Forum Discussion

5kidzrus's avatar
5kidzrus
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013

tandem spring center equalizer not level

my first post so I apologize if I mess up, but I need some help. 27' Cherokee toy hauler broke a leaf spring so I decided to replace all 4 with a slightly higher rating. everything bolted up fine but when I put the trailer on the ground, the center equalizer is cocked to one side and it's as if the leaves are too long. I was careful to measure the length but here I am. my question is it seems like the solution is to move the front and rear fixed spring hangers so that the center equalizer has the room to operate properly. Am I missing something? supposed to take a week long trip to the Sierra's and I need to fix this pronto. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

thanks
john

7 Replies

  • 5kidzrus's avatar
    5kidzrus
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    FYI, I've driven it 30+ miles over speed bumps etc. I don't have any pic to post but the equalizer is pretty cock-eyed, both hangers are pointing up as they should but there's just no room. pretty sure I just got the wrong springs. ordered 26" length and the shop I talked to said 25 1/4" is more common which is probably what it should be, I'm going to have them check it out to make sure. Again thanks for all the input.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jul 19, 2013
    Is the trailer perfectly level?
    Really need a pic.

    Do you have the old springs to get the model# or remeasure?

    As said put a few miles on it and see what happens.
  • 5kidzrus's avatar
    5kidzrus
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    thanks everyone, I'm going to have the springs replaced, maybe I can Ebay the ones I put on to recoup the cost.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Jul 19, 2013
    Did you get the side links on the equalizer turned the right way (up vs Down). They should all turn the same direction as the other links.
  • Vulcaneer's avatar
    Vulcaneer
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    Take it for a ride for a few miles. If all the springs are equal length, it should settle in to be correct after a few bounces down the road.

    I would not recommend you move the spring hangars. If the the road test does not solve the problem, you should seek expert advice from a suspension shop.
  • bkick's avatar
    bkick
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2013
    When I replaced my springs and installed wet bolts the same thing happened to me. I then hooked up and went around the block stopping to check after giving it time to settle in. It was then as it should be. My driveway is a little up hill going into it and that may have been what caused it to not settle in right. give it a try.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 19, 2013
    If you measured old springs in place with weight on them and then ordered that length the new ones are too long.

    Did you match new with old one.......lay them side by side before installing.

    Instead of moving shackles why not get correct size springs?

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