Next issue...leaf spring unseated during u-bolt removal...

cannesdo wrote:
So did a nut fall off the center of that place that as holding the leaf springs together -- and after that the u-bolt nuts were doing the job?

No. The head of the center bolt pockets into that block on the axle. It's what indexes the spring and axle into exact position. The nut of that center bolt is still on the bottom, showing through the hole in the center of the plate.

You need to lift the trailer by the frame so you can take the weight off the axle. Then you will be able to re-align the spring and axle.
Place two jacks under the trailer on the same side, one just in front of the front spring hanger and one just behind the rear spring hanger. Lift the trailer with both jacks at the same time. Then place jack stands under the frame before you get under the trailer to work on it.

So did a nut fall off the center of that place that as holding the leaf springs together -- and after that the u-bolt nuts were doing the job?

They're not kidding about the u-bolt's needing to be replaced.

j-d wrote:


Is the center bolt still in place, so the spring pack still fully assembled like the above pic, or have the leaves separated?

And is the spring assembly still attached to the vehicle at both ends?

If so, just a matter of horsing it back into place.

Oh, What are you working on? Sounds like maybe a trailer.

Some applications require new U-Bolts after it's been taken apart...

Is the axle above or below the spring?

Can't visualize the longer studs you mention on the new shocks. I hope your replacements offer the same "throw." By that I mean will they compress at least a little shorter and stretch at least a little longer than the originals. If not, I think you're headed for some grief.

Pix would help.

Thanks for the responses, Guys...Spring is still together, assembled. I haven't completely removed the plate. I stopped removing nuts when I saw the leave spring shift.

Spring assembly is still connected at both ends.

The axle is above the spring. (I'll load some pics)

It's a 36' fifth-wheel.

The shocks are double-studded (both ends go through a plate and there is a nut that hold it on. It's discontinued and I found one with the same size body but with slightly longer studs and I barely got the old ones out as it is. I talked to a guy at the suspension place here (great rep) and he said the ones I ordered would be a good substitute.

I already have the new U-bolts in my position and ready to install. But if I can't figure out how to move leaf springs around this isn't going to happen. I may have to hire a mobile guy to come over and tag-team the installation with me.

Is the center bolt still in place, so the spring pack still fully assembled like the above pic, or have the leaves separated?

And is the spring assembly still attached to the vehicle at both ends?

If so, just a matter of horsing it back into place.

Oh, What are you working on? Sounds like maybe a trailer.

Some applications require new U-Bolts after it's been taken apart...

Is the axle above or below the spring?

Can't visualize the longer studs you mention on the new shocks. I hope your replacements offer the same "throw." By that I mean will they compress at least a little shorter and stretch at least a little longer than the originals. If not, I think you're headed for some grief.

Pix would help.

Sounds like the nut came off of the spring tie bolt, either way this bolt does not hold the spring to the axle or U bolt plate, it does have a stud on one side to align the axle in the right spot on the spring (on top for axle above spring or bottom axle below spring). I would go to a auto parts house with said bolt and get a new one to replace it with, For this one needs a couple of C clamps to pull the springs back together with bolt in place minus the nut, once springs are back together the nut can be replaced.

Hope this helps some.

the leaf spring center bolt holds the spring together but does not hold it to anything else. The head of the center bolt sets in ether that plate or the axle. The ubolts hold the spring to the axle.