worn out spring shackles on my trailer

I need to replace the two side parts that attach the spring to the frame mount. They sell them 30 miles from here. Can I make some from standard flat stock? Or is it a special type of steel?
Thank you
Sde

Probably nothing special but they are made so the bolts fit tight in the holes. I think it will be worth your time to get the correct straps and bolts. Have them sent by mail.

If your shackles are shot so are the bushings. Get a complete kit with bushings, bolts and straps and save yourself some hassle. You will probly need to torch the bolts anyway. The bolts are knurled on the head end to keep them from turning and wearing out the shackles and that being bad is what has started your problems. If you need a kit you can order one from Redneck Trailer Supply and they will ship it direct. Here is the page with what you will need on it. Be best to get a complete tandem axle kit because you will probly find worn holes in the equalizer when you get it apart.
Untitled URL Link

I thought that the worn straps were the tip of the Iceberg. I will need to check and see how many will need to be replaced.
Thank you
SDE

It's been my experience with this type suspension that you will find you will need all the bolts, bushings and straps. Once you are that far all you lack for a complete kit is the equalizer and it's usually cheaper to get a complete kit than the parts. Don't forget the bolts and bushings in the end of the springs in front and back too. I've seen those nearly worn through the bolts and that is what keeps the axle aligned. Have you been having tire problems?

I doubt the metal is anything special. If I were to make them I would make them a little thicker. Atleast 1/4 inch.The ones on my trailer are more like 3/16. A couple weeks ago I needed to replace a broken frame mount. I cold have made one. I decided to drive 30 miles and buy one. It would be nice if you could go through all the hangers, and bushings. Maybe when you have more time. Stan

Anybody that sells trailers usually has shackle kits for sale. You can get the whole kit with everything, including the brackets that weld to the frame for a tandem. Last time I bought a kit it was like $35 and that was about 3 years ago. TSC may have them as well as ASC.

Mark

I redid the shackles and bushings all around when I had to replace a rusted out axle last year. My old Valley 16 foot stock trailer tows like new now. Made a huge difference. Took a lot of play out of things. If I could swing new tires it would be even better.

If you can, get the bolts with the grease fittings and use Nylock nuts on them or otherwise secure them. Get some oil to your springs too if you have leaf suspension.

I don't know what kind of trailer you have, but I have a 16'
tandem with 3500# axles. I used to run take-offs from my truck
which were radials and when loaded up the sidewall flex was
excessive. Other thing was sway, like mush back there. And
turning a reasonable corner you just watched in the rv mirror for
when, not if, the tires would be stripped from the rim.

Went to my "have all" tire store and found some import 8 ply bias
tubeless. Shield brand. I just bought the tires and took them
home and mounted myself. Priced right. That was about 8 years
ago and they are the right answer. What's interesting is that
upon close inspection I can't find any weather cracking in the
sidewall nor the tread area in all that time. Not the case with my
premium radials on the truck, Goodyear LS2. I do park the trailer
out of doors but protect the tires from the sun. I mounted them
on my trailer with the new running gear. Grin.

I have a pair of Shield ST radials on my boat trailer of the same
general vintage and no cracks on them either. I do keep it in the
shop out of the weather. Interesting in that usually when a
trailer sits a lot, as mine do, you expect cracking as you aren't
working the plasticizers to the surface which keep the surface
rubber pliable, hence no cracking.

Just a thought.
Mark