Recommendation for Increasing Axle to Trailer Frame Clearance

Published 01/15/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Front/Center/Rear Hanger for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Tall - 9/16" Bolt Hole

(302)

$12.41

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(787)

$82.57

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(787)

$92.37

Question:

Hello I was reading up on your tech articles for the distance of mounting locations for leaf springs. I recently purchased a custom-made car trailer and have recently noticed that the back leafspring u-bolts are way too close to the frame. The place that I purchased the trailer from is too far away, so Im planning on having a local shop make some alterations. My question is how would I go about finding the recommended leave spring mounting distance. If my current mounts are too far apart Im assuming that the leafspring arch wouldnt be very much and thus the axle tube would be closer to the frame. Anyway Im planning on purchasing some new mounts, just in case the shop has to remove mine and install them lower. My axles are Dexter 6000lb units. My current measurements from spring eye to spring eye is 25 3/8. Its is a tandem axle so the measurement from mount to center mount is 29.25. Also the current hangers not the middle one 2inch down by 1.75inch ish wide. Im not sure if the shop is planning on putting some spacer blocks above the new mounts or if I should just try to order a larger amount, like 3 or 4 inches. Anyway any help would be appreciated

asked by: Damon S

Expert Reply:

Actually, what will solve your axle-to-frame clearance issue you are having the easiest would be to move the axles from being above the leaf springs to below the leaf springs. That will give you a great deal more clearance between the frame and the axle and won't require you to change anything about your current leaf spring hanger setup.

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

Some refer to this process as "flipping the axles," but since axle has a slight bow to it you can't just flip them and reinstall them under the springs using the same spring seats. You have to remove the spring seats and install new ones on the opposite side of the axle so that it can be moved below the spring.

expert reply by: Jameson C