Getting ready to weld on leaf spring mounts...any suggestions?

[Andy G]

In my trailer build here, I'm ready to weld on the leaf spring mounts to the trailer frame.

Any suggestions from those who have built, to ensure that the measurements and locations are correct?

Thanks!
Spicy

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Measure everything 3 times,

Tack weld the brackets,

Measure twice more to be sure,

Then weld them out*


*to be really sure, once you have them laid out and tacked, you can bolt on the leaves and axle, to make sure everything is where you want it.

Then remove leaves and axle, and weld it out.

 

[nat]

^ this

 

[jwtrapper]

Measure from the front mount to the tip of the tongue and make sure both sides are the same. Like said before measure at least 3 times and then tack them in place. On the shackle end: you want the shackle to be at a 30 to 40 degree angle with the trailer when there is weight on the springs. You might have to do a little guess work to get them close. You don't want them strait up and down. A 40 degree angle will make a huge difference on how the trailer will ride. On any leafspring setup there is a huge difference in the ride with the right shackle angle. Also depending on your leaf springs and your planned weight of the trailer and the stuff you are loaded down with don't be affraid to remove a leaf or two out of your springs.

 

[trek 4wd safaris]

turn the whole trailer upside down, bolt your springs shackles and axles together with wheels and the whole lot.

then measure 3 times tack once remeasure and then weld out with a real attention to detail on the penetration and metal flow!!

 

[Andy G]

Argh...help!

Getting ready to tack weld the mounts on. Can anyone tell me what freaking direction this shackle mount is supposed to get welded in?

Does the thicker portion go to the front of the trailer, or to the rear? And anyone have any idea why it's stamped "TOP" on it?

Thanks!
Spicy

 

[tassie tiger]

Hi Spicy

An important measurement is the 'triangle' that is formed from the hitch at the end of the drawbar to each of the bolts that locate the leaf spring.

So after you have tacked them I put the bolts into the hangers and then measure from the each bolt head to the centre of the hitch/receiver. If the distance is the same then the trailer will track true and any errors in the chassis wont effect the towing.

Hope that makes sense?

 

[trek 4wd safaris]

this might help:

http://www.championtrailers.com/UTILITY_TRAILER_KITS.HTM

in australia we have to beams that go all the way to the hitch whereas america seemes to do one central beam. the big advantage is we weld the spring hangers to the back of that beam and get the triangle right easily...

 

[Andy G]

Hi Spicy

An important measurement is the 'triangle' that is formed from the hitch at the end of the drawbar to each of the bolts that locate the leaf spring.

So after you have tacked them I put the bolts into the hangers and then measure from the each bolt head to the centre of the hitch/receiver. If the distance is the same then the trailer will track true and any errors in the chassis wont effect the towing.

Hope that makes sense?

Yup, it makes perfect sense. Thank you! :ylsmoke: