Correct Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for a 2002 Ranger Boat Trailer With 7-3/4" Equalizer

Updated 05/08/2024 | Published 05/07/2024

Question:

I have a 2002 ranger boat trailer. Tandem axle. 3500 lb axle i believe. I thought the kit K71-449-00 would be the correct one cause my equalizer is 7 3/4 inches wide but my axle spacing is 33 inches and not 35 inches like the K71-449-00 specs show. Looks like my shackles have a hole to hole measurement around 2.5 or 2.75 and from what I can tell the leaf springs are 25.25 inches eye hole to eye hole.

asked by: Jim S

Expert Reply:

Since you have a 7-3/4" equalizer you are going to want to use the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit # K71-449-00 you found. While most trailers who use this size equalizer will have a 35" axle spacing it is more important to match the dimensions of the equalizer than the axle spacing. This is due to trailer manufacturers not having to stick to specific regulations about dimensions. The kit includes 2-1/4" shackles which is going to work for your application. You will likely notice when you remove your shackles they likely have slightly elongated holes which was common on the thinner shackles most manufacturers put on over years of use.

expert reply by: Bud M

Jim

5/8/2024

Thanks. The 449 kit it is! You talk about elongated holes in the shackles so replacing will take care of that. However what about elongated holes in the hangers? Can I just drill the hole out and insert a bronze or steel bushing with a 9/16 inch hole diameter?

Bud M.

5/8/2024

@Jim Typically the shackle holes are the only ones which end up getting elongated because some manufacturers use a cheap thin steel. The shackles in the kit above are much thicker steel and will not elongate like some. If your hangers are also elongated you will want to have them replaced as that means the hanger is likely going to fail since it was made of a cheap steel.