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pulpwood007's avatar
pulpwood007
Explorer
Sep 13, 2020

Correcting flipped shackles

While trying to grease wet bolts by lifting the trailer I accidentally flipped the shackles on one axle. I've read of the various ways to correct, but usually involves putting pressure on the axle and forces the shackles back into the correct position, accompanied by a "loud bang".

Is there a less intensive way to do this not putting so much stress on the springs/shackles?
  • The only other option I can think of is to remove one if the bolts on the shackle and reassemble in the correct orientation.
  • I helped a friend get their shackles un flipped and it helped to jack the trailer back up a little and use bars, like you did. I guarantee I'd find a permanent fix if it were my trailer. Either longer springs or move the outer spring mounts closer together... I've done both. Craig
  • C Schomer wrote:
    I helped a friend get their shackles un flipped and it helped to jack the trailer back up a little and use bars, like you did. Craig


    I have never used a bar. What is the process? That's what my question is.
  • I too would pull a bolt, flip the shackle and put the bolt back in.
  • Hook up to the truck and run one wheel up on a couple of boards. It should pop back in place.

    Here's a video showing using a jack. I have helped a couple of people in campgrounds do it by running it up on boards. It will scare you when it goes back in place.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQrDd4tDkv8
  • opnspaces wrote:
    I too would pull a bolt, flip the shackle and put the bolt back in.


    That would be my preference, and particularly since I need to reposition a wet bolt that won't take grease.

    Problem is I really don't have large enough jack stands to support the trailer. That concerns me.
  • I have two pneumatic cylinders that I can lift trailer with and when I get the shackles to where they were close to flipping back i used a wrecking bar to help flip them. It still wasn’t easy because Id move the shackle on one side and the shackle on the other side Usually wanted to go the wrong way but I still got them right and it didn’t take very long. Craig

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