Compatibility of Dexter Kit # K71-358-00 with 3,000 lb Tandem Axles and Lippert Equa-Flex System

Question:

Our 2016 Jayco Jay Feather has 3,000# tandem axles. It is also equipped with Lippert Equa-Flex equalizers. The shackle straps are 3 1/4. The Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension Upgrade Kit has 4 5/8inch straps. Will this kit K71-358-00 fit our axles? I have already received it from etrailer. If not, can I use the bolts and brass bushings and order 3 1/ 4inch straps separately? Also, one kit came with black bolts fitted into the straps and the other kit came with nickel/chrome bolts fitted into the straps. Why do they have different bolts in the two kits? Both of the boxes were sealed and labeled K71-358-00.

asked by: Martin L

Expert Reply:

The Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension Upgrade Kit for Single Axle Trailers - Double Eye Springs # K71-358-00 has shackle strap dimensions that are 4-5/8" long x 1-1/2" wide x 1/2" thick and the length from center of bolt hole to center of bolt hole is 3-1/4".

If you current shackle straps are not even close to that dimension, then you will want to use the Never Fail Bushings - 9/16" Inner Diameter, 11/16" Outer Diameter - 1-5/8" - Qty 8 # LC279684 and wet bolt # 126B2. You just don't want the shackles to be too short or too long to function without binding.

The bolts in the kit # K71-358-00 are usually black but having a different finished bolt fit into the fitting wouldn't effect the function. The manufacturer may have just run it from a different line and gave you what may be considered an upgrade with the nickel/chrome bolts.

expert reply by: Jason S