How to Prevent Leaf Springs from Hitting Trailer Frame on a Gooseneck Trailer

Question:

I have a 1999 Wrangler 16ft gooseneck livestock trailer. My problem is the axle eye ends at equalizer are hitting bottom of trailer. This happens on small bumps in the road. Larger bumps make loudest hit. The trailer suppose to have 3500lb axles, but these are 6 lug. Would shackles or full suspension replacement be needed to fix problem. Thanks.

asked by: Brandon

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like the eye of the leaf spring is coming in contact with the bottom of the trailer frame. If this is the case then your only three options to fix this would entail either replacing the equalizers, shackle straps, or leaf spring hangers. The equalizers and leaf spring hangers would need to be taller and the shackle straps would need to be shorter in order to gain the clearance you are looking for. The leaf spring hangers will require you to cut off the old and weld the new on so I will focus on the other two options for you below.

In order to recommend a replacement equalizer, I would need to know the width of your leaf springs, distance between the two lower most eyelet holes, and the distance from the bottom and top eyelet holes on your existing equalizer. For example, the Triangular Equalizer part # TREQ310 will work with a 1-3/4" wide leaf springs, measures 6-1/16" from the two lower most eyelet holes, and 4" from the bottom and top eyelet hole. I have attached a photo of this equalizer for you as well.

In order to recommend a replacement shackle strap, I would need to know the diameter of the bolt hole and distance between the top and bottom bolt holes (on center) of your existing shackle strap. For example, the Shackle Strap part # 115052 uses a 9/16" diameter bolt and is 2-5/8" long on center.

This may also be a time for you to upgrade to wet bolts like part # 126B2. I have attached a list of our available equalizers and shackle straps for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L