Tandem monospring suspension assembly order

[BruceWard]

I am trying to install the suspension so it sits like this

but I am having difficulty getting both springs on top of the equalizer. I can get one up at a time but not both.

Can you tell me what order the springs should be connected in?

Currently I am thinking about removing the top (middle) bolt from the equalizer, getting both springs on top of it then using a jack to raise the equalizer or the lift to lower the trailer. I will try this Sunday.

If someone knows the correct order please let me know. Thanks

 

[RobS]

I don't necessarily know the "correct" order, but I did replace all four springs on my camper this past summer. I did it one at a time, so I didn't have any problems with things slipping out of place. Also had the axles on as I went. I do recall having to use jacks and come-alongs to get things lined up so the hanger bolts would go through.

(added later) Now that I think back further, seems I attached the springs to the center hanger first. That way I could use the flex of that hanger to horse it around to attach the fixed hanger end. Having the axle on helped, I did all the jacking/pulling/pushing against it.

Not sure if that helps?

 

[tommu56]

With no weight on any springs they should fit right in put spring over equilizer put fixed end in and swing the 2 link halves in and put the bolt in.

Wost likely the dimentions wernt correct when welding in or springs are too long. The sprins have flattened out might be the problem.

tom

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree with the last post. I think the dimensions are off with the springs that are in there. Being a homemade trailer, there was a mistake made somewhere 20 years ago.

Chris

 

[BruceWard]

The springs are on top of the equalizer now. It took significant effort to get them in place. Fortunately they stayed in place after a test drive.

We removed the top bolt connecting the equalizer to the trailer frame and the bolt connecting the equalizer to the front spring on each side. We used a lift at the back and the trailers jack at the front to lift it slightly. Then we reinstalled the equalizer to front spring bolt with both springs on top of the equalizer. Next we adjusted the front jack, lift and a floor jack under the drivers side equalizer until we were able to reinstall the bolt. The passenger side equalizer was not as cooperative. It was probably a 1/4" to the rear and would not come forward to allow the bolt be inserted. We chained the trailer to the lift at the rear and attached a winch to the front axle. This pulled it far enough forward to get the bolt half way in. Moving the winch to the rear axle, adding a large pry bar and using a heavy hammer got the bolt the rest of the way through.

 

[schmism]

The springs are on top of the equalizer now. It took significant effort to get them in place. Fortunately they stayed in place after a test drive.

We removed the top bolt connecting the equalizer to the trailer frame and the bolt connecting the equalizer to the front spring on each side. We used a lift at the back and the trailers jack at the front to lift it slightly. Then we reinstalled the equalizer to front spring bolt with both springs on top of the equalizer. Next we adjusted the front jack, lift and a floor jack under the drivers side equalizer until we were able to reinstall the bolt. The passenger side equalizer was not as cooperative. It was probably a 1/4" to the rear and would not come forward to allow the bolt be inserted. We chained the trailer to the lift at the rear and attached a winch to the front axle. This pulled it far enough forward to get the bolt half way in. Moving the winch to the rear axle, adding a large pry bar and using a heavy hammer got the bolt the rest of the way through.

wow.... not the way they should go together.... something is defiantly wrong there.