Replacement Leaf Springs, U-Bolts, and E-Z Flex Equalizers for a 3K 1978 Fleetwood Wilderness

Question

Question:

I am attempting to find replacement leaf springs, u-bolts, etc.. My trailer is a 18 foot, 3000 lb, 1978 Fleetwood Wilderness Double Axle. The existing double eye leaf springs have the following dimensions: 20.75inch between the eyes center to center 3-5/8inch sag Springs are 1.75inch wide Ubolts are 5.5inch tall and 2.5inch wide inside There are 4 leafs on the existing ones. I wouldnt mind bumping up their capacity a bit but I cant find any that I think would work. Do you have any that would work? I was also thinking about getting the E-Z Flex Heavy Duty Rubber Suspension System by Dexter Axle - 5-5/8inch Equalizers. The current distance between the bolt holes is 6.

asked by: Steve J

0

Expert Reply:

Is the trailer rated for 3,000 pounds? Because if so then it probably has two 2,000 pound axles which would mean spring # e84SR is the best option. This spring is rated for 1,000 pounds. It is 20-3/8 inches long and sags 3-3/16 inches. Leaf springs can flatten out over time so the fact that your measurements are a little different is not surprising.

For u-bolts we have # 175668 which is a bit longer at 7-3/4 inches but has the right width (2-5/8 inches) to fit a 2-1/2 inch round axle.

The E-Z Flex system # K71-652-00 will fit in place of equalizers that are 5-1/4 to 6-1/4 inches long from center of one hole to the center of the other and with an axle spacing of 33 inches from the center of one axle to the center of the other. If your axle spacing is the same then you can use this kit.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

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Answer 1

Bushings do not always have to be used. Springs typically have bushings or they will use wet bolts depending on which part of the suspension system it is but not always. The bushings limit the wear on the suspension components. There are just…

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Answer 2

I never recommend using grease with Nylon Bushings #TRBU11566. The grease can trap dirt which will cause the nylon to become damaged easier. And the chemicals in different greases can cause the nylon bushings to break down. If you want to use Grease…

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Answer 3

I have attached a sheet which shows the torque specs for wheels you can use when putting a tire and wheel. For 1/2" wheel bolts on a 13" aluminum wheel the torque is 75-85 ft.-lb. For lug nuts you can use the Lionshead Trailer Wheel Lug Nut…

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Answer 4

The Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs part #e84YR uses standard 1/2"-20 lug studs. It actually comes with lug nuts as well so you don't need to worry about obtaining these separately. That…

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Answer 5

Although they are not rated significantly higher, installing the #e57SR could result in a noticeable difference in the ride. Springs rated for your 3,500 lb axle (1,750 lb spring capacity) would be the better option. I'm not sure what you had…

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Answer 6

Generally speaking you want the distance between your hangers to be about 1/2" shorter than your leaf springs, since your shackle straps will allow for some movement on the springs. The hanger kit you want to use depends on how much clearance…

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Answer 7

The distance between the spring eyes on center for #e54SR is 25-1/8 inches. When using hanger kit #APS5 the distance on center between the hangers with this spring is 25-3/4 inches, a 1/2 inch longer. This is correct. The hanger spacing should be…

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Answer 8

Hi Barney! Any of the single axle kits you listed will work just fine for your single axle trailer. The main differences between the kits you listed is their height and how they install so I'll list out the differences below and you can decide…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 11

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 12

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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