Does the leaf spring shackle need to be in the rear?

[wlfmachine]

I am building an offroad trailer and my new leaf springs are wider then the old. It would save my buying and welding two new hangers if I can put the leaf spring shackles on the front eye of the shackle, rather then the rear, as they are usually positioned.

I have looked all over the Internet but can't find anything about whether or not that's okay. One indication that it would be okay is that the front leaf spring on a dual axle trailer have the shackle in the front.

Also I notice that on the CJ and some other trucks with leaf springs on the front axle, the shackle is also at the front eye of the axle rather then the rear.

So will I be fine installing the shackle on the front eye of the leaf rather then the rear?

Thanks for your help!

 

[16crewmax]

It's not recommended but it will work. It will ride a bit stiffer than a rear shackle setup also


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[indiedog]

With the shackle on the front the wheel will want to move forward when you hit a bump and the spring compresses, so into the obstacle. The shackle at the rear allows the wheel to move up and back a little so it absorbs the impact better. Your eggs just may not arrive all in one piece.

 

[wlfmachine]

Thanks for the quick responses!

Now that I think about it that makes perfect sense that the shackle in the rear allows the axle to shift backward absorbing some of the shock.

Thanks for y'alls help!

Also its really cool seeing pictures of everyone's setups. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[1.9TDIZook]

Your odds of taco-ing a leaf spring on a rock are greater with a forward shackle.