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Old 05-28-2023, 06:11 PM   #1
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Leaf Spring Replacement Help

Hey Everyone,


Have a couple of questions regarding parts when replacing the leaf springs.


1. Should you replace the ubolt mounts or is it ok to reuse the existing? Here is the link to the springs I was going to install.


https://www.etrailer.com/p-e78SR.html



2. Should you replace the shackles as well?


Not sure if I need to order all of these parts or just the leaf springs.


This is on a 2022 Wolk Pup 16PF with a 5100# axle.

Thanks!


Tim
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Old 05-28-2023, 08:07 PM   #2
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A 2022

Quote:
Originally Posted by tjmiller View Post
Hey Everyone,


Have a couple of questions regarding parts when replacing the leaf springs.


1. Should you replace the ubolt mounts or is it ok to reuse the existing? Here is the link to the springs I was going to install.

https://www.etrailer.com/p-e78SR.html

2. Should you replace the shackles as well?

Not sure if I need to order all of these parts or just the leaf springs.

This is on a 2022 Wolf Pup 16PF with a 5100# axle.

Thanks!

Tim
It's a 2022. How worn do the parts look? If you only have a few thousand miles on them, there should be no need to replace. Be sure to grease everything when you reassemble.
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Old 05-28-2023, 08:10 PM   #3
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I myself would use what I have as long as they are not damaged or worn.
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Old 05-28-2023, 09:31 PM   #4
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Photos

So today I went under to install the Sumosprings, the left side seemed OK. The gap between the frame and the bracket was about 3.75in. Which did not require me to use any spacers. But the right side distance was at 3.25 from the spring to the frame and the leaf spring strap was no longer on 3 leafs, only two. It appears much flatter that the left. This surprised me because the slide out is on the left and I thought the weight of it would have flattened it out more.
The strap looks in place but it is not. I can easily slide it to the left. It is barely touching the 3rd strap.

BTW it is out of warranty and I feel better getting higher quality parts myself as opposed to dealing with the manufacturer.

Here are some pics I captured.
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Old 06-05-2023, 02:01 PM   #5
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The main leaf on one of my springs failed entirely. Turns out that the main leaf had a MAJOR flaw in the metal right at the point where the largest secondary leaf ended. Snapped off cleanly.

Since you are concerned about sag on one side, take a very close look at each leaf...especially at the point where smaller leaves end...and see if you notice an issue.

Why bother? Warranty. Many suspensions are warranted for 5 years. Dexter picked up the entire tab for my repair...although it took a long time and lots of "Karen"-like calls and emails. If you see a real flaw, they may pay for the replacement...including labor.
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Old 06-05-2023, 03:08 PM   #6
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Your hardware looks good and certainly could be reused.

BTW... that S/Steel strap is meant to hold the spring pack together during assembly.
This flimsy strap often gets confused for a rebound strap that keeps the spring pack together when a wheel drops during suspension travel. They are much more substantial and usually riveted to one of the leafs. Yours does nothing for rebound but it may have some ID numbers on it.
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Old 06-05-2023, 03:22 PM   #7
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I would buy a shackle bolt kit for this job. Adds new bushings and wet bolts for the springs.

Also I might replace the equalizer between the shackles if you have a primitive one.

$3-400 more in parts. No extra labor.

We had structural metal added between the spring hangers. Adds stability to the rv frame.
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Old 06-05-2023, 04:15 PM   #8
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I would recommend also changing the shackle to a HD type. Also I would recommend that you also change the bolts that attach the sprang to the shackle on both ends. I would go with what are called wet bolts so that you can grease them. Once you get into this you do not want to stop and wait on parts. You will not be able to tell if the bolts have ovaled out the shackle until you take it apart.
The u bolts look fine to me.
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