Questions About Replacing Leaf Spring On 2002 Ranger Single Axle Trailer

Updated 12/06/2024 | Published 12/02/2024

Products Featured in This Question

4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long

(1627)

$42.99

4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long

(210)

$87.81

Question:

I have a 2002 Ranger single axle trailer with 3500lb rating axle. My tire is rubbing on the inside of the fender is why Im replacing the springs. I purchased a set of springs from another company. I received the order, but noticed the arch is not as much as my spring thats bad. Now I fear it will not give me enough clearance and rub badly. Also the thickness of all for leafs together are 3/8 of a inch thinner. Can I get your thoughts Thank you , Rocky

asked by: Rocky G

Expert Reply:

Hello Rocky, thanks for reaching out. If your new leaf springs do not have as much of an arch as the old springs they are definitely not going to help your situation if your tires are already rubbing on the fenders. What we would usually do here is look at the unloaded dimensions of the current spring and try to find something that matches.

Just for an example, take a look at the dimensions of the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # DX23CR below. It measures 25-1/4" across and the "arch" is 3" tall. If you can tell me these dimensions for your springs I am happy to look into it and see if we have anything that will work. Otherwise, the only thing I can think of to help with clearance would be to get smaller tires or install taller spring hangers.

expert reply by: Jesse M

DX23CR Dimensions
(click to enlarge)

Rocky G.

12/3/2024

Thank you Jessie for the helpful information, I have a couple more questions , 1. I unable to drive out the bolts. When I spoke to the guy at Ranger who recommended your website for parts, He said they used the serrated type bolts that has those ribs like the ones you have, Do have any recommendations on how I may get them out? I don't want to damage the welded brackets on the trailer. 2. When and if I can get he old spring off and measure the arch it will be less than it was before weaken and started rubbing the tire. How will I know the replacement has the same height as the good side? If this doesn't make sense, is there a number I can call you or someone on my problem Best regards

Jesse M.

12/3/2024

@RockyG Hey Rocky, I am familiar with what you are describing. That is going to be tough getting those bolts off because the serrated type of bolts are made to be more or less permanent. The serrations hold the bolt in place and keep it from backing out. You can try using more force but aside from that you would have to cut them off. Usually what we will do it just jack up one side of the trailer to measure the springs. So you could try measuring both sides just to see what you come up with. I would have to recommend replacing all of the leaf springs, not just one. We do not have phones in our department but if you want to talk with someone you can give customer service a call. Otherwise, I am happy to continue to assist on here.

Rocky

12/3/2024

@JesseM Thanks Jesse, I do a best guess measurement on the good side that doesn't rub. I can get my complete hand under that side and can't under the bad. When you do the best guess measurements at your shop for both sides does it come out working ok. Just curious if you have had any customers order with success using the best guess measurement like that in the past? Thanks again

Jesse M.

12/4/2024

@Rocky This is generally how we do all replacement leaf springs and it works out great. Measure the current springs and find a match. We go into it know int the old springs could be flattened out. Leaf springs can flex up to 1" longer so this will be kept in mind.