Suspension and axles

[mageorge]

I just replaced our drivers side with the 3000# springs as well, and while I was at it decided to repack the bearing as well. (Got new axles, springs, and brakes last August at the rally) And both passenger side axles had leaked. Now I've ordered disc brakes. BTW, we are still 1/4" low on drivers side.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Cate&Rob]

I just replaced our drivers side with the 3000# springs as well, and while I was at it decided to repack the bearing as well. (Got new axles, springs, and brakes last August at the rally) And both passenger side axles had leaked. Now I've ordered disc brakes. BTW, we are still 1/4" low on drivers side.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi Mike,

It seems there are a few of us "re-engineering" the 303 to ride level and brake effectively .
I am also working through the the problem of still riding a little low on the left side despite having 3000 lb springs on that side. But . . . I have 4 leaf 3000 lb springs. Did you upgrade to 4 leaf or 5 leaf heavier springs?

Rob

[mageorge]

Hi Mike,

It seems there are a few of us "re-engineering" the 303 to ride level and brake effectively .
I am also working through the the problem of still riding a little low on the left side despite having 3000 lb springs on that side. But . . . I have 4 leaf 3000 lb springs. Did you upgrade to 4 leaf or 5 leaf heavier springs?

Rob

I used the 5 leaf version, but the 2600# only have about 1000 miles on them so far, and we are getting ready for a 2500 trip in a couple weeks so I'll see how much they both settle.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Cate&Rob]

I used the 5 leaf version, but the 2600# only have about 1000 miles on them so far, and we are getting ready for a 2500 trip in a couple weeks so I'll see how much they both settle.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Agreed . . . will be interesting to learn how these "settle out". By my calculations, even with the 5 leaf, I will still be a little low on the left side. But, I haven't installed the 5 leaf springs yet to prove this out one way or the other. Pat and I are starting to kick around the idea of custom shackle lengths to trim this even closer. It's become an "engineering obsession" to get this perfect .

Rob

[Pjs2500hd]

Pat, Yes all the new u bolts were torqued to 90 ft/lbs. they ended up replacing the U bolts on both sides because the new right side brass bushings had to be pressed in the spring eyes. I don't Know if the shop took any measurements? They labeled the yellow cams and put them back in the original place. I was told that everything went right back together easy. Didn't do an alignment. I will keep a close watch on tire wear this year. I plan on replacing the westlakes next year.

[Cate&Rob]

Pat is right that the LCI manual has different U Bolt torque values for the 5200 lb axle vs the 6000 lb axle. (See attached from the LCI manual) 65 ft lbs vs 90 ft lbs. Since the U bolts and top plates are identical, the only difference must be in what they are clamping. The springs are only nominally different, so the difference must be the axles. I wonder if the axle tube wall thickness is different ?? Someone mentioned this a long time ago on this forum, but I can't find it now. I split the difference and torqued both sides on mine to 80 ft lbs. Nothing appears to have moved and U Bolt torque is still at 80 indicating that nothing has distorted or compressed.

Rob

[Gyro Gearloose]

Agreed . . . will be interesting to learn how these "settle out". By my calculations, even with the 5 leaf, I will still be a little low on the left side. But, I haven't installed the 5 leaf springs yet to prove this out one way or the other. Pat and I are starting to kick around the idea of custom shackle lengths to trim this even closer. It's become an "engineering obsession" to get this perfect .

Rob

Rob, Obsession , yep...

Will be sending you a 3D CAD drawing of what your suspension should be like with 3.125" and 2.25" shackles with 5 leaf 3k springs. I am using the loaded arch for your 3k 4 leaf springs to try to get somewhat close measurements. Or I could use my loaded arch measurements if you like.

Do you have the measurement for the EquaFlex shackle mount spread?

Pat

[Canyonlight]

Rob--see attached thread post #12 from our old buddy "Retread" about a year ago stating 3/16" for 5200# vs 1/4" for 6000# axles. I could not verify the accuracy of his feedback but if I do run across something here or elsewhere, I will share it. Hopefully someone who does know definitively will post.

http://www.mygrandrv.com/for...ight=thickness

Dan

[Cate&Rob]

Rob--see attached thread post #12 from our old buddy "Retread" about a year ago stating 3/16" for 5200# vs 1/4" for 6000# axles. I could not verify the accuracy of his feedback but if I do run across something here or elsewhere, I will share it. Hopefully someone who does know definitively will post.

http://www.mygrandrv.com/for...ight=thickness

Dan

Thanks Dan . . . that's what I was looking for.
I will ask Emily for confirmation of this.

Rob

[scott d]

Sorry its been awhile but, here is my report The trailer is level from side to side. All I can guess Is between the second awning and the booth dinette it must help level the weight from side to side. I don't know any body with scales for each side so I can't get weight for each side. As far as the springs go I'm going to order 2018 Ford so I will make the changes I need then. It would be nice if Ford would lower there truck down some. Our 2008 450 is high enough.