Can A 6-1/2" Equalizer Replace A 5-3/4" Equalizer

Updated 05/02/2023 | Published 04/29/2023

Products Featured in This Question

MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 33" Wheelbase - 8K

(702)

$207.89

Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers - Double Eye Springs - Tandem Axle - 3K to 6K

(237)

$247.54

Question:

My current equalizer measures 5 an 3/4 of and inch across to the shackle holes not 6 an 1/2 like the cre3000 will this work for me or no?

asked by: Patrick

Expert Reply:

Suspension gets to be a bit tricky when replacing components with different sizes since there isn't an easy yes or no answer and it requires a bit of playing around to determine what will fit correctly. Your suspension needs to be able to flow back and forth to handle the bumps in the road.

You'll want to form a "W" shape with your equalizer and shackle straps in order for your suspension to have enough room to flow back and forth. Going to far in or too far out with your "W" will limit the amount of travel your suspension has and can end up causing a bind.

Since you'll be adding more length to the equalizer you'll most likely also need to swap out the shackle straps and possibly also the leaf springs in order to maintain your "W". Since this is a complete guess until you actually try out the components and work through to find the right ones it's honestly best to just stick with the same size components to avoid having to spend more and essentially replace the entire suspension.

If you were upgrading from a standard equalizer like # TREQ104 then you wouldn't notice a substantial difference between the MORryde # MR87ZR and something closer to your 5-3/4" spacing, like the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers # LC279687. While this isn't exactly what you currently have it's only a 1/8" difference on each side which would be acceptable.

expert reply by: Kevin C