Trailer Leaf Spring Questions

[Brentbba]

Stupid question, but there is no such thing...

'Planning' on flipping over my M101 to really do a good job of undercoating the thing. I've already pressure washed the entire trailer, tub, bottom, etc. It's very clean. Planning on Rust Bullet or Eastwood's similar product. Damn - both products are EXPENSIVE. I'd rather do the repairs once, so not sure Rustoleum is enough. Thoughts?

The leaf springs have some rust. How easy, rust on the nuts/bolts aside, is it to take off and reinstall leaf springs? I've got no flipping idea as I've never done it. How much if any tension is on them or are the 'pre bent' to the shape that's there. Does that make sense? Cheaper to just replace the leaf springs? I don't think they're that expensive.

Believe it or not a Canadian M101 uses standard nuts/bolts, not metric. They were build in the USA and even the manual that's online specs out standard, not metric, sizes. Are the bolts to the leaf springs specific to the application or just a good stainless bolt of the correct size/length ok? Again stupid questions, but I've never messed with a suspension before.

Easier to take them off when I've got the trailer right side up or with it already turned upside down?

I figure three or four of us in the hood ought to be able to pick the thing up and turn it over. It's not that heavy. Shoot - Dave picked the thing up from the rear out at his Toys for Tots drive!

 

[SOCALFJ]

If i can pick it up, you have nothing to worry about as far as a spring load or tension on them. Just raise the axle up by the body of the trailer until the wheels are off the ground. Remove wheels, then remove the springs. If you're doing it upside down, even simpler. They're just arched spring packs. The bolts might be a funky size, but if you can find a grade 8 zinc coded zerk fitting style , i'd go with that instead. As far as replacing the springs, i think your ADD is kicking in. Just hit them with a wire brush and rust oleum them. This isn't a show trailer.. this is for OFF ROAD!

If you need any help, let me know ahead of time and i can make myself available for the "flip" I rent my muscles by the hour.

 

[e9999]

there would be no tension on the spring when not loaded, if sized correctly.
The moving shackle will simply rotate to accommodate the shorter length.
Just a matter of unbolting them while supporting everything properly.

Take them off with the trailer upright, should be easier, you can use jack stands etc.


Have you thought about removing the tub from the frame? Easier to maneuver and you can recoat the frame if you're worried that much about rust.

 

[Brentbba]

ACD, who me?:whoops:

May just take the bolts to a little trailer shop down by Triangle Square and get replacements.

Yea - wire brush the outside and paint is probably good enough, but the bottom plate on one side is bent backward a little. Looks like the PO may have had A LOT of weight in this at some time or another.

I'll shoot a pic tomorrow and post up as our scout troop has cancelled the day ski trip for tomorrow due to heavy snow warnings in the mountains.

 

[Brentbba]

there would be no tension on the spring when not loaded, if sized correctly.
The moving shackle will simply rotate to accommodate the shorter length.
Just a matter of unbolting them while supporting everything properly.

Take them off with the trailer upright, should be easier, you can use jack stands etc.


Have you thought about removing the tub from the frame? Easier to maneuver and you can recoat the frame if you're worried that much about rust.

Canadian M101 tub is welded to the frame unlike the M416 tub which is bolted to the frame. She's a one piece trailer.

I've only got two jack stands and given that a SOA is already done, the jacks are not tall enough and I dont' want to stack wood underneath. Not very safe.

 

[e9999]

Canadian M101 tub is welded to the frame unlike the M416 tub which is bolted to the frame. She's a one piece trailer.

I've only got two jack stands and given that a SOA is already done, the jacks are not tall enough and I dont' want to stack wood underneath. Not very safe.

a) nothing that a cutoff wheel could not handle
b) what kind of mudder are you...? You're supposed to have at least 6 in various sizes...

 

[1973Guppie]

buy some phosphoric acid etch from home depot to kill all the rust, then use tri sodium phosphate before painting it, take a look at zerorust, it is good paint and is much cheaper than some of the other stuff out there, I have used it extensively with good results, you can buy it in gallons and brush it on as well. good luck.

Noah