Replacing a Lippert 3,500 lb Leaf Spring Axle with a Dexter 3,500 lb Leaf Spring Axle

Updated 05/29/2015 | Published 05/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(226)

$495.81

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

(2045)

$49.38

Spring Seat for Typical 3,500-lb, Round Trailer Axles with 2-3/8" Diameter

(637)

$16.31

Question:

I want to replace/upgrade my existing Lippert LC135-SB-85.0-68.5 tandem axles with Dexter 35545E-ST-EZ-89. Is this item a direct replacement? I am replacing springs as well 25-1/8inch bolt center and need the p/n for that too? The tires are 175/80-13.

asked by: Brian D

Expert Reply:

The Trailer Axle, part # e43SR, is similar to the Lippert LC135-SB-85.0-68.5 axle, but it is not a direct replacement. Both axles are 3,500 lb leaf spring tubular axles, but they are different lengths. The Dexter axle is slightly longer, which means the wheels would stick out further and the spring center is wider. Your axle has a hub face measurement of 85 inches and the Dexter axle has a hub face measurement of 89 inches (see photo). The wheels will stick out about 2 inches further on each side.

The spring seat measurement on the Dexter axle is 74 inches on center and it is 68.5 inches on center for the Lippert axle. This means the spring seats that are welded to the axle will not line up with the springs on your trailer. If the overall length of the axle is not an issue, then you could weld new spring seats, # TRSS238, to match the spring centers on your trailer.

For replacement leaf springs, we offer the 4-leaf double eye leaf springs, # e54SR. These springs are rated at 1,750 lbs per spring, or 3,500 lbs for two and the eye to eye dimension is 25-1/8 inches on center.

expert reply by: John H