Recommended Suspension Kit and Leaf Springs With 34 Inches Between U-Bolts

Updated 06/30/2021 | Published 06/26/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Triple Axle - 6,000 lbs

(579)

$590.52

3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long

(2044)

$35.81

etrailer Rust-Resistant 5-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 6K Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long - Dacromet

(426)

$83.19

Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Triple Axle - 8,000 lbs

(579)

$744.36

Question:

Hello, I am doing some maintenance on a second hand trailer I bought. I want to replace the leaf springs and the suspension kit. I was looking at your APTT5 kit, but then saw this one, which I would prefer to use if possible, but I am not sure if it is suitable. The ATTP5 page has a table with spring hanger measurements...my trailer matches the measurements in the bottom half of the table....29 1/2 and 34 between the brackets. This kit says it is for 33inch spacing, whereas I have 34. I have several questions. 1. Can I use this kit, even though my spacing is 34 not 33? 2. The product page says: Equalizer dimensions: 2inch tall 7-1/4inch Long from center hole to center hole long version 5-3/4inch Long from center hole to center hole short version How do you know whether to use the short or long? Is it critical, ie will one work better than the other, and under what conditions? 3. I see standard leaf spring measurements are 25 1/4 or 26 inch between eyes...again, which one should I use, and is there an advantage or disadvantage to either one? From what I can tell, all that would do is affect the angle of the shackles that connect the spring to the equalizer. What angle should that shackle be best case scenario? Straight up and down, or 45, or ?? 4. It says shackle length is 2 1/4. Right now mine has 2 1/2. Same question...which is more suitable, or does it make a huge difference? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to educate myself and be safe. Thanks

asked by: Earl

Expert Reply:

Based on the measurements you have given, the correct kit would be the # K71-657-00 Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Triple Axle - 8,000 lbs. You want to use the short equalizers. The hangers you have are designed for the 7-3/4" short version. It is critical because if you use the wrong size equalizer the springs will not compress and operate correctly. It would move the shackles into a horizontal position which would not allow the suspension to cycle. It should look like a "W" but there are no specific angles.

For springs you will need 25-1/8" long springs, I recommend # e66SR 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,500-lb Trailer Axles or #e78SR 5-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles depending on your axle capacity.

expert reply by: Robin H