Another shackle flip question.

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Mar 29, 2005 | 11:03 PM

BroncoRoadKill

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From: San Antonio, Texas

Another shackle flip question.

Hey fellas, something I have been reading is that you should not use a rig for towing if it has a shackle flip. Is this true?
Cause I was planning too do this too my 82 bronco, but I still need too haul a 16ft. trailer with a 1948 ford 8N and shredder.
Why is it a problem too haul with a shakle flip?

Thanks,
Clint

Mar 29, 2005 | 11:25 PM

ivanribic

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From: Spokane, WA

Shackle are designed to be used in tension, not compression. When you do a shackle flip and throw a lot of weight on your rear axle there's a very good chance you'll buckle the shackles. This doesn't mean you can't haul anything but you need to keep the weight down.

Mar 30, 2005 | 05:27 PM

BroncoRoadKill

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From: San Antonio, Texas

So, does it all come down too how good I reinforce the shackles?

Mar 30, 2005 | 06:02 PM

ivanribic

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From: Spokane, WA

Pretty much. You could build a BEEFY set of custom shackles and probably pull that trailer just fine. If your springs flex much that shackle wil move a lot and be at almost a 90 by once the weight is on there. But I would just inspect the shackles periodically to make sure they look good.

Mar 31, 2005 | 12:31 AM

BroncoRoadKill

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Thanks for the info I am going too do a 6' on my 82 and I would like too do a shackle flip on it, I have front spring hangers from a 70s 4x4 chassis and extra shackles that I will be adding metal and beefing up for the project.

Mar 31, 2005 | 12:56 AM

fishmanndotcom

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From: Senoia, GA

i still would be hesitant about hauling that much weight! i mean the physics behind a tension and compression setup are very very different! the brackets and the shackles and the mounting points are all made to be pulled from the top... not pushed from the bottom. like ivan said you'd prolly be fine but i will never attempt it.

-cutts-

Mar 31, 2005 | 01:16 AM

ivanribic

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From: Spokane, WA

Monsterbaby had a good point this evening when we were chatting about the shackle flip. The front shackles are designed for compression and they support a lot of weight all the time without collapsing. The rears should be able to handle the same if they're heavy enough. I agree with Fishy, I wouldn't do it myself, but I think if you have heavy enough shackles you'll be good to go. Fishy, is it F550 shackles that Ko is using on his truck?