Forum Discussion

KKELLER14K's avatar
KKELLER14K
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2016

Tandem axle equilizer and shackle angles

I need some input or at least some opinions on this subject and the reason I ask is this: I am replacing the shackles and equalizers on my 5th wheel project with a Dexter EZ-flex and I have the choice to have the shackles either spread out a little like they are now (pic) or go to an equalizer that is just a tad wider which would put the shackles in a more up and down position. Is there any real geometric reason that the shackles are spread out? If they are more up and down does it matter really? Any thoughts or comments?...Thanks for your inputs.

10 Replies

  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2016
    Tho I didn't have a press, neighbor had a vise and worked just the same when "pressing" wet bolt into the tabs. What I did too was mark the end of the bolt w/ a black sharpie inline w/ the holes in bolt so when it got pressed in, the line was at the 3/9 position. Zerks in inside as well. So I have to get under the trailer to grease it. So what. More room. Not sure it it makes that much of a difference, but I jack up the rig to grease so grease goes into the wet bolts easier.
  • jmtandem's avatar
    jmtandem
    Explorer II
    Dec 28, 2016
    AH HA!...ok so when the spring compresses it gets longer... ok,I get it. That makes total sense.. I got the upgrade idea from Barney..(Thanks again) that is why I stopped right where I did. But I did not still quite understand it but now I do. I'm ordering the EZ- flex which has the wet bolts and bronze bushings. Weather here has been cruddy to..no fun working outside at the moment.. but the upgrade is coming. Thank you all. One small edit...I think I would rather have the zerks facing the inside rather than towards the tires. Just my opinion


    What I did was to make sure the zerks work before installing. The instructions suggest either a 3 or 9 o'clock position and some times it can be a little hard to get the grease in after installation. They can be installed either facing inward to the inside of the coach or outward. You will need a drift (or use a bolt with the threads removed) and possibly a handheld press to get the old ones out and get the new ones in.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2016
    I did an axle flip, 16 inch LT tires, Dexter ez and wet bolts.I put my zerks on the inside because they are easier to get to. My fw sits high so it's easy to get under it and keep an eye on everything and hit the fittings.
  • KKELLER14K's avatar
    KKELLER14K
    Explorer II
    Dec 28, 2016
    AH HA!...ok so when the spring compresses it gets longer... ok,I get it. That makes total sense.. I got the upgrade idea from Barney..(Thanks again) that is why I stopped right where I did. But I did not still quite understand it but now I do. I'm ordering the EZ- flex which has the wet bolts and bronze bushings. Weather here has been cruddy to..no fun working outside at the moment.. but the upgrade is coming. Thank you all. One small edit...I think I would rather have the zerks facing the inside rather than towards the tires. Just my opinion.
  • 3oaks's avatar
    3oaks
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2016
    WE-C-USA wrote:
    Shackles are meant to be at that angle. Not straight up/down. Install the correct (same length) Ez-Flex & Heavy Duty Shackle/Wet Bolt Kit.
    ;)
  • WE-C-USA's avatar
    WE-C-USA
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2016
    Shackles are meant to be at that angle. Not straight up/down. Install the correct (same length) Ez-Flex & Heavy Duty Shackle/Wet Bolt Kit.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Dec 27, 2016
    I agree with the above posts. Use the size that is the same width as your original equalizer.

    If you have not seen it already, take a look at this thread that is stuck at the top of the Travel Trailer forum on the installation of the kit, complete with lots of hints, tips, and pictures.
    Barney
  • jmtandem's avatar
    jmtandem
    Explorer II
    Dec 27, 2016
    As long as you have some of the stuff apart include the wet bolts. Did both the EZ and wet bolts and it makes a difference in towing.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 27, 2016
    Your spring 'eyes' are wider then the equalizer hence the 'spread' on shackles

    Go with the equalizer that is same width as your spring 'eyes'
    Shackles then will be more in line with each other for smooth motion


    NOW is also a REALLY good time to install 'Wet Bolt' kit so you can grease moving points and have better bushing

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