Newb in Lander, WY

CanoeCritters

New Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2019
Messages
1
Location
Lander, WY
Hi all,
We recently picked up a 2003 (4?) FF 139, so looking forward to getting it dewinterized and out on the trail.
Of course it didn't come with an owner's manual, so trying to chase one of those down, now.
I see it doesn't use a leaf spring suspension, and see what appears to be more of a trailing arm arrangement. That has me wondering if anyone has welded braces from the frame to where the axle hub is in order to cut out the axle for independent suspension in order to have more ground clearance.
 
I think that is a Dexter Torflex torsion axle, and I think there is a lift kit available that will give you more ground clearance. If your 2003 T-139 is anything like mine was, your black and gray valves stick out the back and are at risk of hitting the ground when you are coming on and off of a steep driveway, like in a gas station.

The lift kit should take care of that -- it will give you two inches of additional clearance, which is a lot. Here is a link that may be of help:

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Dexter-Axle/K71-707-01.html?feed=npn&gclid=CjwKCAjwzPXlBRAjEiwAj_XTEQVQyDQldifJZgOvxbVDrKxrqW2ZEX99Nnt7TOsWIMoDmltZsSKDJRoCe-8QAvD_BwE

Or you could get rid of the whole torsion suspension and install leaf springs and shock absorbers -- we had that done to our new X-139 when we bought it in 2012. We also had them flip the axle for even greater clearance.

Or you could install a true independent suspension -- that would take some serious welding skills. (I wish I knew how to weld.) While you are at it, you could upgrade the axle -- the stock axle is 2500 lb, and you could install a 3500 lb version.

Let us know if you have additional questions!
 
Welcome! Another 139!!
We changed our Dexter TorqFlex from the 2200# original to a 3500# replacement. I also was able to add a spacer above the axle mounting that reused the factory mounting points. Both mods improved ground clearance.
I have a thread on here somewhere about it....

Alan
 
Last edited:
If any is going to switch axles and wants to get rid of their Dexter Torflex torsion axle, I would be interested. Just let me know.
 

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