Questions About Replacing Leaf Spring On 2002 Ranger Single Axle Trailer

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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

If you are wanting to go to higher capacity leaf springs I would advise against it. The problem is that since the trailer axle is rated for 3,500 pounds you won't gain any additional capacity by switching to higher capacity springs. What it will…

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Answer 2

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 3

Hey Edgar, thanks for writing in, and good question. The general rule of thumb for replacing leaf springs is a 1/2" tolerance. Going from a 25-1/4" spring to a 26" spring MIGHT be ok, but there is a chance the springs could be too long…

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Answer 4

I would be happy to help you determine the correct replacement leaf springs for your 7'x14' cargo trailer with a single 3500lb Lippert axle but I will need to know if your leaf springs are a slipper spring, or double eye leaf spring and the…

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Answer 5

If you look on the frame of your trailer there should be a plate with the trailer VIN number and the axle capacities of the trailer. You will want to pick leaf springs that are as close to the axle capacity as possible. You will want to also measure…

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Answer 6

The single leaf spring you referenced, part #e46SR, would work fine as a replacement for the 5-leaf springs you currently have. You are correct in stating that corrosion would be less of an issue with this particular spring. Make sure to replace the…

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Answer 7

Yes, you can use 4-leaf springs in place of 3 leaf springs. The extra height of an additional leaf is minimal and won't really affect anything on the trailer. Provided that the springs used are replaced in pairs and not just one side of the…

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Answer 8

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 9

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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Answer 10

Sounds like your trailer axles are a bit too short if the inner sidewall is rubbing on the frame of the trailer. Did you recently change to a wider tire? That could be the cause too. Your equalizer being angled shouldn't cause the issue you…

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Answer 11

My guess would be that your trailer is sitting a little nose down which is putting excessive wear on the front axle instead of the rear. If you look at the trailer when hooked up does the suspension equalizer sit level or is it angled? If it's…

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Answer 12

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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Questions About Replacing Leaf Spring On 2002 Ranger Single Axle Trailer

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