Forum Discussion

PnrFab's avatar
PnrFab
Explorer
Sep 26, 2016

Loose Shackle Bolts From Factory??? *PICS*

While under my brand new TT this afternoon giving everything a once over and just trying to familiarize myself with everything under neath, I noticed the nuts for the shackle bolt wasn't tightened all the against the shackle/spring hanger. Was this an oversight from the factory?

Look closly at the top row of nuts. Most have about 1/8 - 1/4 gap from being tightened all the way up to make contact at least.





I'm new to TT but I'd never leave a shackle bolt that loose on a truck I've worked on, and I'll probably be fabing up some sort of gusset work for those spring hangers...look like they're ready to buckle!!..haha
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Sep 26, 2016
    Send your pics and complaints to the manuf. then send another one to the NHTSA. They need to be made aware of what is heading out the door and onto our highways! If more people did this then maybe they would get the message. Auto manuf. would have it recalled as soon as something like this is found, so why shouldn't trailer manuf!

    I also don't like those hangers, but that is how it was built. If you can make and weld in some gussets then that would be a good idea!
  • mfox20's avatar
    mfox20
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2016
    Make sure you get all your warranty work done on that area before making any changes. Could void your warranty.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2016
    Those appear to be locking type nuts. In that case, the clearance may be to allow for proper flexing of the springs.
  • sch911's avatar
    sch911
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2016
    Johno02 wrote:
    Those appear to be locking type nuts. In that case, the clearance may be to allow for proper flexing of the springs.


    I agree on the locking nuts, but that clearance does look a little excessive.
  • PnrFab's avatar
    PnrFab
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2016
    sch911 wrote:
    Johno02 wrote:
    Those appear to be locking type nuts. In that case, the clearance may be to allow for proper flexing of the springs.


    I agree on the locking nuts, but that clearance does look a little excessive.



    I did notice how they appeared to be locking nuts as well, but flex should be coming from the bushing in the leaf springs. Looks like I'll be going back down there to snug them up a tad and mind as well put a wrench on the u-bolts too!
  • mayo30's avatar
    mayo30
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2016
    This would be the time to do your research on suspensions.Yes they are lock nuts and have a correct amount of tension.No you don't want flex in the bushings and U bolts are tightened a certain amount and method also, as the stretch of the bolts etc. all becomes involved.Not all as simple as it looks for sure.Nothing you can't do if you know what to do.Have fun.Be careful what experts you listen too.
  • DanKirk's avatar
    DanKirk
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2016
    I believe the bolts are shouldered bolts. I bet the nuts wont tighten any more, they are tightened all the way to the shoulder of the bolt.
  • WNYBob's avatar
    WNYBob
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2016
    Shoulder bolts are not threaded like the picture shows!
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Sep 26, 2016
    DanKirk wrote:
    I believe the bolts are shouldered bolts. I bet the nuts wont tighten any more, they are tightened all the way to the shoulder of the bolt.
    We have a winner. I have done a LOT of spring/shackle work over the years. Those are standard shoulder shackle bolts. That way the spring is left free to move as it should....

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