a suspension question????

[abneynormal]

I am thinking of adding a dexter k71-360-00 heavy duty suspension kit to my 3912 triple axle th. it has about 8000 miles on it would I be wise to do it now or let it go another year. I plan on keeping it a while. I have found it at a place cheaper than e trailer?
http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/...l#.UqEz1LmA2aF

[hankpage]

At 8000 mi. I think you will find that the plastic bushings are pretty much worn out. If I were you I would upgrade now while it is just bushings that are worn. I did mine with grease-able bushings (wet-bolts) at about 5000 mi. and the plastic was almost gone then. They are worth the cost and effort. JM2¢, Hank

[abneynormal]

after 3 blow outs and numerous common problems with my toy hauler ive found its good to listen to those that have been on the side of the road like me. and yes I will go wet kit and brass bushings. the dexter k71-360-00 is the one I need now to purchase and best of all install it. I am so familiar with the underside of my 3912. especially after 3 blowouts. better to fix in my building than on the side of a 2 lane road.

[wtxdxer]

I purchased a Dexter EZ-Flex from Nick's Truck Parts. I checked their price on the Dexter K71-360-00 and it's quite a bit cheaper than the link you provided.

http://www.nickstruckparts.com/k71-360-00.html

Check 'em out!

Regards,

Alan

[mguay]

If you are going to go that far...I would put the EzFlex equalizers in it at the same time. I Bought my kit straight from dexter with the ezFlex's for less than your link but it is only a dual axle kit. They were blowing them out on sale. http://dexteraxle.com/inc/sdetail/18096/28011

For another 50 Bucks...it would be worth it!

[hankpage]

I agree with the others .... for a few extra bucks the EZ-Flex is definitely worth it. I also got mine on sale direct from Dexter. Great kit and good instructions. (I am not big on instructions but worth reading through before install ) Here is a thread on my install. There are a few other threads from other members who have done it too. Good luck, Hank

[abneynormal]

the ez flex looks good but how long will the rubber cushion last? I have an advantage on the truck since it is an air ride suspension. I am more a fan of kiss (keep it simple stupid) ie the less rubber the less to deteriorate. unless they are replaceable?

[abneynormal]

thanks for the heads up on nicks truck parts.

[abneynormal]

I realized that my factory equa flex had bronze bushings. so for 60 bucks I have a lippert wet kit on the way. I like the price.

[mguay]

Originally Posted by abneynormal

I realized that my factory equa flex had bronze bushings. so for 60 bucks I have a lippert wet kit on the way. I like the price.

I did that same thing the first time. At the time it did not include the HD shackles. I went 3 years and 20-30k miles and the plates wore through.

Glad you found something!

[abneynormal]

I will start with the plastic bushings for now then new equaflex. in reading to use the dexter I would have to put on new mounts. due to the 1.5 inch difference in height. I opted for lt tires and they are a little taller. I guess which ever wears out first the tires or the shackles will determine what I go with

[mguay]

Originally Posted by abneynormal

I will start with the plastic bushings for now then new equaflex. in reading to use the dexter I would have to put on new mounts. due to the 1.5 inch difference in height. I opted for lt tires and they are a little taller. I guess which ever wears out first the tires or the shackles will determine what I go with

Your wet bolt kit will include Bronze bushings. I went LT tires too! Keep an eye on your rims. I have about a year on my LT's and all of my wheels had a cracked spoke. Tredit warrantied them and I went to a higher load rated one....but I wonder if they cracked due to the stiffer sidewalls of the LT's.

Be safe when jacking! That's going to be a lot of weight over your head!

[Roller4Tan]

Originally Posted by mguay

I went LT tires too! Keep an eye on your rims. I have about a year on my LT's and all of my wheels had a cracked spoke. Tredit warrantied them and I went to a higher load rated one....but I wonder if they cracked due to the stiffer sidewalls of the LT's.
!

Hmm.. I put LT's on and found one aluminum wheel with a crack after a few months. Tredit replaced it, but I wonder ???

[abneynormal]

I had a rim that leaked air it is a defect in the casting. I posted about that a while back in tires tires tires. the leak was where the spoke was at the outter rim. I don't think its the tires. mine was leaking before.
now for another issue. I got the kit my rv had the 3-6000 equa flex on it I am wet bolting it too. the only problem with it is the shackle length. they come 2.25 inches of 3.13 inches. and both have 9/16 bolts. of course I got the wrong length. lippert tech is substandard tech screwed up I called later and they said they would check and call back. I talked with parts and told them what I needed I hope they don't screw it up. when I get it right I am gonna roll with it till it wears out then I am going dexter or mor ryde. lippert has too many hands that don't know what each is doing

[howdy]

Originally Posted by wtxdxer

I purchased a Dexter EZ-Flex from Nick's Truck Parts. I checked their price on the Dexter K71-360-00 and it's quite a bit cheaper than the link you provided.

http://www.nickstruckparts.com/k71-360-00.html

Check 'em out!

Regards,

Alan

I bought the complete E Z Flex kit from Nicks and they were the cheapest I found. Great kit, great price.

[howdy]

Originally Posted by abneynormal

I will start with the plastic bushings for now then new equaflex. in reading to use the dexter I would have to put on new mounts. due to the 1.5 inch difference in height.

Interesting, I have never heard or read that before from people who have installed the kits on double or triple axles. Are you saying that you need to replace the spring hangers? All the kits should be bolt on. No cutting or welding required. I would hate to go back in and do a job twice. If you are going to go as far as replacing the bushings I would do everything. The complete triple axle kit is less than $300. For that price your complete suspension is done for many years and you can move on to the next upgrade. You can't even buy 1 LT tire for that price.

[abneynormal]

no the shackles are different the 3-6000 axle equa flex has shackles that are 2.25 inches. the 5-8000 equaflex are 3.13 inches center to center. as for the spring hangars if I was to convert to dexter e z flex later on I read that it sits approximately 1.5 inches lower than the equa flex. when my tires wear out it wont be a problem then I opted for 235/85 16e lt tires they sit 1.5 inches taller than stock. the 245/75 16e lt tires are the same ride height as the 235/80 16e st tires that came factory.

[abneynormal]

part 1
http://youtu.be/O1SYSLtonxI





part 2
http://youtu.be/QiJzqIO83gM