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Old 09-15-2018, 04:59 AM   #1
busterbrown
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Equalizer not equalizing..

After an install of replacement leaf springs and a Morryde wet bolt kit on my spread axle trailer, I was able to move the coach back to storage. I noticed this upon inspecting the new hardware after unlocking it from the truck:

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Anyone have a clue as to why the equalizer and shackles aren't in a neutral position on level gravel? I can see front shackles touching the frame.

I tightened the wet bolts to 50 ft lbs of torque as recommended by the Morryde. Ubolts to 90 ft lbs. All shackle bolts have been greased well.
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Old 09-15-2018, 05:19 AM   #2
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Are the springs the correct length? In the photo, the rear spring or shackle appears to be too short?
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Old 09-15-2018, 05:34 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsmith948 View Post
Are the springs the correct length? In the photo, the rear spring or shackle appears to be too short?
It's an illusion. The replacement mono leaf springs were the same length as the OEM factory. I took a test ride around the block yesterday and looked at the equalizer after. Everything was normal. I heard a "pop" on the trailer on the way to the storage yard. Thought it was another vehicle. It was probably the shackle jarring itself against the frame. I'm completely clueless.
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Old 09-15-2018, 06:07 AM   #4
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Here's a picture of the equilizer and shackles after assembly. Both sides look identical as the equalizers are in a neutral position.
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Old 09-15-2018, 06:25 AM   #5
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It looks like the shackle may have flipped. Could that have been the "pop" you heard?
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Old 09-15-2018, 07:01 AM   #6
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It looks like the shackle may have flipped. Could that have been the "pop" you heard?

The shackles are still oriented in the same direction when I installed them. It's just that both equalizers are fully articulated in the "up" position (toward the front of the trailer). The pop I think was the shackle resting against the frame. I'm not sure what's going on here. Are the shackle bolts torqued too tight? 50 ft lbs is what I set up wrench at. Is something binding? I have no idea. The quick trip around the block didn't show evidence of that. I'm baffled.
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Old 09-15-2018, 07:07 AM   #7
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If you only changed 2 springs could there be a difference in tension/flex between old and new?
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Old 09-15-2018, 07:12 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by 66joej View Post
If you only changed 2 springs could there be a difference in tension/flex between old and new?
I asked that question to the Dexter rep I spoke with. He told me that it's recommended to replace all the springs on the same side of the trailer at the same time. I replaced both passenger side springs. The opposing springs (driver side) would support an independent load and would have no effect on the other side.
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Old 09-15-2018, 07:30 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by busterbrown View Post
After an install of replacement leaf springs and a Morryde wet bolt kit on my spread axle trailer, I was able to move the coach back to storage. I noticed this upon inspecting the new hardware after unlocking it from the truck:

Attachment 18555

Anyone have a clue as to why the equalizer and shackles aren't in a neutral position on level gravel? I can see front shackles touching the frame.

I tightened the wet bolts to 50 ft lbs of torque as recommended by the Morryde. Ubolts to 90 ft lbs. All shackle bolts have been greased well.

Why does the right hand near spring appear to be longer than the far side one based on the angle of the shackles? Chris
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Old 09-15-2018, 07:52 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by Snoking View Post
Why does the right hand near spring appear to be longer than the far side one based on the angle of the shackles? Chris
I assure you, these springs are all 30" long from eye to eye. I'm not sure why the near side (driver's side) shackle angle is more extreme than the one on the far side (passenger side). I will attempt to go back to the storage yard today and see if I can jack each side up to 'reset' the position of each equalizer.
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Old 09-15-2018, 08:01 AM   #11
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Looking at the orientation of the axle U-bolts in the 1st picture, the right side set (on the rear axle) is positioned about 10-15 degrees from vertical as opposed to the left side set (front axle). Take a look...

If true, wouldn't this lead to a binding situation at one of the rear hangers or shackle/spring points? Maybe that's why the shackle angle is different on driver side rear.
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Old 09-15-2018, 08:15 AM   #12
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I'd call MorRyde, send them pictures & ask for their advise! I don't/can't see much from the pictures to offer any suggestions. From what I can see it looks good to me. The u bolts on the one axle would be turned past vertical with the equalizer in that position & the shackles are not flipped. Did you have to back into the storage site? If so that may be the correct position after backing, might pull forward a foot & see if it changes.
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Old 09-15-2018, 08:19 AM   #13
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This is what I'm seeing now...visuals help I guess.

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I'm headed back to the trailer now as it's killing me see another issue with my suspension. If anyone has any other ideas, i'm all ears.
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Old 09-15-2018, 08:22 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by travelin texans View Post
I'd call MorRyde, send them pictures & ask for their advise! I don't/can't see much from the pictures to offer any suggestions. From what I can see it looks good to me. The u bolts on the one axle would be turned past vertical with the equalizer in that position & the shackles are not flipped. Did you have to back into the storage site? If so that may be the correct position after backing, might pull forward a foot & see if it changes.
I do back in but the equalizers are always in a horizontal 'neutral' position. I looked at 4 other trailers near mine and all were appropriately aligned. I know this can't be right as both driver/passenger side, front axle shackles are making contact with the frame.
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Old 09-15-2018, 08:38 AM   #15
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When pulling forward and applying the brakes the front axle tends to lift the front of the equalizer while the rear axle pushes down on the rear of the equalizer. So did you pull ahead with brakes on? Maybe the center bolts on the equalizers are to tight. Chris
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Old 09-15-2018, 08:48 AM   #16
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When pulling forward and applying the brakes the front axle tends to lift the front of the equalizer while the rear axle pushes down on the rear of the equalizer. So did you pull ahead with brakes on? Maybe the center bolts on the equalizers are to tight. Chris
The center bolts are tightened to 50 ft lbs as with all the other wet bolts. I'll recheck and retorque if needed. I'll hitch up again and pull it around the storage yard. Lots of ruts in the crushed gravel lanes of this yard so it gives a suspension a work out. I'll attempt to neutralize the position of the equalizers first by raising the frame/axles.
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Old 09-15-2018, 11:54 AM   #17
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The center bolts are tightened to 50 ft lbs as with all the other wet bolts. I'll recheck and retorque if needed. I'll hitch up again and pull it around the storage yard. Lots of ruts in the crushed gravel lanes of this yard so it gives a suspension a work out. I'll attempt to neutralize the position of the equalizers first by raising the frame/axles.
So I have to ask, did you get the wrong length bolts and the equalizer is pinched tight in the hanger? Chris
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Old 09-15-2018, 01:48 PM   #18
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Try pulling straight out and straight back a few times to unload the turning torque. Sometimes if you back into, or pull into a sight at an angle, you will have "pre-load" on your axles and wheels. This will show at the "see saw", and as side stress on the tire sidewalls.

Even when pulling, or backing in to a "straight site, I always pull forward and back to unload the side stresses.

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Old 09-15-2018, 06:20 PM   #19
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Is the trailer parallel to the ground where it's parked?
In the picture, the distance between the frame and the top of the rim on the back tire looks greater than the front tire. What happens if you raise and lower the tongue jack?
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Old 09-16-2018, 05:12 AM   #20
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Have you tried loosening the nuts on the bolts a bit to see if they will neutralize?
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