Axle and Suspension Replacement for 2011 Keystone Outback 260FL
Question:
I have the same Al-Ko T-44 axle problem I have seen others have on here. My trailer is a 2011 Keystone Outback 260FL 7800GVWR with tandem T-44 4400 Lb axles. I need new brakes all around, drum seals, and potentially 2 bearing sets. It seems like I am out of luck on these axle parts and might be better off to go with axle replacements. I would like some help determining a bill of materials to replace axles, springs, spring mounting hardware, brakes, drums, bearings - everything. I would also like to upgrade to the Road Armor equalizers and wet bolts. Tall order. Thanks in advance for the help.
asked by: John W
Expert Reply:
That is correct, replacement axles are going to be your best bet since those axles and most parts are discontinued. You don't want to go down in capacity so you're looking at moving to 5,200 lb replacement axles.
In order to find the correct replacement you want to match your current axle length and if possible the spring seat measurement. The length is going to be the hub face to hub face measurement. See the video below which explains where and how to measure. If the spring seats don't match, you can cut them off and weld on new ones to match your current measurement.
You will also need new hubs and brakes. For a hub and drum assembly you can use the # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K. For brakes I recommend getting self-adjusting like the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust # 23-458-459.
For replacement leaf springs you will also need to measure. You need the spring eye to spring eye measurement. Normally you want to match the capacity, and it would match your axle capacity. In this case you could go that route with leaf springs for the 5,200 lb axles, or you could go with something more in line with your old 4,400 lb axles. Adding these parts isn't going to increase the GVWR of your trailer so as long as you stay at or above 4,400 that is fine.
For hardware, I would go with the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers. Measure your existing shackle straps from center hole to center hole to choose the correct kit. For 2-1/4" use # MR46ZR and for 3-1/8" use # MR76ZR. The kit includes wet bolts, bronze bushings, and 1/2" thick shackles.
That only leaves the upgraded equalizer. The Road Armor # LC696740 is a good choice, but you want to make sure it matches up with your current equalizer measurements. There are some other options out there and you want to choose one that closely matches the equalizer you have now on your trailer. This measures 6" left to right on center with the bolt holes and the height of side bolt hole to hanger bolt hole is 3-1/4". If you can get me the measurements from your equalizer I can help you find the best fit.
I have attached some review and installation videos below. I also included links to our 5,200 lb axles and leaf springs which can be filtered by length for your reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 6K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Easy Grease
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- 25580
- 15123
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Road Armor Shock Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle - Qty 2
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Equalizer Upgrade Kit
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- 3500 lbs - 8000 lbs
- Double Eye Springs
- 6 Inch Long
- Tandem Axle
- Lippert
more information >
MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Snowmobile Trailer
- 2-1/4 Inch Long
- Tandem Axle
- MORryde
more information >
MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 3-1/8" Long Shackle Straps
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Snowmobile Trailer
- 3-1/8 Inch Long
- Tandem Axle
- MORryde
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Left Hand - 4,400 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- LH
- 4400 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Self Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
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