Welding a “spacer” between the frame rails and the hanger brackets will allow you to keep the leaf springs in the higher hole (closer to frame). This reduces the leverage the springs have on the hangers themselves. This method also keeps the springs below the axles i.e. stock position but gives you and any potential buyers, the option, if necessary, to either flip the springs over the axles or lower the leaf springs to a different hole.
I cut the hanger brackets off the frame rails and cleaned everything up. I used a 2x3x 7’ x 3/16” rectangle tube as the spacer, then welded new hangers and gusseted them to the new tubing. This allowed me to weld flat on a table rather than doing this under the camper while trying to keep everything squared up and not fight gravity with 5 separate pieces per side.
I opted for a 7’ tube rather than the 5' needed to provide additional frame support in this area. Once everything was welded to the new spacers, I clamped them to the frame, checked and triple checked them for square on both frame rails then burned them in. I wrapped the area in a welding blanket to ensure everything cooled SLOWLY so as not to introduce warping. Once everything was cooled , I checked the measurements then painted everything with a rattle can and re-installed the axles. This is also the time to seriously inspect your leaf springs...do they need to be replaced and possibly upgraded???
I would not weld “blocks” but use a solid piece that measures at least 12” longer than what’s needed…more strength and easier to keep everything squared up and you’re only technically welding 2 pieces rather than 10 to the frame rails. Keep in mind that the size of the spacer do NOT indicate how much lift you’re adding. This information will come from clamping the hanger brackets to the spacer then measure from the distance between the TOP of the spacer to the leaf spring hole.
I hope this Elpaso...
__________________
JOHN
People Sleep Peacefully in Their Beds at Night Only Because Rough Men Stand Ready to Do Violence on Their Behalf
|