SERVICE BULLETIN
PROPER SHACKLE BOLT INSTALLATION
PURPOSE: To identify proper installation of suspension hardware on double eye and slipper suspensions.

Safety Precautions
Before making any modifications or repairs to a vehicle, make sure that the vehicle is properly supported with lifting or
support devices that have the correct capacity.

CAUTION

CAUTION

Never depend on the axles and jacks alone to
support the vehicle when making repairs or
modifications. A vehicle that is not adequately
supported can fall and cause severe injuries or
death.

Personal protective equipment must be worn
when making vehicle repairs or modifications.
This includes, but is not limited to, safety
glasses, steel toe boots and gloves.

Models Affected
10CH, 10PI, 14EB, 14EH, 14ET, 14GT, 14GX, 14LD, 14LP, 14LX, 14PI, 14RB, 14RD, 14XD, 16EH, 16GX, 16LP, 16RB, 16RD,
30SA, 30SV, 35SA, 35SV, 35SX, 35UT, 60EC, 60PI, 70CH, 70SR, 70TV, 90SR
Suspension hardware affected: 9001104 BOLT SHACKLE 9/16"x3" 7/16THRD; 9000031 BOLT SHACKLE 9/16"-18 x 3-1/2"
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin pertains to all affected models produced between Jan 1st 2026 – Mar 13th 2026. Due to a recent incident where
suspension hardware was not properly torqued, we are requesting that all suspension hardware for the affected models be
inspected prior to sale. This inspection should include a visual inspection, to ensure the bolts are properly seated in the
hangers and that all hardware is present & properly tightened. Pictorial examples and torque specs and procedures are shown
below.
EXAMPLE OF BOLT SEATED AGAINST HANGER (BOTH BOLT SIZES):

If the bolt is not fully seated in the hanger it is not necessarily an indication of the suspension being loose. If this condition is
noted, the head of the bolt will need to be properly seated by using a small single hand sledgehammer. The tightness of the
nut should be checked afterwards in the manner shown below.
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©Big Tex Trailers – 3/27/2026

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EXAMPLE OF NUT FULLY TIGHTENED ON SHACKLE BOLT:
9/16 SHOULDER BOLT WITH 7/16” THREADS (10K GVWR & DOWN):

INCORRECT

CORRECT

INSPECTION PROCESS:
Whenever loose suspension (shackle bolt/nut) is suspected, inspect the torque of the nut using the following method:
• Using a 13/16” wrench, hold the head of the bolt.
• Using a torque wrench (13/16” socket) set to 40 ft. lb. tighten the nut until the set torque value is reached.
• Repeat this process with all the shackle bolts.

SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE VALUE:

9/16” Bolt (14K GVWR & UP):
INCORRECT

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CORRECT

©Big Tex Trailers – 3/27/2026

032726-001

9/16” Bolt (14K GVWR & UP) Cont.:
INSPECTION PROCESS:
Whenever loose suspension (shackle bolt/nut) is suspected, inspect the torque of the nut using the following method:
• Using a 13/16” wrench, hold the head of the bolt.
• Using another 13/16” wrench or socket and ratchet, securely tighten the locknut until it sits flush, usually
ensuring at least two threads extend past the nut (see image above).
• Repeat this process with all the shackle bolts.

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©Big Tex Trailers – 3/27/2026

032726-001