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Old 07-15-2009, 06:31 AM   #1
WorkerB
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HD wet bolt shackle kit

I am looking for a heavy duty wet bolt shackle kit. Dexter part # K71-449-00. I’ve heard folks say they paid $119.00. I got on line and can’t find one under $149.00. I realize stuff goes up in price but before I buy I’ll ask here. Any suggestions where I might look for a supplier with the best price?
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John
 
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Old 07-15-2009, 07:09 AM   #2
bullroc3
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When I bought mine, it was cheaper to go through the dealer network than buy them direct through Dexter.
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Old 07-15-2009, 10:24 AM   #3
HamRad
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John,

It's been a few years since we changed out our shackles but I seem to remember paying about $140 or so at a local shop. It was a trailer shop not an RV place.

I think the price of about $150 or so is not too bad.

Good luck.

Dennis
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Old 07-15-2009, 11:05 AM   #4
OntMont
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We got ours from TrailAir in Goshen. They were installed for us at their shop in Goshen at the same time as our Equa-Flex equalizers, but probably could be purchased separately.
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Old 07-15-2009, 11:11 AM   #5
WorkerB
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I'm beginning to think you might be right Dennis. The local RV store said he could get them for $153 with no shipping if I wait two weeks for his normal shipment to come in. Whenever I go to the Montana Dealer I come back kinda sore, but Bullroc3 is right. I haven't at least checked with them. They promise to get back to me with price and availability before the end of the business day. I'm taking the Monty to Reno for a few days. It's only a 120 mile round trip. I'll just keep an eye on her and take it easy. It's really spooky after seeing the broken shackles Butch brought to the rally.
Later,
John
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Old 07-15-2009, 11:11 AM   #6
Art-n-Marge
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I think your low price is for the non-heavy duty. I paid about $160 but I did not shop around and bought them where I bought the rig. The big ticket item was the labor, because I did not shop around for that either and didn't belong to the MOC where I found out I could have done it myself and saved about $700.
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Old 07-15-2009, 02:17 PM   #7
noneck
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I did the direct from Dexter and installed myself...
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Old 07-15-2009, 03:55 PM   #8
Carl n Susan
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I had the Dexter # K71-449-00 kit installed by Allied Trailer Supply in Sacramento May 18th. Ray had his Dexter # K71-449-00 kit installed by a trailer shop in Paradise two weeks ago. Both of us paid $119. I believe Michael just had his done in Lemore and paid the same amount.

All of the web prices I found were higher (some significantly). Understand that was the price on the invoice for the parts when they installed it. I don't know if they give the same price if you just want the parts and not the installation.
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Old 07-15-2009, 05:13 PM   #9
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Hi Butch,
I called Allied last week. The young fellow that answered had a bit of an attitude. I think he quoted $175. I'll try again tomorrow and let you know.
I'm looking at your signature pic.
That sure is a fine looking Umbrella!
John
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Old 07-15-2009, 07:09 PM   #10
stiles watson
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I don't know about Allied, but I agree about finding a price of $149 online. One of those vendors was in California. Unless Allied comes through for you, that might be a good price now. It is less than what you would pay dealing direct with Dexter. If you chose to call Dexter, they may be able to help you find a nearby vendor. Then you can check their prices.
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Old 07-15-2009, 09:19 PM   #11
WorkerB
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Hi Stiles,
Dexter was my first stop for basic info. They wanted $207.83 + Freight. While $150 is good I was looking for that Blue Light Special at $119. I will do a little more checking tomorrow and place my order. I will do the installation myself. Somewhere in my past on the MOC I came across this article http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/2007/...ety-alert.html This is a wet bolt kit that the owner didn't keep wet! I'll let you know the final outcome tomorrow.
Take Care,
John
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Old 07-16-2009, 03:37 AM   #12
nailbender
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John, Thanks for the info on the lube schedule for the wet bolts. I had no idea of how often it should be done and I don't remember any discussion about it at the Mor/Ryde seminar last month.
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Old 07-16-2009, 05:13 AM   #13
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We just had new shackles installed on our Monty. Shackle kit was $119 plus we had to pay $20 shipping (coming in from Grants Pass). Labor was 1.5 hours for a total cost of $279.00. Maybe a trip to Paradise should be scheduled?
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Old 07-16-2009, 05:15 AM   #14
WorkerB
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Hi Don,
Glad you found the information helpful. I've seen worn shackles before but never the equalizer. Pretty ugly huh? I know you won't be doing it but if anyone else is considering doing it yourself, here is a link that gives instructions. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/21609645.cfm
I'm installing the standard equalizer not the fancy one.
See ya at Bordertown Sunday.
John
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Old 07-16-2009, 05:42 AM   #15
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Hi Ray,
Wow $279 to get-er-done and on the road to boot. $100 labor + shipping is a great price. I suspect you have the 33" axle spread where mine are 35" center to center. Doesn't make much sense that my kit is more expensive. BirdingRVer keeps trying to talk me into getting rid of my 2001 and buy a new Big Sky. If I took his advice I wouldn't be in this situation. HA, maybe I would after all. I hear the new rigs need to replace them shortly after 10K miles or so. It's 8:30 AM here so I'm going to make a few more calls before ordering.
Have a GREAT day,
John
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Old 07-16-2009, 09:29 AM   #16
sreigle
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Ours were purchased through and installed by MO Trailers in Goshen, IN when they swapped our axles for the 7k axles. Maybe they gave me their price or some kind of disount. Here's what the invoice shows for the wet bolt kit..

