Spring Question.....

[Degnol]

I have a pair of FJ40 springs(front, I think) and gave away the shortest leaf and the third leaf. That leaves (from shortest to longest) 2,4,5 and 6. I would think this would be plenty strong for a 416-style trailer? I have the rear packs intact so using them is no problem, but I intended to remove some leafs anyway. The axle I'm using is the same #3500 one Rezarf ordered from ABC Trailer and the dimensions will be very close to the 416.
Any opinions?

Ed

 

[REZARF]

I say mix and match them until you get it "right". I bet the loss of a spring or two will only help your overall ride characteristics. You gotta' think the front of a 40 with the heavy 2f over the springs is meant to take quite a load. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to go 2, 4, 6 only.

If it is too soft you can always add a leaf back in, but I doubt that will be the problem in a little light trailer like you have.

When are we gonna see some pics Ed?

 

[Degnol]

Thanks Drew. Now another question......the little bands that hold the leafs together, I cut the old ones off when i separated the packs. Can I just use some 1/2" strap and bend up new ones? Seems like the originals were riveted to a leaf, can anyone tell me how to attach so they don't slide all around? I guess drilling through the strap then part way into the leaf and use a piece of 3/16 rod would work.

Thanks,

Ed

 

[REZARF]

No idea there. I know the clamp is there to keep the springs lined up in a straight line. So if you have an idea to keep them together you should be fine. I cant really see what you want to do from your discription.

 

[Degnol]

Yeah, my description is a little vague, but I'll post up pics when i get to that stage.
Currently i am waiting on some spring hangers and shackle mounts from Ruffstuff.

Ed

 

[KY854RUN]

You can get new ones from any shop that makes or re-arches springs.

 

[Degnol]

Yes, but I am concerned about how to attach them to the springs. I am eliminating the leafs that had them attached and I think they were riveted on to the leaf.

Ed

 

[REZARF]

ooooh, now I get it.

I would think that a u shaped peice of strap that was welded onto the bottom of the spring would work, but maybe someone could speak to the effects of welding a big bead onto spring steel. I have no clue if that would jack it up.

Drew

 

[KY854RUN]

Don't weld them to a leaf of the spring. This will ruin the tempering of that leaf. You can drill a hole in the end of the leaf that you want the spring clamp attached to and counter sink it on the side that will ride against the longer leaf above it in the pack. Drill a hole in the spring clamp and attach it to the leaf using a counter sunk bolt and lock nut.