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chilly81's avatar
chilly81
Explorer
Nov 25, 2016

DIY suspension upgrade tips for full timer

Need to fix/upgrade my Nash 22H (dual 3500# dexter) suspension - new bushings, equalizer, shackles etc. Want to put in the dexter wet kit - minimal parts cost (~$150) vs. $650 or so for a dealer install.

I'm a full timer though and don't have compressors, garage. I'm technically competent, a couple jack stands, jack and standard tools (not bearing presses, gear pullers, impact guns etc). Also would be tough for me to get all 4 wheels in the air at a time - one side at a time would be preferable.

Just looking for tips or advice from those who have done it - from the perspective of being a full timer in a parking lot somewhere without a shop full of heavy tools.
  • chilly81's avatar
    chilly81
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2016
    brulaz wrote:
    B.O. Plenty wrote:
    Seems to me there used to be a sticky regarding this somewhere on here...

    B.O.


    That would be over in the Travel Trailer section at the top.
    Many pages of info and photos.


    That's a heck of a writeup - thanks!
  • brulaz's avatar
    brulaz
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2016
    B.O. Plenty wrote:
    Seems to me there used to be a sticky regarding this somewhere on here...

    B.O.


    That would be over in the Travel Trailer section at the top.
    Many pages of info and photos.
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Nov 25, 2016
    Seems to me there used to be a sticky regarding this somewhere on here...

    B.O.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 25, 2016
    Mine went in fine with basic tools (no press).
    Although I did get four 12-ton jack stands to put the whole trailer up. One side at a time is plenty for one day.
    Consider new springs with higher rating at the same time.
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2016
    I did mine one side at a time. I used 2 six ton jack stands and a six ton jack. A few wrenches, big hammer and something to protect the bolt head while pounding them in place.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2016
    A ball joint press makes it a lot easier.
    Also, consider the Lippert Neverfail bushings. No greasing and I have heard good reports. Minehave only been on a couple of years, but that is a LOT of miles with my usage.
    Lippert also makes a shock absorbing Equalizer. It works very well. I would choose that item based price.
    chilly81 wrote:
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    You just may be able to source rental tools for your project. I sure would give that avenue a thorough look :)


    That's a good idea. Do you have any idea what tools specifically might be needed beyond the basics I have?
  • chilly81's avatar
    chilly81
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2016
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    You just may be able to source rental tools for your project. I sure would give that avenue a thorough look :)


    That's a good idea. Do you have any idea what tools specifically might be needed beyond the basics I have?
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2016
    You just may be able to source rental tools for your project. I sure would give that avenue a thorough look :)

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