Questions About Replacing Leaf Spring On 2002 Ranger Single Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 2002 Ranger single axle trailer with 3500lb rating axle. My tire is rubbing on the inside of the fender is why Im replacing the springs. I purchased a set of springs from another company. I received the order, but noticed the arch is not as much as my spring thats bad. Now I fear it will not give me enough clearance and rub badly. Also the thickness of all for leafs together are 3/8 of a inch thinner. Can I get your thoughts Thank you , Rocky

asked by: Rocky G

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Expert Reply:

Hello Rocky, thanks for reaching out. If your new leaf springs do not have as much of an arch as the old springs they are definitely not going to help your situation if your tires are already rubbing on the fenders. What we would usually do here is look at the unloaded dimensions of the current spring and try to find something that matches.

Just for an example, take a look at the dimensions of the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # DX23CR below. It measures 25-1/4" across and the "arch" is 3" tall. If you can tell me these dimensions for your springs I am happy to look into it and see if we have anything that will work. Otherwise, the only thing I can think of to help with clearance would be to get smaller tires or install taller spring hangers.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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DX23CR Dimensions
(click to enlarge)

Rocky G.

12/3/2024

Thank you Jessie for the helpful information, I have a couple more questions , 1. I unable to drive out the bolts. When I spoke to the guy at Ranger who recommended your website for parts, He said they used the serrated type bolts that has those ribs like the ones you have, Do have any recommendations on how I may get them out? I don't want to damage the welded brackets on the trailer. 2. When and if I can get he old spring off and measure the arch it will be less than it was before weaken and started rubbing the tire. How will I know the replacement has the same height as the good side? If this doesn't make sense, is there a number I can call you or someone on my problem Best regards

Jesse M.

12/3/2024

@RockyG Hey Rocky, I am familiar with what you are describing. That is going to be tough getting those bolts off because the serrated type of bolts are made to be more or less permanent. The serrations hold the bolt in place and keep it from backing out. You can try using more force but aside from that you would have to cut them off. Usually what we will do it just jack up one side of the trailer to measure the springs. So you could try measuring both sides just to see what you come up with. I would have to recommend replacing all of the leaf springs, not just one. We do not have phones in our department but if you want to talk with someone you can give customer service a call. Otherwise, I am happy to continue to assist on here.

Rocky

12/3/2024

@JesseM Thanks Jesse, I do a best guess measurement on the good side that doesn't rub. I can get my complete hand under that side and can't under the bad. When you do the best guess measurements at your shop for both sides does it come out working ok. Just curious if you have had any customers order with success using the best guess measurement like that in the past? Thanks again

Jesse M.

12/4/2024

@Rocky This is generally how we do all replacement leaf springs and it works out great. Measure the current springs and find a match. We go into it know int the old springs could be flattened out. Leaf springs can flex up to 1" longer so this will be kept in mind.

See All (9) Replies to Rocky G. ∨

Answer 1

Hello Monte, thanks for reaching out. Both of the springs you mentioned, the etrailer #e54SR and Dexter #DX23CR are springs for a 3,500 lb axle. The difference is the brand and the length. The #e54SR is our etrailer brand and is 25-1/8" long eye…

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Answer 2

In order to get the correct replacement springs (as you need to replace springs in pairs for any given axle) I'll need you to lift the trailer by the frame so the leaf spring is relaxed, and then measure from the center of one bolt hole to the…

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Answer 3

Hi Brad; I think your best bet is to either get three more of the Hemco LTD leaf springs or go ahead and replace all four. The #e54SR and #DX23CR match the spring eye to spring eye measurement but some of the other measurements don't match, at…

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Answer 4

Hi Austin, I can help you determine the right replacement double-eye leaf springs for your 2018 Jayco trailer, though we don't have any way of knowing what specific ones you need. It's pretty easy though, as all you need to do is measure your…

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Answer 5

Hey Jason, it's pretty common for replacement leaf springs to be slightly shorter than what they replace as springs tend to stretch/flatten overtime as they wear out so while you are on the right track 3/4 of an inch is a bit too much of a…

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Answer 6

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 7

I need two things to help you pick out the correct leaf springs for your trailer. I need to know the axle capacity of your trailer as well as the length from eye to eye without a load on your trailer. With those two pieces of info I can help you pick…

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Answer 8

In the past we've found that the trailers that have 31 inch wheelbases use the equalizer #TREQ104 so based on that the correct kit you'd need would be the part #AP233.

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Answer 9

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…

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Answer 10

Thanks for the pictures! Based on the weight of your 2008 Keystone Cougar 5th Wheel, you will want the item #LG-1 landing gear set. You are going to want to measure to be sure this is the right size for you. The two things you will want to measure…

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Answer 11

I recommend going with the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit #K71-449-00 on your trailer. This will have another 7-3/4" wide equalizer versus only the 5-3/4" wide one you get in the Kit #K71-359-00. Both kits will give you the shorter…

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Answer 12

Since you mentioned that you broke a leaf spring and not the axle, in order to determine which replacement leaf springs you'll need for your 2017 Keystone Bullet Premier Ultra Lite Travel Trailer you will need to measure your current springs from…

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