Rebuilding a Tandem Axle Trailer with 6,000 Lb - 7,200 Lb Axles

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Question:

4- 6" drop in deck height would be too much. Now that I have trailer in front of me 0-4" would be fine if possible? As for modifications the fenders are going to be replaced so consider the trailer with fenders removed. As for the 6 spring hangers that are welded to the trailer frame those too will be removed. Most of the bolt holes are worn oval/elongated. Some of the mounts have been repaired and not squared when welded? So I had planned to cut them all off and weld on new. So basically it's a clean slate 6"×2" C channel frame, my 2 axles and 4 springs. My best guess is the axles are rated @ 6-7000 lbs each? The tubes are 3", 14.5"×8" wheels, 12" brakes, 1" threaded ends, outer bearing app,1.25," inner bearing 1.5" Leaf Springs; 25.25" long, app. 2" wide. spring ends and eyes are 1.75" and equalizer; app. 3" vert. for ends. equalizer 3" vert. 5.75 horz. I will mention again that I plan to replace all the susp mounts/equalizers with new. I was hoping you could suggest using a shorter? longer? taller? or wider mounts/ equalizers that will possibly help to lower the trailer or at least not raise ìt? Same goes for the axle U bolts that I also will be removing and replacing with new. The axles are and will be mounted on top of the leaf. If it is possible for me to buy extra long U bolts with taller seats or blocks that would raise the axles?? and lower the trailer 1-2-3 or possibly even 4"?? Again, or a least not make any higher? on that inner axle bearing I should have mentioned that its 1.75" and tapers to 1.5"

asked by: Edmond

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would love to help but are you sure that you have space to lower the trailer 4" - 6"? You will need at least 3" from the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender in order to allow for proper suspension travel. It looks like the fenders on the trailer now will not allow for this therefore I would you to do some measuring before any of the new parts are purchased.

I would also need more info on the trailer such as axle capacity (see center label), leaf spring length (eye to eye), leaf spring width, hanger height, equalizer dimensions, shackle strap dimensions, etc. These are going to help me make sure you get the correct replacements for you needs. Until then I would not be able to provide you with part numbers as it would be just mear guesses that could end up requiring a ton of modifications.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

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Edmond

10/10/2018

4- 6" drop in deck height would be too much. Now that I have trailer in front of me 0-4" would be fine if possible? As for modifications the fenders are going to be replaced so consider the trailer with fenders removed. As for the 6 spring hangers that are welded to the trailer frame those too will be removed. Most of the bolt holes are worn oval/elongated. Some of the mounts have been repaired and not squared when welded? So I had planned to cut them all off and weld on new. So basically it's a clean slate 6"×2" C channel frame, my 2 axles and 4 springs. My best guess is the axles are rated @ 6-7000 lbs each? The tubes are 3", 14.5"×8" wheels, 12" brakes, 1" threaded ends, outer bearing app,1.25," inner bearing 1.5" Leaf Springs; 25.25" long, app. 2" wide. spring ends and eyes are 1.75" and equalizer; app. 3" vert. for ends. equalizer 3" vert. 5.75 horz. I will mention again that I plan to replace all the susp mounts/equalizers with new. I was hoping you could suggest using a shorter? longer? taller? or wider mounts/ equalizers that will possibly help to lower the trailer or at least not raise ìt? Same goes for the axle U bolts that I also will be removing and replacing with new. The axles are and will be mounted on top of the leaf. If it is possible for me to buy extra long U bolts with taller seats or blocks that would raise the axles?? and lower the trailer 1-2-3 or possibly even 4"?? Again, or a least not make any higher? on that inner axle bearing I should have mentioned that its 1.75" and tapers to 1.5"

Conner L.

10/10/2018

I understand you will be replacing the leaf spring hangers but the height of the existing ones you have now is still needed. These are going to be the main factor for lowing the trailer now so if you would like a 4" drop, then you would need to purchase a set of hangers that are 4" shorter than the existing. As you mentioned, you can also get an equalizer with a lower profile but this is not going to lower the trailer nearly as much. I do not recommend using lowering blocks as they can cause a very rough ride. For a suspension components kit with short leaf spring hangers and fairly low profile equalizers, I recommend the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs part # APT3 (1). The front/rear leaf spring hangers are 1-1/2" tall and the center leaf spring hanger is 2-1/2" tall. If you take the difference between these measurements and the ones on your trailer, that is going to then give you an idea of how much height it will gain/lose. For the leaf springs, I recommend the 5-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles part # e34SR (4). These are actually 1-3/4" wide which I am almost certain is what you have on your trailer now. They are rated for a 6,000 lb axles which if the diameter of your axle is 3", then it would likely be either a 6,000 lb or 7,200 lb. If you have the 7,200 lb axle, the springs will bend more so than on a 6,000 lb axle which is going to drop the trailer even further so that's good news for you. For a set of u-bolts, I recommend the U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles part # APUBR-8 (2). The above parts are going to give you everything you need to rebuild the suspension on your trailer. However, it sounds like you are wanting to go even further and replace the brakes and hubs/drums. If that is the case then for the braking assemblies, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-6 (2). In order to replace the hubs/drums I would need you to take more precise measurements of the spindle with a digital caliper like part # 301-17068 to the thousandth of an inch as we do not have anything that matches what you provided. Once you take these measurements you can find the correct set of hubs/drums using the attached selection. I have included a (#) next to each part which represents the quantity you need to order to replace everything on the trailer. I have also attached several review videos for you as well.

Rebuilding a Tandem Axle Trailer with 6,000 Lb - 7,200 Lb Axles

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