New Leaf Springs

[1kotonk]

My 139X, is lower/tilted on the drivers side, I checked the leaf springs and noticed that side was sagging. The spring was not flat but less bowed than the other.

I purchased a Southwest Wheel Heavy duty leaf spring kit from Amazon, each spring is rated for 2400lbs, but the same size as the 3500 lbs leaf springs. I hope that's not to much overboard. I guess Ill find out next week when I install them. If things go smooth Ill try to take some pics and post how it turns out.

Anyone have any experience or tips for me?

 

[profdant139]

Are you asking whether the leaf springs are too beefy for such a little trailer? Or the opposite -- whether they are not strong enough? Thanks for the clarification.

 

[foakes]

Anyone have any experience or tips for me?

Take your time, plan your job, have all of the tools handy.

Have a good pair of Jack Stands.

Stay safe and don’t get underneath.

Better to have a little too heavy than too light or borderline.

Look forward to your report.

Hopefully a capable friend can help you handle and steady things.

Best, Fred

 

[1kotonk]

Profdant139, I am hoping the springs are not to heavy duty or beefy for the trailer.

 

[1kotonk]

foakes, I agree with you on all your points better safe than sorry. Once I get the jack stands supporting 4 points/corners of the trailer frame that will elevate 95% of my worries. I have access to 3 floor jacks a bottle jack and impact tools so no problem there.

 

[profdant139]

I don't think the leaf springs are too beefy -- I put very similar springs on my X-139 and they have been great.

I think you are right that this is a do it yourself job -- I had the dealer do it for me, but I could have done it myself. Just be careful when jacking up the trailer -- there are special lift points.

 

[Rocky Mtn marmot]

Leaf springs

When I replaced my leaf springs used Lippert's never fail bushings and wet bolts. I highly recommend these.

 

[1kotonk]

Rocky Mtn marmot, can you tell me the pros and cons of the wet bolts. Seems my springs wore out before the eye bolts.

 

[LJAZ]

Wet bolts have zerk fittings so you can grease them.

 

[Rocky Mtn marmot]

Wet bolts

The wet bolts are a way to get lubricant (grease) into the shackle bushings. Many leaf springs come with plastic bushings that wear out fast. Wet bolts with the never fail bushings will outlast the springs. When I broke a spring and then replaced all four I was able to use the bushings and wet bolts over again.

 

[1kotonk]

leaf springs

Nothing complicated about installing the leaf springs. However I could not figure why the eye bolts to the leaf springs here knurled on the shaft just below the bolt head. The bolts required them to be pounded out of the hanger and Shackles. A friend explained it was a safety feature to keep the bolt from just falling out if the nut became loose and fell off.

If watch some of the U tube post some show guys just impacting those bolts loose. they need to be pounded out and the new ones pounded back in. Same with the shackles, once you see them you'll understand.

I posted a pic an eye bolt and shackle and hanger.

I took the trailer for a short spin and didn't notice any difference in the handling of the trailer. It is a lot quitter with no squeaking.

 

[1kotonk]

leaf spring

Here is a pic of the old eye bolt and shackles. I probably could have reused them all but the kit came with replace bolts and shackles.

 

[profdant139]

Well done, and thanks for posting that update!

 

[foakes]

Great job & thanks for showing us your success!

Best, Fred

 

[1kotonk]

Took a trip out to Joshua Tree about a 100 mile pull up some small hills and slightly windy spots. Trailer pulled like a champ, I found myself easily doing 65-70 mph down some of the hills. Usually 65 mph and I would be getting a little wobbly and would slow down to 55-60 mph where I felt more stable.

with the new springs I could easily do 65 mph if I wanted. I tow at 60 mph but its nice to know the new springs track smooth and steady at higher speeds.

I would recommend them for an easy project if your springs are a little worn.

These are the ones I used: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3G2M79W/ref=emc_b_5_t

 

[profdant139]

Wobbly? What sort of anti-sway device are you using?

Glad to hear that the new springs are working for you.

 

[1kotonk]

Profdant139, years ago you recommended a friction sway bar and I installed one. I've never felt the need to use it because the trailer pulls very smooth and steady. I noticed it will sway/wobble when I go over an uneven part of the highway which I believe is normal. I notice it more when I am at 65 mph so I don't tow at that speed.

 

[profdant139]

kotonk, I am not an expert, but I would recommend using your sway bar, as long as it is already installed. It is easy to deploy.

Sway control may not be necessary, especially if your tongue weight is properly set up. Check out this short video:

In extreme conditions, such as a strong gusty side wind and big rig traffic, sway control may offer you some extra peace of mind.

 

[1kotonk]

Profdant139, after reading your reply about the wobble. I thought yeah since its already set up why don't I just use it. It would take maybe an extra 2 min to put it on.

I am going to start using it.