See full version: What size leaf springs do I need
Secondly, do I need leaf springs? You must have a good leaf spring because the vehicle is not designed to rely on helper springs which are not designed to be the "primary" suspension of the vehicle. If the back of truck is only sagging when hauling or using something like a turnover ball hitch, then yes - a helper spring is your best option.
When should I replace leaf springs?
Leaf springs typically have the part # stamped on the strap that holds the leafs together at one end of the shorter leafs, or it is painted on the concave side of the springs. The part number can then be used to determine the capacity of the springs.
do I need leaf springs? You must have a good leaf spring because the vehicle is not designed to rely on helper springs which are not designed to be the "primary" suspension of the vehicle. If the back of truck is only sagging when hauling or using something like a turnover ball hitch, then yes - a helper spring is your best option.
When should I replace leaf springs?
Leaf springs typically have the part # stamped on the strap that holds the leafs together at one end of the shorter leafs, or it is painted on the concave side of the springs. The part number can then be used to determine the capacity of the springs.
There is somewhat of a small margin built in, springs won't instantly break if you put 501 pounds on a 500 pound spring. If you go overboard and put 1500 pound springs on a 500 pound load, you are pretty much defeating the purpose of having the spring, you might as well just weld up the axle solid at that point, because the spring isn't going to move. Going overboard will drastically affect the ride quality. here
So you don't always need to match the hub/axle rating. The trailer under my boat currently has a 3500 pound axle, but the boat weighs roughly 1600 pounds. There is no way I'm running springs rated for 3500, they are 2000# springs. here
Well what does your boat weigh or what is it? Is this a home-made trailer. or is it a factory built setup? What are the hubs rated for. do you know your bearing sizes? I would get springs that are as heavy as your hubs. Also, each spring has a capacity. just like a hub. So my hubs are rated for 1750 lbs each. thus a 3500 lb trailer. And if my trailer weighs 500 lbs, i can haul a 3000 lb boat.
Re: What leaf spring capacity do I need? more
Re: What leaf spring capacity do I need?
Do I need to stress the importance of making sure your spring is connected to the axle correctly? No? Oh, good. more
Measuring leaf springs seems simple enough, doesn’t it?
I know it feels clever, but those pesky spring eyes just won’t let you do it. So take an extra step and measure it this way. [links]
You see, when you give the length of a spring as two lengths going from the center of each eye to the center bolt, you kill two birds with one stone and give us the location of the center bolt as well. here