension components. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of class to your ride without breaking the bank.
Using a top quality shackle kit like the one from New Deal Trailer Parts is the safest and easiest way to keep your cargo safe and your rig rolling down the road with style and panache. Trailer Shackle The shackle kit is a must have for any serious tow trucker, and is a must have addition to any trailer owner’s garage.
Shackle Bolts
Shackle bolts are a versatile piece of hardware that can be used to connect various components together securely without the use of welding or riveting. These pieces of hardware can be installed by anyone, and they can save time and money compared to other methods of joining two parts together.
Shackle bolts typically consist of a bolt that has an eye or loop shape on one end and a nut on the other. The eye or loop part of the bolt goes through holes on different parts that need to be joined, while the nut secures everything in place.
There are a number of types of shackle bolts available, each designed to be used in a particular application. These include screw pin, round pin, and bolt type shackles.
Screw pin shackles are quick and easy to connect and disconnect so they are convenient in rigging applications that are used for “pick and lift” scenarios or in situations when slings and other hardware are frequently replaced. They also work well in rigging applications where side loading or multiple sling legs are present. However, it is important to account for reduction to the WLL in these situations because of the possibility that the shackle pin may be rotated or torqued during the loading process.
Round pin shackles are more secure than screw pin shackles because they consist of an unthreaded round pin that is secured in place by a cotter pin. They can be used in a variety of rigging applications, but they are not ideal for overhead lifting due to the fact that the shackle pin may rotate or get twisted during the lifting process.
Bolt type shackles are secure in a similar manner to round pin shackles because they feature the Trailer Shackle combination of a bolt and nut located alongside a cotter pin. These shackles can be used in a variety of rigging applications, but they are especially useful in rigging that involves an anchor bolt.
These bolts can be installed using a wrench or socket tool, and they are ideal for semi-permanent or long-term installations. They can also be used in rigging applications that involve anchor bolts that are likely to experience some rotation.
Shackle Plates
Shackle Plates are 3 inch to 4 and a half inches round pieces of steel with holes drilled in each end that connect different parts of a trailer suspension system together. They are used on single, tandem and triple axle setups.
These plates are often paired with 2 inch wide u bolts to securely secure things on a trailer. They are available in a variety of sizes from small to extra-large. They are made from a range of materials, including zinc alloy and stainless steel.
They come in several center hole sizes, from 63mm to 90mm, and can be fitted with 9/16 inch or 5/8 inch holes depending on your needs. Ensure that you get the correct centre hole size for your shackle.
This plate can be mounted to a shackle or jaw type turnbuckle and attaches with two 1/4″ x 1/2″ through-bolts and two #8 or #10 flat head screws. It is load-rated and pre-drilled for assembly with these hardware.
The plate is also rated for use with shackle links. Using the link with this plate will allow for a wider shackle connection for greater sling efficiency and less strain on the sling.
These are generally more commonly used on boat trailers, but can also be used on all types of trailers. Galvanized shackles offer long lasting protection against rust and corrosion, but aren’t as resistant to chemicals or salt water as stainless steel.
They also have slightly larger than 1/2″ drilled holes, which are ideal for mounting leaf springs in conjunction with a shackle plate or Leaf Spring Mounting Bolts. They are not intended for dynamic load situations, but can be used safely in limited applications when properly installed and maintained.
These are generally more secure than round pin shackles because they feature a combination of a bolt and nut located alongside the cotter pin. This allows the shackle to remain secure even when subjected to rotation and torque. However, this type of shackle should be tightened before each lift. Moreover, these shackles should never be used in overhead lifting applications or with multi-leg sling assemblies, as they may not be able to reduce their WLL under such conditions.