If I Have Shocks Can I Still Use the Dexter Over-Under Conversion Kit

Question:

I forgot to mention that my trailer has 4 shock absorbers that were just replaced two yrs ago on my 2006 Cardinal 5th wheel trailer. How do I remount them using this kit? I dont see any accommodations for shocks. Also, do I include the axle perch height to the added lift? My spring stack is 1.5inch and the axles are 3. That makes only 4.5inch and I need 5inch to 6inch preferably 6 to clear my tailgate and bed wall rails. Does the perch add more height?

asked by: Michael H

Expert Reply:

I'll start by addressing the shocks on your trailer; you will need to cut off the upper mount of the shock and re-position this mount so that it does not interfere with the new placement of the springs. When it comes to the overall height, while the Over-Under Conversion # K71-385-00 will provide you with the 3" axle diameter + the height of the spring stack, you will need to add an additional lift to get yourself over the height you'll need to clear everything; this is where the Tandem Axle Lift Kit # RR23QX I mentioned comes into play.

The # RR23QX lift kit provides an additional 2-1/4" and will provide you with roughly 6-1/2" of added height total, which should clear your tailgate and bed rails sufficiently. Since both the truck bed rails and the trailer sit at 59" currently, using both of these kits will change your trailer clearance to around 65", which provides you with the minimum recommended clearance (5-6") from the bed rails.

expert reply by: Erik B