K71-359-00 Tandem axle heavy duty suspension kit... 101.88
Grease... 6.50
Moisture Seal... .37

Total is 108.75. This was in July 2008.

I assume they're Dexter since the axles he installed are Dexter. They are definitely wet bolt and the shackles are much, much heavier than the OEM.
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Old 07-16-2009, 11:40 AM   #17
2 Sinks
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Hello WorkerB,

I purchased the EZ Flex complete tandem kit Part #K71-653-00 (35" axle ctr)on sale direct from Dexter on line in late June 09 for $176.28 and delivered to my door with UPS shipping added for a total of $192.73.

Our Mountaineer 336RLT 5ver has aprox 10K miles,the equalizer bushings were pretty much worn out as were several other spring eye bushings (cheap plastic crap) several of the pivot bolts were shiny and showing wear too.No visible shackle strap wear though.

The new kit is pretty beefed up thickness wise...but I was disappointed the shackle straps had made in India stamped on them and the brass bushings were quite pitted .I made sure the bolts would take grease before installing and even smoothed off the grease hole openings on several of the bolts that felt rough.

The worst part about the installation was the hoooot Florida sun working me over.Did the port side Saturday am & the starboard side Sunday am.A 4" heavy duty made in America c-clamp was my extra hands.

Have taken one camping trip so far and can't really tell any difference in the ride quality.I greased all the bolts again the other day to check for proper grease flow and all seems ok so far.

Hope your installation goes well.
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Old 07-16-2009, 12:28 PM   #18
RRman
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I paid Dexter the online special price of $176.28 for K71-653-00 EZ Flex Complete Tandem Kit (35" Axle spacing).
At the local RV Repair Place I highly recommend - Alabama Motorcoach in Montgomery AL for installation and a grease job and two new BFG TA Commercial Tire installations, so I suspect at least 2-3 hours of labor @$90/hour as I recall.
Won't be free!
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Old 07-16-2009, 02:28 PM   #19
WorkerB
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OK,
After hunting hi and lo near and far Sierra Trailer Sales right here in Susanville, CA is $152 + tax = $164.54. Who would have thunk? No where else in the whole world could I find this item cheaper. The deed is done the parts are ordered and will arrive next Thursday. 2 Sinks, thanks for the confirmation that a C clamp will work for pressing in the bushings. Everyone else, Thanks for your input and encouragement. BTW, I do have to mention that NOT ONE of you guys mentioned that I'm going to need a box of band-aids for all the busted knuckles I'm going to end up with! Y'all are slippin! The DW promises to have all the Grandkids over the day I do this. Her thinking is that I will keep my language in check.
Thanks All,
John
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Old 07-16-2009, 04:02 PM   #20
KTManiac
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 2 Sinks

.....The new kit is pretty beefed up thickness wise...but I was disappointed the shackle straps had made in India stamped on them and the brass bushings were quite pitted .I made sure the bolts would take grease before installing and even smoothed off the grease hole openings on several of the bolts that felt rough.....
2 Sinks,

That is because the are not "brass bushings", they are Oil-Lite bronze bushings. They are technically, sintered bronze, and are a casting that is designed to be porous to retain lubrication. They usually come pre-impregnated with oil from the manufacturer. Also, bronze is much tougher and more wear resistant than brass is. So don't worry about the "pitted brass bushings", they are as they should be.

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