Shackle bolts & bushings

mlpeloquin wrote:

Charlie D. wrote:

edbehnke wrote:
just for general information 'wet bolts' DO fail. they seem to break in the center where the pin hole is. as for the bushings, they are 'plastic' material and you have to check on them just like the metal bushings.

Bushings are not plastic. They are brass. Like all things they will eventually fail but they will last much longer. Also has grease fittings.

The bushings are bronze not brass. I changed mine out last year. You need to do this safely. Keep the 5er hitched up so it cannot move. Jack it up and support it with jack stands that can hold the weight on the I-beams. I used 6X6's bolted together under the jack stands. Raze and lower the axles using bottle jacks. The job is heavy duty, but easy. Use "Never Seize" on the outside of each bushing. I walked mine in with a "C" clamp. It went quickly and easy. Both sides done in one day.

Well a 5er can be safely supported without being hitched to the TV, this is the second time I have done this with a 5er.

In addition the bushings are very easy to press in with a vice or "C" clamps if you place on dry Ice in the freezer overnight! :B Just be sure you wear gloves when handling!!

Charlie D. wrote:

edbehnke wrote:
just for general information 'wet bolts' DO fail. they seem to break in the center where the pin hole is. as for the bushings, they are 'plastic' material and you have to check on them just like the metal bushings.

Bushings are not plastic. They are brass. Like all things they will eventually fail but they will last much longer. Also has grease fittings.

The bushings are bronze not brass. I replace the never lube bushing which could be some sort of plastic. Mine were warn thin and two were cracked the entire length. I changed mine out last year. You need to do this safely. Keep the 5er hitched up so it cannot move. Jack it up and support it with jack stands that can hold the weight on the I-beams. I used 6X6's bolted together under the jack stands. Raze and lower the axles using bottle jacks. The job is heavy duty, but easy. Use "Never Seize" on the outside of each bushing. I walked mine in with a "C" clamp. It went quickly and easy. Both sides done in one day.

Timely post as I'm about to address this on our 5er. I am leaning towards the Mor Ryde heavy duty shackle kit, just need to figure out what kit for the 3 5/8" shackles we currently have.

Thank you for the reply and info, rhagfo.

rhagfo wrote:

Charlie D. wrote:

edbehnke wrote:
just for general information 'wet bolts' DO fail. they seem to break in the center where the pin hole is. as for the bushings, they are 'plastic' material and you have to check on them just like the metal bushings.

Bushings are not plastic. They are brass. Like all things they will eventually fail but they will last much longer. Also has grease fittings.

The wet bolt kits include bronze bushings.

Bolts failing, is this direct experience or hearsay?

=Good= wet bolt kits have bronze bushings =and= heavier shackles. :-)

Lyle

Charlie D. wrote:

edbehnke wrote:
just for general information 'wet bolts' DO fail. they seem to break in the center where the pin hole is. as for the bushings, they are 'plastic' material and you have to check on them just like the metal bushings.

Bushings are not plastic. They are brass. Like all things they will eventually fail but they will last much longer. Also has grease fittings.

The wet bolt kits include bronze bushings.

Bolts failing, is this direct experience or hearsay?

3oaks wrote:
rhagfo, where did you purchase the hanger extensions in your third picture?

I wanted to go with HD shackles and wet bolts along with Dexter's EZ Flex tandem equalizer. But I would loose 2" of tire clearance because of the difference in the original taller equalizers on my TT. If I can locate and install hanger extensions like you have and lower the equalizer mounting holes by 2", I could then use Dexter's EZ Flex equalizers and maintain the same clearance I presently have.

I do not want to go to the extent of grinding off the old and welding on all new hanger brackets.

That is a Correct Track system, allows alignment, and gives a 2" lift.

edbehnke wrote:
just for general information 'wet bolts' DO fail. they seem to break in the center where the pin hole is. as for the bushings, they are 'plastic' material and you have to check on them just like the metal bushings.

Bushings are not plastic. They are brass. Like all things they will eventually fail but they will last much longer. Also has grease fittings.

rhagfo, where did you purchase the hanger extensions in your third picture?

I wanted to go with HD shackles and wet bolts along with Dexter's EZ Flex tandem equalizer. But I would loose 2" of tire clearance because of the difference in the original taller equalizers on my TT. If I can locate and install hanger extensions like you have and lower the equalizer mounting holes by 2", I could then use Dexter's EZ Flex equalizers and maintain the same clearance I presently have.

I do not want to go to the extent of grinding off the old and welding on all new hanger brackets.

if going to the trouble of worrying about shackle bolts and bushings and the JUNK they put on your new rv, Think about changing the to something like Dexter EZ Flex. I put them one after about 2 years of towing and in many cases the bolts where half gone and no bushings. Now I give them a squirt once a year with grease and don't worry about them Google Dexteraxle.com and read about EZ Flex. You won't be sorry. I;m not.