SOA or Shackle Lift?

[LCHardriver_02]

I am currently borrowing a small trailer to clean out my backyard on a re-landscaping project. Knowing that this little 4X6 trailer has had its axle replaced with a 1/2 ton model and that the leaf springs only allow for about 400 lbs capacity because of tire rubbing on the tops of the fenders, we started talking about a lift to push the body up, allowing for better overall loading.

So my question is what should we be looking to do?

Should we consider a SOA convesion? Neither of us weld, so we would have to have someone else move and reweld the bracket onto the axle.

Do we consider a shackle lift? I have never done one and am not sure what all goes into determining the "right" shackle length or what else it would involve.

Or do we replace the springs with new leafs or add leafs?

Please provide your thoughts and input. Thanks!

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Of the options you list, an SOA will give you the most lift. The trailer will be lifted by the diameter of the axle, plus its perch, and the thickness of the spring pack. When you do an SOA you flip the over so its perch is on top of axle, mating to the bottom of the spring pack. There is a hole in the perch that mates to the head of the spring bolt. Sometimes you can fit it over the nut, but you may have to unbolt the spring bolt and flip it over. You should not need to do any welding.

Longer shackles can give you lift, but the rule of thumb is that for every inch you add, you only get half of that at the axle. So if you made the shackles three inches longer (which is usually the practical limit) you only get 1.5" at the axle. Sometimes you can go longer with the shackles, but what typically happens is that the spring will start to flatten then reverse curve itself under load, and sometimes even with no load.

 

[greentruck]

This might be worth a trip to the spring shop . Sounds like the original springs are sagging badly? Or was the install of the 1/2 ton axle somewhat suspect?

If you're wanting to carry extra weight regularly, probably want it done right, especially if you have some doubts about whether the solution solves only a clearance problem or needs to address what may be the limited capacity of the present springs.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Thanks guys for the replies.

Brian - Just to confirm, but it sounds like all you have to do is unbolt the springs, flip the axle, and rebolt to complete an SOA, once the body is jacked up, supported, and unbolted. Is this correct?

As for the springs, I am not sure if they need replacement or not. I will talk with the owner about that, but he is not mechanically inclined either.

Thanks again.