M101CDN leaf spring options.
- Thread starter Jay S.
- Start date
Desertdude
Expedition Leader
I see your post on the M101 yahoo list - that should get you some info.
The springs are that bad?
The springs are that bad?
Desertdude
Expedition Leader
Too bad - from laying in the weeds no doubt...
I have abused my second trailer springs (40 sacks of quikcrete 80 lbs) - they now have lost most of their arch - I continue to abuse them for now...
I have abused my second trailer springs (40 sacks of quikcrete 80 lbs) - they now have lost most of their arch - I continue to abuse them for now...
Mitchss
Observer
Mine appeared to be that bad too. They didn't look like they would make the few miles needed to get home. They may really not be as bad as you think. Take one off and start grinding it clean. These springs are beefy and I would be suprised if they weren't salvageable. Mine totally were despite their horrendous looking state. With a lot of elbow grease, I was able to knock off and grind down to perfect metal. They looked like new. I also had to replace several clip bolts which were rusted completely through. In fact, I replaced all of the bolts with new grade 8's.
I tried repeatedly to find replacements, to no avail. They are a very odd size/configuration which no local spring shops had. I was told a custom set or conversion to a more common trailer spring set up was my only option. Very pricey. That was the reason I started trying to clean mine up. Glad I did! Now if yours are totally shot from overloading, that might be the deal breaker.
I tried repeatedly to find replacements, to no avail. They are a very odd size/configuration which no local spring shops had. I was told a custom set or conversion to a more common trailer spring set up was my only option. Very pricey. That was the reason I started trying to clean mine up. Glad I did! Now if yours are totally shot from overloading, that might be the deal breaker.
I've found springs that are the right length (30" eye-to-eye) but I'm guessing the width will not be correct...since you say it's nearly impossible to find.
Thanks for the encouragement but the springs are going in the trash before it hits the road! There might be enough metal in all 18 leaves to make 3½ paper clips! And I'm not talking about the jumbo ones I mean the standard size paper clips.
Thanks for the encouragement but the springs are going in the trash before it hits the road! There might be enough metal in all 18 leaves to make 3½ paper clips! And I'm not talking about the jumbo ones I mean the standard size paper clips.
cowboy4x4
Explorer
depending on your skills you can put any type of spring on you like.
example if your springs are 30" eye to eye and you found a pair say 35" eye to eye move the perch ,all trailer shops sell perches u bolts,hangers cheap.
I can get custom u bolts here in ca for $10.00 ea or less. If your welding skills are not up to snuff buy all your goodies and take it to a fab shop. It is isnt brain surgery so a shop should not charge you more than one day. The most important thing to get correct is the alignment.Go beef go big go wide u can make it work........IMO ,:safari-rig:
example if your springs are 30" eye to eye and you found a pair say 35" eye to eye move the perch ,all trailer shops sell perches u bolts,hangers cheap.
I can get custom u bolts here in ca for $10.00 ea or less. If your welding skills are not up to snuff buy all your goodies and take it to a fab shop. It is isnt brain surgery so a shop should not charge you more than one day. The most important thing to get correct is the alignment.Go beef go big go wide u can make it work........IMO ,:safari-rig:
Desertdude
Expedition Leader
UK4X4 said:
at this point for the M416 - rumor has it they are working on one for the M101 which has a different frame system.
How about these????
30" Double Eye Trailer Leaf Spring (3 leaves)
1-3/4" Wide Springs constructed with heavy duty spring steel. Leaf springs sold as each.
Measure double eye springs from center of eye to center of other eye. Each double eye spring includes 9/16" I.D. nylon bushings in each eye.
Spring Type: Double Eye
Free Length: 30"
Capacity (each): 1250 lbs.
Number of Leaves: 3
Gauge Steel: .360
I.D. Bushing: 9/16"
Would they work correctly?
30" Double Eye Trailer Leaf Spring (3 leaves)
1-3/4" Wide Springs constructed with heavy duty spring steel. Leaf springs sold as each.
Measure double eye springs from center of eye to center of other eye. Each double eye spring includes 9/16" I.D. nylon bushings in each eye.
Spring Type: Double Eye
Free Length: 30"
Capacity (each): 1250 lbs.
Number of Leaves: 3
Gauge Steel: .360
I.D. Bushing: 9/16"
Would they work correctly?
Martyn
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
Desertdude said:
We have looked at a 101 and the kit is very do-able. The difference between the 416 and the 101, that effects the kit, is that the tongue on the 416 is at the same level as the chassis and the 101 has the tongue attaching under the chassis.
The main beam for the trailing arm would have to be welded/bolted to the bottom of the tongue. On the outside spacers would have to be fabricated and welded to the main beam to take up the gap created by the lower tongue. Then the outside brackets would have to be welded/bolted to the chassis.
So the 101 is more complicated to do the retro fit, and yes it will be more expensive than the 416.