1960 Tradewind spring leaf broken...

k4ter · 09-30-2009, 03:52 PM

I have a 1960 24’ Tradewind single-axle. The bottom (longest) leaf on the leaf spring broke off right where it meets the bottom end of swing-arm type shackle mount that allows that leaf, and thus the spring, to lengthen or shorten as the load on it varies.

It can’t be welded, and I haven’t been able to locate a replacement for a whole spring assembly anywhere.

So what to do? The only idea I’ve gotten so far is to have a shop that builds up leaf springs make up a new leaf fashioned at the rear so that it will attach it to the sleeve/spacer with a bolt inside that’s at the bottom of the swing-arm—like the original one did.

Maybe different type springs could be substituted for the originals that wouldn’t use the present scheme for the rear mounts.

Any ideas for how to solve this perplexing problem would be appreciated. The trailer is presently jacked up so I can drop the belly pan and work on the rusted chassis and sections of bad floor, but I don’t want to keep it up too long. So I would like to do something about the spring problem sooner than later.

I have taken pictures of the spring at the axle, what the unbroken one looks like that’s on the other side of the trailer (not cleaned up), and where the leaf broke on the other one (the two ends show up as kind of orange in color and the mount is pressed up against the frame).

[IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Chex/My%20Pictures/2009-09-30,%20trailerspring/trailerspring%20010.jpg[/IMG]

I could take more pictures if someone thought it would be helpful.

easyride · 09-30-2009, 04:25 PM

Replace both springs with new ones of near the same length,with a capacity to carry the gross weight of your trailer,might get lucky and be able to find them @ northern tool.
Good luck,Dave

**Kevin245** · 09-30-2009, 04:26 PM

If you're keeping the axle, then have new springs fabricated at a shop that does this type of work.

Most leaf springs are heat treated. If welded, they won't stay together long in most cases, and there may be strength, or ductility issues.

Regards,

Kevin

**Action** · 09-30-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k4ter

So what to do? The only idea I’ve gotten so far is to have a shop that builds up leaf springs make up a new leaf fashioned at the rear so that it will attach it to the sleeve/spacer with a bolt inside that’s at the bottom of the swing-arm—like the original one did.

This is your solution. Broken leaf springs can not be repaired. Get a new leaf.

And as suggested above, do both sides at the same time. Other wise you will have a srtong new spring on one side and an old weaker one on the other side. Guess what the result of that might be?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

**Action** · 09-30-2009, 05:05 PM

Eaton Detroit Spring
LEAF SPRINGS FOR TRAILERS - CarParts Quality Discount Parts and Accessories
Springs - The Most Complete Line of Leaf Springs - EMCO Spring Company
http://www.sturdybuiltonline.com/

Given the springs you have are almost 60 years old and one broke, I would suggest replaceing all of the springs for both sides. The above links could help.

>>>>>>>>>>Action