nate
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1963 Comet 17'
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Post by nate on Jan 2, 2018 15:41:32 GMT -8
I noticed that one of the leafs on my leaf springs was broken underneath one of the clasps. Both my leaf springs measured 26 1/4" from eye to eye. Was this a common size? I'm thinking that they were 26" springs to begin with and flattened a bit to get that extra 1/4". E-trailer has 26" leaf springs with the correct bolt size for $26 apiece. The old springs had rubber bushings, the new ones have a nylon bushing. The new springs are rated at 4000 lbs. Is there any reason not to grab these from e-trailer? I haven't weighed my trailer but I think it's in the 2000-2500 lb range. Picture for reference. The shackle piece on the right only appears to be angled in. It's actually pretty straight up and down.  IMG_0933 by nate kastle, on Flickr |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 2, 2018 17:03:32 GMT -8
I've always had good luck with anything I have purchased from E Trailer. If it fits, buy it. I'm a big fan of new springs and hardware.
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nate
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Post by nate on Jan 2, 2018 17:08:05 GMT -8
Update: my double eye leaf springs are 2" wide and all the replacement double eye springs I have found are 1 3/4". Apparently there was a change in the standard along the way...
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shastatom
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Shasta 54,57 1500 58 Airflyte
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Post by shastatom on Jan 2, 2018 17:29:13 GMT -8
There are other sites as well that may have what you need. I would be careful with the weight because to stiff of a spring will make it ride like a freight truck and isn't good either. There are sites that have help, also I believe you want a spring that totals the total weight. If I understand what the guy told me when I bought new springs that bigger isn't always better and that if you have a camper that weighs 2500 pounds plus equipment you would want about 2000 lbs springs per side. But check with the experts at some of the other sites as well. I buy from etrailer as well and they are a great company but I couldn't find the springs I needed from them so I bought from another site. Also if you think you need the 1/4 in then you can sometime make that up in the shackle. Here is a link with 2 inch springs that may just work www.stengelbros.net/Eye-Eye-Trailer-Springs_c_254.htmlI guess you need to us-1095 |
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nate
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Post by nate on Jan 2, 2018 18:41:43 GMT -8
There are other sites as well that may have what you need. I would be careful with the weight because to stiff of a spring will make it ride like a freight truck and isn't good either. There are sites that have help, also I believe you want a spring that totals the total weight. Here is a link with 2 inch springs that may just work www.stengelbros.net/Eye-Eye-Trailer-Springs_c_254.htmlI guess you need to us-1095 Yeah, I saw some other ones that size. I wondered if having 6 springs instead of 4 would be an issue. I think I'll take these springs to a spring shop and see what they think. |
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shastatom
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Post by shastatom on Jan 2, 2018 18:49:46 GMT -8
Nate, talking with an expert is always good thing to do. You want it to be safe and ride well.
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Jan 2, 2018 20:20:28 GMT -8
When replacing springs you also want to replace the u-bolts and nuts.
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Post by bigbill on Jan 3, 2018 3:15:49 GMT -8
Looking at the picture it appears that some one has extended both the mount and the shackles a couple of inches to increase the ride height. Measure the original gap above the welded in pieces to find out the width of the original springs, this might give you a clue to what size spring the trailer really needs. I would consider springs with more arch and return to original mounting location, or remove locating pads and reweld them on top of axle to get the lift you need. The way it is now increases the chance of failure of mounting points in the event of a strong side load that could occur during a severe swerve or a blown tire. You need all new hardware anyway so while you are making repair you might as well do it right. This would also allow you to purchase standard available springs and repair parts, resulting in a better and safer trailer.
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nate
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Post by nate on Jan 3, 2018 9:22:39 GMT -8
Big Bill, I believe you are right! I should have noticed that since there was some other welding done around the trailer. The retractable step on this trailer always looked unoriginal to me so I guess this trailer probably didn't have one and a PO added one when they raised up the trailer.
Thank you for noticing that. I think I'll have new hardware put on this trailer.
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nate
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Post by nate on Jan 4, 2018 15:45:36 GMT -8
Well I'm about to purchase all new hardware for the leaf springs install. I'm now wishing I had weighed my trailer before taking it apart. Best guess, my trailer weighs around 2000 lbs (17' hitch to bumper). Would you go for the 3500 lb leaf springs or 4000 lb springs? Do you know what your trailer has?
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Post by bigbill on Jan 4, 2018 17:04:21 GMT -8
Well I'm about to purchase all new hardware for the leaf springs install. I'm now wishing I had weighed my trailer before taking it apart. Best guess, my trailer weighs around 2000 lbs (17' hitch to bumper). Would you go for the 3500 lb leaf springs or 4000 lb springs? How many lugs are on each wheel Four lugs is a 2000 lb axle five lugs can be a 2000 or 3500 lb axle, as a rule of thumb. I like stiff enough springs to hold the trailer stable. If you buy springs that are to stiff you can take them apart and remove one leaf. If you buy too heavy can always add another leaf. You are only talking 250 pounds per side difference I doubt if you would notice the difference. These trailers don't have shocks so you will find they run heavier springs, much different than a car. |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 4, 2018 17:09:27 GMT -8
Well I'm about to purchase all new hardware for the leaf springs install. I'm now wishing I had weighed my trailer before taking it apart. Best guess, my trailer weighs around 2000 lbs (17' hitch to bumper). Would you go for the 3500 lb leaf springs or 4000 lb springs? I used to be lucky enough to have a spring builder near me. But they went out of business. They custom built my spring packs and gave me all new hardware for $110 per pack.... So a set was about $220 custom built. |
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Post by bigbill on Jan 4, 2018 17:20:20 GMT -8
I used to be lucky enough to have a spring builder near me. But they went out of business. They custom built my spring packs and gave me all new hardware for $110 per pack.... So a set was about $220 custom built. I still have two shops with in 15 miles of here. But they are surviving on truck and trailer work so don't know how long either will last. Their lots used to be full of customers but now parking is no problem. |
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nate
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Post by nate on Jan 4, 2018 17:34:53 GMT -8
Sounds good, thanks. I think I’ll go with the 4000 lb springs since I’ll gain an inch in height over the 3500 lb ones.
One shop pointed me to their blacksmith they used if I wanted to fix the old springs. Have to admit I didn’t think blacksmiths were in business much anymore outside of hobbyists.
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