leaf springs?

[POINTER94]

I got a 6000lb rig and I think the leaf springs might have replaced. I was quoted 600 bucks. Well that seems a little high for a couple of 30 dollar parts installed on an open trailer.<br /><br />How tough is this to do yourself? I am thinking that it can't be that tough to do.<br /><br />Any feedback? Thanks in advance.

 

[Gruntinbuck]

Re: leaf springs?

It's not that hard to do. You'll need a hammer, at the very least a breaker bar, better would be a impact gun with the proper socket, a wrench of the appropriate size, a hack saw or cutting wheel, jack, and jack stands or blocks to secure it while your working. A very wise investment is a u-bolt kit for the axle or axles, it's easier to cut them as opposed to wrestling the nuts off. The shackle bolts I've seen two different ways, I've seen them where theirs a nut and a bolt and I've seen them where the bolt it welded to the the shackle. If able put a wrench on what would be the bolt side and your impact gun on the nut side and work from there. When you re- install I like to put a drop of lock tite on the treads for good measure even though they are lock nuts.. Lastly, when the nuts go back on make sure you put them back on the way they came off or you could have a problem putting them back together. I hope I helped alittle.

 

[Darren Smith]

Re: leaf springs?

$600 for trailer spring is a bit much, IMHO. They are easy to do yourself. As Gruntinbuck said, invest in a U-bolt kit, DO NOT ruse the U-Bolts. They stretch when they are tightened and may not reach the proper torque the second time. I always recommend new hardware when doing suspension work. Think of what can happen if an old nut backs off, and the bolt walks out. Another thing to consider is axle alignment, after the new springs are in, before you fully tighten them, put the trailer on the ground, and measure from the tongue, or coupler, to each side of the hub, or at least the same spot on the axle to make sure the trailer will track straight. Then fully tighten the suspension, with the weight on it. Good luck and let us know the results!

 

[POINTER94]

Re: leaf springs?

Thanks for the feedback. I just didn't think it would be that hard. Sounds like the same way you center a mast on the sailboat. I will get to it later this summer, and fill you all in on how it went. <br /><br />Thanks again, dk