jz1028 wrote:
I just got my kit in the mail. Noticed that two of the four shackle plates do not exactly line up with the bolts pressed into the other shackles. They are about .050" off center. Should I open up the holes in the plates so that the bolts will go through or what? I have two pair that will slide all the way down the bolts and two that won't even enter the holes in the heavy duty plates.
Thanks
Trailer is 26FK 1996
Kit is K71-652-00
After some more inspection, I see that the pressed in shackle bolts have the grease holes at the 6 or 12 o'clock position (which ever way you hold it). I have read posts concerning these. Can someone set me straight on this. Are these Ok as they are or should Dexter send new assemblies with the 3 or 9 o'clock positioins?
Hi JZ
Since you are a guy who uses 0.050”…(A guy like me…) I’m assuming you have a set of dial calipers. Measure down at the shackle plate across the 2 shoulder bolts. Then measure in the outside of the 2 holes on one of the shackle plates with the clearance holes. If those 2 dimensions are right with a few thousands then you most likely can make what you have work.
When they press in the shoulder bolts, they have serrated shanks too, the bolt take a hitch to the left and right some times. Mine had the same issue, but only about 0.020” beyond all the clearance. Screw the 2 nuts on, line up the flats and put a C clamp across the 2 nuts to draw them together. They can then flex in the hole and line up. I did mine right on the TT. Shoved the bolted shackle plate thru the spring and squeeze the studs enough to get the plate to go on.
On 1 I used 2 clamps. One to press on, like this, use light pressure to start. Then used the other to draw the studs together and she went on OK. If yours are truly drill 0.050” off center, well that is not going to spring into place.
The grease holes, see mine here from Dexter
I do not know how yours are. Mine where not at 6 and 12 on the shackles. The 6’o clock spot is sort of the worst if your lands there. All the weight of the TT is then pushing down on it. Mine where more like 2:00 or 4:00 on the shackles and they worked OK
On the spring hangers, yes I dialed mine so the grease hole would point to the clearance side of the play in the bronze bushing when the TT is towing forward. Which would be 3 or 9 o clock depending on which way you are looking at it.
Hope this helps and good luck
John
