completely noob question about shackles

[wheelerboy12]

so i hate to admit i dont know this but... why does only one side of leaf springs have shackles and the other side does not? and can both sides have shackles or does that not work?

:noob:

 

[bucket]

As the spring compresses, it changes length. The shackle pivots and keeps the spring from binding.

 

[crazy4offroad]

If there were shackles at both ends of the spring the axle couldn't stay centered.