Leaf Spring Compression

[doug hodder]

From the rust, I'm guessing that they aren't new right? just my opinion...but I think they are tired, and I flattened a pair on the way to Minden, know that look well...you might be better off retiring them and installing some new ones that are beefier...for the price of shocks, airbags etc...you could put some new ones in....and probably be money ahead....just my opinion, could get them rearched also, but new would be cheaper....Doug

[madjack]

Chris, after looking at the new pic, I think Doug may just be right...your springs look very tired and need to be replaced or rearched...that is my ScientificWildAssGuess
madjack

[asianflava]

I hear lots of folks comment that airbags are an expense. I keep finding 2 bag systems on the web rated for this load for about $200 bucks. New leaf springs are $51.99 a side.

$200 is that for just the bags? Or is that for the entire kit? There are a lot of related items needed to get the system to work: mounting plates, air tank, compressor, airlines, and controller. If the mounting plates aren't included, then there is some fab work to consider

Ska, maybe you can add a couple of shocks mounted to the frame & axle ? If the springs are a little weak , shocks should help. Shocks are probably cheaper than new springs. Just a thoiught. Good luck!

Shocks are generally used to dampen the motion of the suspension. They won't do much for ride height or suspending the load of the trailer unless you use air shocks. If the springs are weak, they need to be replaced.

Yes, shocks are to control rebound more than compression. That is why most shocks can be compressed and installed without "springing" back out to full extension. I said "most" because the adjustable race shocks on my other car do extend back out.

My recommendation would be new springs. Your tired springs WILL bottom out, and possibly break when you hit the first compression dip or pot hole. $104 isn't a bad deal for new springs, just think of the peace of mind it will give you.

Oh and the fisheye, it doesn't bother me for interior shots. It just makes it difficult to determine scale when used outside.

[Denny Unfried]

Think I would fabricate some U-bolts that fit over the top of spring with the nuts on the bottom. Of course you would also have to fab a new plate to fit under the axle. This would eliminate the U-bolts from bottoming out on the frame.

[skacutter]

OK I must admit that the springs have never been replaced and are the original springs from when this thing was a snowmobile trailer. I thank you all for the advice and I have just ordered 2 new 6 leaf springs rated at 1500lb per side. The nice thing about the new springs is that with 6 leafs I will gain about 1" of clearance between the axle and the underside of the deck. I ordered the springs from The Trailer supply superstore

http://shop.easternmarine.com/

Total was $117.00 with shipping

Regards
Chris