How do you mount leaf springs?

How do you mount leaf springs?

How to Install Leaf Springs – Step by Step

1. Step 1 – Prepare. Before spring installation you will have to prepare your old suspension.
2. Step 2 – Raise Vehicle.
3. Step 3 – Remove Springs.
4. Step 4 – Attach Eye Bolts.
5. Step 5 – Attach U-Bolts.
6. Step 6 – Lower Vehicle.

How tight should trailer leaf spring bolts be?

How Tight Should Leaf Spring Shackle and Spring Eye Bolts Be If the bolts for the shackle link and the leaf spring eye are too tight, the suspension won’t articulate as it should. You want to run the bolt down tight, then back it off by a 1/4 turn, as you’d mentioned.

Where do spring hangers go on a trailer?

Once you have the spacing figured out you need to place the two hangers so that proper tongue weight is achieved. A general rule of thumb is that 60 percent of the total trailer weight should be forward of the center line of the axle or axles on the trailer.

Can you add a leaf spring to a trailer?

You most certainly can put a stronger leaf spring on your trailer. Just keep in mind that it could very well make your trailer ride a little more rigid and won’t be as smooth depending on what you upgrade to.

How are leaf springs attached to the axle?

The leaf springs can be overslung (placed over the axle) or underslung (placed under the axle). Either way, the U-bolts fit around the axle and secure to a metal plate that rests against the leaf springs.

Which way do you install leaf springs?

Measure the distance from the center of the spring eye on one end of the spring to the center of the spring and then to the center of the back spring eye. The on center distance should be equal. If one side is longer than the other then the shorter side should be positioned forward.

What to torque U-bolts to on leaf springs?

U-Bolt Torque Recommendation for 1/2 inch Diameter On Trailer Suspension For 1/2 inch trailer u-bolts that attach to axle the recommended torque value is between 45 and 70 ft lbs of torque.

Can you over tighten leaf spring bolts?

Tightening the shackle bolts too much will squeeze the shackle straps against the leaf springs and the whole suspension system will bind and cause problems. The best thing to do when tightening down shackle bolts is to use lock nuts and tighten them until they are snug and then backed off 1/4 turn.

Are trailer leaf springs directional?

Normally the band is placed forward of the axle on the trailer but it really does not matter which way the band is oriented. Measure the distance from the center of the spring eye on one end of the spring to the center of the spring and then to the center of the back spring eye. The on center distance should be equal.

How do you know if your trailer leaf springs are bad?

Gaps between the leaves of the springs are a bad sign as far as the suspension system is concerned. Gaps are usually a sign of fatigued springs due to age or excess weight. If you can see through the leaves during the day, you should have them replaced as they are going to break or flatten out after a short period.

Can you upgrade leaf springs?

If you are wondering how to upgrade leaf spring suspension, this can be done with the addition of new leafs, which can be added to the pre–existing springs under the back of your truck. Alternately, you can have spring helpers added to the leaf springs.

How do you install leaf springs?

Installing the New Springs Position the new leaf spring under the mounting brackets. Bring the new leaf spring under the vehicle. Screw the leaf spring to the front bracket with a ratchet wrench. Pick up the end near the front of the tire. Attach the spring to the rear bracket.

When to replace leaf springs?

A leaf spring should be replaced if it is badly rusted, has cracks or breaks in its leaves or if it is sagging. A 14-year-old travel trailer could certainly be in need of new leaf springs.

How do you replace leaf springs?

Steps to replace leaf springs: Step 1: Prepare Step 2: Raise the Truck and Access the Springs Step 3: Remove the Base Plate Step 4: Install the New Kit Step 5: Complete the Installation Buy Leaf Springs From General Spring