How many leaves?

sseaman · 05-28-08, 09:03 AM

I am close to finishing my utility trailer conversion and trying to figure out how many leaves in need in the spring pack. Looking at others here it seems 4 is common. Is there an easy way to figure this out? The trailer was for a good size boat, it has now been cut down and I have welded the sides on. I dont picture carrying much more than 1000lbs.

sseaman · 05-28-08, 03:49 PM

Oh yeah it currently has 7 leaves

Koffer · 05-28-08, 06:15 PM

the amount of leaves isn't the problem it how stiff they are .
Look at the old Rancho 3" lift springs that were for the 40s They were only 3 leaves and rode like shit like you just welded your axles to the frame.
I'd say take out 2 and see , then go from there Too stiff take more out if too light add.
This is how OME does with their springs .

sseaman · 05-28-08, 08:14 PM

how would ou tell if they are too soft or stiff on a trailer? How high it bounces?

Koffer · 05-29-08, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sseaman

how would ou tell if they are too soft or stiff on a trailer? How high it bounces?

Thats the tough part .
trial and error since the springs are unknown . other then loading it

and seeing how it rides is the way Id do it .
Sorry I can't help much more then that .

Degnol · 05-29-08, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sseaman

I am close to finishing my utility trailer conversion and trying to figure out how many leaves in need in the spring pack. Looking at others here it seems 4 is common. Is there an easy way to figure this out? The trailer was for a good size boat, it has now been cut down and I have welded the sides on. I dont picture carrying much more than 1000lbs.

I used my stock FJ40 front springs on my trailer project. Had given the 2nd and 4th leafs to Haystax, so I have 1-3-5-6 and it seems just about right. I am using shocks on mine, though and currently do not have the box built for it, so things may change as I load it. Fortunately, I have the rears to pull leafs from if I need them.

GL

Ed

sseaman · 05-30-08, 06:54 AM

Thanks guys, I've taken out 3 and it seems a little more responsive. I'll try it and see,

davegonz · 06-05-08, 09:22 AM

You can also buy cheap springs from Tractor Supply and go from there since they would be a known quantity. Probably get a 2000lb set and take a leaf or two out.

1750 lb version

1000 lb version

sseaman · 06-06-08, 09:20 AM

Thanks Dave, I had thought of going this route but it would have eaten into the total budget. I took out 3 springs and took it on the maiden voyage carrying some firewood about 10 miles down the road. It did very well, on the way back it was full of mulch and also did as well. I'm pleased for now but will hang onto the extra leaves and can vary them based on the load.

05-28-08, 09:03 AM	#1
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,355	How many leaves? I am close to finishing my utility trailer conversion and trying to figure out how many leaves in need in the spring pack. Looking at others here it seems 4 is common. Is there an easy way to figure this out? The trailer was for a good size boat, it has now been cut down and I have welded the sides on. I dont picture carrying much more than 1000lbs. __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 136k 98 Avalon 138k

05-28-08, 03:49 PM	#2
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,355	Oh yeah it currently has 7 leaves __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 136k 98 Avalon 138k

05-28-08, 06:15 PM	#3
Koffer IH8MUD Thread Killer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Hopewell NJ Posts: 968	the amount of leaves isn't the problem it how stiff they are . Look at the old Rancho 3" lift springs that were for the 40s They were only 3 leaves and rode like shit like you just welded your axles to the frame. I'd say take out 2 and see , then go from there Too stiff take more out if too light add. This is how OME does with their springs . __________________ Todd 64' FJ40, 79' FJ40,(gone) 86' BJ70, 92' FJ80,(gone) 96' FZJ80 just 3 cruisers now 66'M416 and a 92' M101CND

05-28-08, 08:14 PM	#4
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,355	how would ou tell if they are too soft or stiff on a trailer? How high it bounces? __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 136k 98 Avalon 138k

05-30-08, 06:54 AM	#7
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,355	Thanks guys, I've taken out 3 and it seems a little more responsive. I'll try it and see, __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 136k 98 Avalon 138k

06-05-08, 09:22 AM	#8
davegonz Keeping it Weird Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, TX TLCA# 14650 Posts: 1,125 Blog Entries: 1	You can also buy cheap springs from Tractor Supply and go from there since they would be a known quantity. Probably get a 2000lb set and take a leaf or two out. 1750 lb version 1000 lb version __________________ David Gonzalez __________________________________________________ "Penny" Bronze 2000 100-series 33" BFG A/T's, storage drawers, OME Heavy Lift Austin, TX david.gonzalez@gmail.com Lone Star Land Cruisers

06-06-08, 09:20 AM	#9
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,355	Thanks Dave, I had thought of going this route but it would have eaten into the total budget. I took out 3 springs and took it on the maiden voyage carrying some firewood about 10 miles down the road. It did very well, on the way back it was full of mulch and also did as well. I'm pleased for now but will hang onto the extra leaves and can vary them based on the load. __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 136k 98 Avalon 138k

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