Forum Discussion

terryaGJ's avatar
terryaGJ
Explorer
Dec 03, 2017

Sub frame addition

Bought a new truck which is over 3" taller than my old one, so I'm getting ready to have a 4" sub frame added to my 2010 Keystone Cougar with 11,000 miles towing on it, to get it level. At the very least I'll have new spring bushings installed. Any recommendations on what else would be good to do while it's all torn apart? Any concerns about going 4" higher on the trailer? Should end up ~13' overall hgt so that shouldn't be a problem. Thanks.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 03, 2017
    Cut the spring shackles off
    Weld 2" x 4" tube onto frame
    Weld shackles back onto subframe with bracing and side to side lateral support tubing

    Install WET bolt/bronze bushing set


  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2017
    Cross member between the rear spring hanger. Plan on blocks for the jack legs, steps and rear jacks. Raising a trailer increases side load on the spring hangers and torque to the frame. Negate that by welding in a x member between the rear hangers.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    Is the axle already flipped? Absolutely wet bolts, a nice addition is a Dexter Eqauflex, possibly longer stabilizers and another step. Some will also go to 16's as part of leveling up.
  • terryaGJ's avatar
    terryaGJ
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    Axles have already been flipped. Planing on installing two cross members, in front of the front hangers and behind the rear hangers. Looking at the never fail bushings vs the wet bolt bushings, probably go with the wet bolts. 16's might be in the future, don't want to replace the rims and tires just now, put new Maxxis tires on 3 yr ago so maybe in another year or 2. Thanks for the feedback.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 04, 2017
    Only 2 across supports?

    What about center shackle for equalizer??

    Should do that also ....lateral/twisting forces when maneuvering
  • alexleblanc's avatar
    alexleblanc
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    have you though about installing shorter rear lift blocks on the rear of your truck? I just did that to mine and its still 2" higher out back instead of 3.5" and it leveled out my setup without needing modifications to the 5er.
  • 2naEagle's avatar
    2naEagle
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    Look at the MORryde website

    Wet Bolt & HD Shackle upgrade kit
    Brace, Brace, Brace front back and center.
    Look at the equalizer at MORryde and pick one you like.
    Shock's would be really good. I put Joy Rider on mine. You can find less expensive kit's. Lippert and Dexter make some.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    No need to buy a shock kit. Just have the welder guy weld some upper brackets on, then buy some U-bolt spring plates that have the angled edges with holes in them.
    You'll need to measure and buy the right length shocks of course. No need for all the $$$ Joy Rider stuff.
  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2017
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Only 2 across supports?

    What about center shackle for equalizer??

    Should do that also ....lateral/twisting forces when maneuvering


    Exactly. I had to have my trailer frame reinforced this year with more crossmembers and there are 3 of them across each set of shackles. The material used was heavy wall 4"x2" structural steel tube.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2017
    "Weld shackles back onto subframe with bracing and side to side lateral support tubing"

    The side to side support is a BIGGIE!

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