User Guide

ManualsBrandsDEXTER AXLE ManualsAutomotiveDEXTER AXLE (K71-359-00 Heavy Duty Suspension Kit

059-547-00 Rev. F

1/3/07- 1 -

Heavy Duty Suspension Kits for Double Eye Springs

K71-358-00 for Single Axles

K71-359-00 for Tandem Axles w/33" Axle Spacing

K71-360-00 for Triple Axles

K71-448-00 for Tandem Axles w/4" High Equalizer

K71-449-00 for Tandem Axles w/35" Axle Spacing

K71-453-00 for Triple Axles w/35" Axle Spacing

K71-652-00 E-Z Flex® Complete Kit for Tandem Axles w/33" Axle Spacing, 3500# Max Capacity

K71-653-00 E-Z Flex® Complete Kit for Tandem Axles w/35" Axle Spacing, 8000# Max Capacity

K71-654-00 E-Z Flex® Equalizer & Bolts for Tandem Axles w/33" Axle Spacing, 3500# Max Capacity

K71-655-00 E-Z Flex® Equalizer & Bolts for Tandem Axles w/35" Axle Spacing, 8000# Max Capacity

Safety Precautions:

Before performing any maintenance or repair work

requiring the raising of the vehicle, make sure that the

vehicle is properly supported on lift stands of sufficient

capacity. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s

recommendations for lifting and supporting the unit.

Do not lift with or place supports under any part of the

suspension system unless specifically directed to do

so during the disassembly and reassembly steps of

these instructions.

CAUTION

Never rely on jacks alone to support the

vehicle. A vehicle that is not securely

supported may fall and cause severe injuries or

death.

CAUTION

Safety glasses should be worn at all times

when assembling or disassembling axles and

their components. Failure to comply may result

in serious eye injury.

Disassembly:

CAUTION

Axles and suspension components are heavy

and must be carefully handled to avoid

pinching, straining or crushing injuries to the

body.

1. When the vehicle is raised and supported with the

tires just clear of the ground, remove the wheel/tire

assemblies from their respective hubs.

2. Disconnect any electrical wires or hydraulic brake

lines from the axles.

3. Place small jacks under the equalizers. Gently lift

the weight of the assembly until the bolts can be

easily removed from the center frame hangers.

Lower the partially disconnected assembly until the

equalizers are clear of their respective hangers.

4. Carefully remove the spring ends from their

respective hangers by supporting their weight and

removing the bolts.

5. Remove the shackle link assemblies that attach

the leaf spring ends to the equalizers.

6. Slide the axles out from underneath the vehicle.

Inspection:

1. Examine the bolt holes in the frame hangers.

Holes that have been elongated or worn larger will

not provide for a proper fit of the new bolts. The

splined section of the bolt, adjacent to the bolt

head is designed to create an interference fit in the

hanger and prevent bolt rotation.

CAUTION

Loose fitting bolts can result in premature wear

and lead to eventual failure. Failure of

suspension components may cause loss of

vehicle control and result in an accident

involving personal property damage, serious

injury and/or death.

2. If the bolt holes in the hangers are worn, the

hangers should be replaced.

CAUTION

Contact the vehicle manufacturer for specific

instructions regarding the removal of old

hangers and installation of new hangers.

Improper cutting and welding of these

components can adversely affect the structural

integrity of the vehicle frame.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Summary of content (6 pages)

PAGE 1
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Heavy Duty Suspension Kits for Double Eye Springs K71-358-00 for Single Axles K71-359-00 for Tandem Axles w/33" Axle Spacing K71-360-00 for Triple Axles K71-448-00 for Tandem Axles w/4" High Equalizer K71-449-00 for Tandem Axles w/35" Axle Spacing K71-453-00 for Triple Axles w/35" Axle Spacing K71-652-00 E-Z Flex® Complete Kit for Tandem Axles w/33" Axle Spacing, 3500# Max Capacity K71-653-00 E-Z Flex® Complete Kit for Tandem Axles w/35" Axle Spacing, 8000# Max Capacity K71-654-00
PAGE 2
Spring Eye Bushing Replacement: 1. Remove the old bushings from the spring eyes, driving them out with a suitable drift punch. Make sure the spring eyes are clean and free from excessive wear, burrs and sharp edges before proceeding. Springs that have been damaged in any way must be replaced. 2. Drive the new bronze bushings into the spring eyes. The preferred method is to use a piloted punch that closely fits the inside diameter of the bushing. If a punch is not available, a 9/16" bolt can be substituted.
PAGE 3
subassembly into both the equalizer and spring eye at the same time. 10. Slide the plain shackle links onto the bolt ends that protrude through the springs and equalizers. Install the flanged lock nuts onto the bolts and tighten to 30-50 ft. lbs. 11. Check the suspension for freedom of movement by lifting either of the axles. When one axle is lifted, the other should move downward and should return to its normal position when the lifting force is released. 12.
PAGE 4
Hanger Identification: If Static Bump Clearance is greater than 2.5", a bump stop should be used to avoid overstressing of leaf springs. Static Bump Clearance of less than 1.5" may limit full suspension movement and result in possible damage to the frame and/or axles when operating on some rough and uneven road surfaces. Tire clearance should always be greater than bump clearance to help prevent tire contact to underbody surfaces in the event of a suspension component failure.
PAGE 5
Single Axle Kit - K71-358-00 Bronze Bushings Grease Lubricated Shackle Link Assemblies Step Bolts Axis of Grease Bronze Bushings to be installed in spring eyes Cross-Hole prior to bolt and nut assembly attachment. Typical Tandem Axle Installation Non-Lubricated Step Bolts Equalizer Axis of Grease Cross-Hole Shackle Link Assemblies Axis of Grease Cross-Hole Grease Lubricated Step Bolts Bronze Bushings to be installed in spring eyes prior to bolt and nut assembly attachment.
PAGE 6
E-Z Flex® Equalizer for Tandem Axles Using Double Eye Springs for Kits K71-652-00; K71-653-00; K71-654-00; K71-655-00 CAUTION If your center hanger has a welded reinforcement tube, you must check for adequate clearance of the grease zerks. 059-863-00 Rev.