Troubleshooting Not Enough Clearance After Lower Trailer Leaf Spring Capacity

Updated 04/20/2021 | Published 04/15/2021

Question:

Not enough clearance from axle to frame from the top of my axle to my frame is about an inch and hit the chassis when hitting bumps is it possible to put shackles in the front of the leafspring along with the ones in the rear? I’m almost wondering if I need it more heavy duty leaf springs I have a trailer that was rated for 5000 pounds but converted it over to a 3500 pound axle with 3500 pound springs 1750 each And I’m thinking that the weight of the chassis and the deck is just too much

asked by: Mark B

Expert Reply:

Typical leaf spring deflection is right at 1-1/2 inches so if you have only 1 inch of clearance it could be that you don't have enough clearance but most likely the springs are worn out or the wrong capacity. Since you lowered the spring and axle capacity I'd be most inclined to believe the issue is that.

For a standard length 5,000 lb axle capacity leaf spring the # e44SR would work great. This is 25-1/4 inches long.

expert reply by: Jameson C