axle and springs

[MRS]

my leafs are mounted under axle they look like if I was to get a flat while on the road it would scape the plate the every thing that is bolted to it right off. The back shackle is 8" long and the front is 2" can I move the springs on top of axel weld on new spring perch and replace 8" shackle with 2" with out messing any thing up. If it raises the boat up a couple more inches that would be ok. Thanks for any help

 

[JB]

Re: axle and springs

What make and size trailer, MRS?<br /><br />Go to championtrailers.com and look at the different configurations they can offer parts for.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: axle and springs

Keep decent tires on the trailer and you don't have to worry about it. The trailer handles better the way it is. The wheels will hit the ground before the U-Bolts. The front shackle should be fixed. The rear shackle is sized the way it is to provide axle-to-frame clearance. If you have plenty of clearance, a shorter shackle can be used but remember, it must pivot to account for the increase in spring length as the spring compresses. Get it too short and things begin to bind and break. Is this a factory trailer or something someone built in their garage?

 

[MRS]

Re: axle and springs

Thanks guys for the reply it is a factory trailer vansons 1969 I think it had a square drop axle 2" originally but spindles went bad and was replaced with a round axle same drop 2". I do run load rated tires but you never know when something can happen on the road, Hate when that happens!!!!! especially when I am usally with my wife if I can take some photos this weekend I will post. If I have to I will change springs and shackles thats not a problem just want to figure out how to figure right. JB will check out the site Thanks again for the replys. trailer is for towing 17ft. boat tire size is 205x75x15 with load rated tires not car tires The front mounts are weld on.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: axle and springs

The front spring mounts "must" be welded on. You cannot weld the rears as the springs get longer as they compress. With a welded rear mount you'd break things. I've also never seen a 2-inch rear shackle.

 

[MRS]

Re: axle and springs

Hey Up I must have explained wrong the front mount is welded the rear are not the front distance from frame is 2" the lenth of rear shackle is 8". hope this helps and thanks for any help.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: axle and springs

I have found this to be a useful site, got everything I could think of for a trailer.<br /><br /> http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog&categoryID=175

 

[MRS]

Re: axle and springs

Thanks 94 I will check it out I am going to move on top of axle but need to figure out how long or short the rear shackle should be so I get full movement of the springs with out busting any thing thanks.

 

[MRS]

Re: axle and springs

Hey thanks for the links guys I found a under over conversion kit for the springs for $32.95. easy switch and a lot of peace of mind on the hwy I just have to figure out what length shackle to use Thanks again.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: axle and springs

Not only do you need to know shackle length, but if you change that, you need to be careful about shackle position (fore & aft position). If you leave them positioned as they are now but shorten them, you run the risk of the shackles moving fully rearward and binding on the frame. If you move them rearward to avoid that, you can move them too far so that when the trailer is empty, spring rebound may cause them to go over-center and actually pivot forward. Shortening them and moving them forward will certainly cause binding. You need to do some careful engineering work.

 

[MRS]

Re: axle and springs

Up, how do I figure that out should I measure position and degree that it is (shackle)sitting at with trailer empty or loaded? I am trying to do right just do not have anybody I know to ask Thanks. I did e-mail trailer web site to ask they have not ansewered yet.

 

[MRS]

Re: axle and springs

OK guys I am going for it trailer web site e-mailed me back and said I could do it and that shackle lenth will just determin how high or low I want it. So I will update when I do it Thanks for the help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: axle and springs

Where the shackle sits now when loaded will somewhat determine the angle with shorter shackles. But again, you need to do some math as a shorter shackle will swing farther (in degrees) with the same amount of spring deflection. The spring will deflect the same amount with a short shackle as it does with a long one so mark the frame where spring eye is now. Then measure from the spring eye up the shackle two inches (if that's how much you want to shorten it). Transfer that measurement to the frame. That mark should now be somewhat forward of the first mark. The distance between the two is how much the top of the shackle needs to be move BACK of the first line to maintain the same shackle angle loaded.

 

[MRS]

Re: axle and springs

I tried to post photo did not work will try tomorrow.