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  1. #1
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    Question Leaf Springs - 3 to 4 Leaf Swap

    Okay I initially posted this on the Phoenix board but then realized there was this board, duh.

    Earlier this year I broke a spring on my rear axle, at night, in the rain, 50 miles from home. No damage to the trailer, just a lot of cussing in replacing the spring.

    So I decided before I go running up and down the highways in East Texas next year I would change out all of my springs. I wanted to get rid of the Gatorhyde covered ones.

    Soooooo, I contact Marine Master and it was suggested I go with a 4 leaf as opposed to the 3 leaf that came on the trailer. I had that done, after a bit of a hiccup on the equalizers, I took it to the lake today. I chose a ramp with a pretty sharp transition from the parking area to the ramp, and well the dad gum tires rubbed! Dang it.

    I really am not sure what to do next, maybe spend the money on labor and go back to 3 leaf, I don't know.

    I thought about dropping down to a 205 tire, but mine are in good shape and I don't want to run a smaller tire.

    Any thoughts would be appreciated.

    And have a Merry Christmas!
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  2. Electrical/Wiring/Trolling Motors Moderator CatFan's Avatar
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    #2
    Tires rubbed where? Did the new springs have the same eye to eye length as the old ones?
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  3. Member
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    #3
    Catfan, they do have the same length. Tires rubbed on top of fender, clearance is tight. I'm leaning towards the 4 leaf having less drop.
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  4. Member TX721's Avatar
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    #4
    Ed. I went to the four leaf springs also after one of mine broke too. I used all the existing parts and seems I got a little more tire clearance which is another reason I’m sticking with the OEM tire size if 215. Is something too tight keeping the springs from movement? Your situation seems strange.

    And Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  5. Member wmitch2's Avatar
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    #5
    Can't understand why your tires rubbed on a 4 leaf but didn't on a 3 leaf. The 4 leaf should have given you MORE clearance, not less. However, you may be able to get it to work by placing a 1 1/2 or 2" block (Steel) under the bottom of the spring between the axle, thereby lifting the spring higher off the axle.
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  6. Member TX721's Avatar
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    #6
    Ok. I’ll tell on myself...I initially ordered 1000 lb springs because I didn’t read the web site description correctly. Most sites sell them by spring capacity. The site I bought my first ones from listed them per TOTAL axle weight. So I thought I was buying 2000# springs which would make it a 4000# axle. Nope. I installed the 1000# springs making it a 2000# axle and flattened them in no time cause my tires to rub the fender. The original springs are 3- leaf 1500# making it a 3000# axle. Marine master said they went to a 4 leaf.
    Did you order smaller springs?

    I ordered UNA-051 springs

    heres a good link to leaf spring sizes

    http://www.theuniversalgroup.com/LIT...nt%20Guide.pdf

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  7. Member wmitch2's Avatar
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    #7
    Quote Originally Posted by TX721 View Post
    Ok. I’ll tell on myself...I initially ordered 1000 lb springs because I didn’t read the web site description correctly. Most sites sell them by spring capacity. The site I bought my first ones from listed them per TOTAL axle weight. So I thought I was buying 2000# springs which would make it a 4000# axle. Nope. I installed the 1000# springs making it a 2000# axle and flattened them in no time cause my tires to rub the fender. The original springs are 3- leaf 1500# making it a 3000# axle. Marine master said they went to a 4 leaf.
    Did you order smaller springs?

    I ordered UNA-051 springs

    heres a good link to leaf spring sizes

    http://www.theuniversalgroup.com/LIT...nt%20Guide.pdf


    Yep, that would cause the loss in height and then allow the tires to rub !!
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  8. Member
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    #8
    Maybe a picture would help. Also, did you make sure the axle was mounted in the correct position, some have the axle above the spring some below the spring.
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  9. Member
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    #9
    It came down to a combination of the wrong equalizer and shackles, that they originally sold me. So after 3 trips, I am good to go.
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