which way to mount trailer springs

[bob johnson]

so I decided to rebuild my dual axle trailer, and I bought four new springs and bushings and shackles and bolts.... the hangers are part of the sliding frame assy so you can move both axles at the same time when making adjustments for tounge weight.

I mounted the springs and noticed that one of the springs was the opposite of the other three.... the springs are not symmetrical.... from the center bolt holding the leafs together there is more spring on one side than the other to the eyes. the longest side was on the rears for three of the springs but one was the opposite and so I could see the axle was at an angle!!

my question is.... which is the proper way to mount the non symmetrical springs?? long side back or long side forward??? these are Lippert 23-1/8th" eye to eye 1250 lb springs

thanks

bob

 

[CadoTx]

Can you post some pics of your setup? All four springs should be mounted the same in order for the axles to run true. On most setups, If the axles are not mounted in the center of the leaf springs the long end goes to the rear. If you can post some pics of the springs, shackles and hangers.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

I think long end to the rear.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I've seen them mounted with short portion towards equalizer and short portion away from equalizer. I would never put them both axles with all springs facing forward or all facing backwards. They would behave differently axle to axle that way. Keep things symmetrical to the equalizer in the middle.

RIck

 

[bob johnson]

I found this photo.. and seems to parallel what Rick says.... I can also see that I had the shackels hanging down to the spring...when most photos show the shackles UP with the spring ends ABOVE them!!!

it shows springs similar to mine...obviously the bolt holding the leaves together is NOT centered!!!

bob

 

[Thalasso]

On leaf springs that are asymmetrical, the shorter distance would be forward of the axle.

 

[Frank Acampora]

However, if you have three of the same and one different spring, return it and get the mate to the others. On a tandem axle, at least two springs should be a matching pair.

 

[bob johnson]

However, if you have three of the same and one different spring, return it and get the mate to the others. On a tandem axle, at least two springs should be a matching pair.

you mis read me.....I bought four identical springs, but ended up mounting three one way and the fourth opposite, which made me realize there was more than one way to install them. So I am here asking which is the prefered way!!!

 

[bob johnson]

ill get a little off topic with this rant....I was trying to find parts that would fit my trailer rebuild, and since I wasn't going to the manufacturer, I has a tough task trying fit parts!! case in point...I have 1.75" wide springs well I needed new bolts for the equalizer which should be about the same width as the springs... and so I figured in /14" of steel on each side of the equalizer giving me a 2.5" wide span...the shorted "WET" equalizer bolt (one with a grease fitting) I could find was 2.9".

so I bought 2!! they were too short!!!!!!!!!! the shoulder of the shaft didn't stick out past the inside pillar mount for the equalizer!!! it looks to be at least 1/4 short( you don't want to pinch the two sides of the mount or the equalizer cant pivot!!) sooo I looks like they measured the complete OVERALL length of the bolt!!!!!!!!!! what stupidity......bolts are not measure over all...just the distance from in underside of the head to the end of the thread! grrrrr

bob