jayco suspension changes

Submitted: Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:11
ThreadID: 55271 Views:9953 Replies:11 FollowUps:9
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Hi all,

Ok I have bought a Jayco Dove on road (go easy on me!)

Has anyone ever moved the axel from above the leaf springs to below to give more ground clearance?

Can this be done?


Thanks in advance and I love this site!


Regards - Grant
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Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:19

Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:19
Some one else asked this a few days ago so go back thru the threads and u will find the answer.
Probably will need a certificate after doing it Cost ? Mine was $500 for a recertifiaction to uprate GVM.
AnswerID: 291276

Follow Up By: Member - 'Lucy' - Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 23:08

Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 23:08
Graham H

Are you saying that by giving the CT a 'spring-over' you can change the GVM.

How does that work as I need to raise my CT GVM and this would appear to be the solution I have been looking for.

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FollowupID: 556669

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 00:08

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 00:08
No not at all was meaning that recertifying mine cost that much but had a lot more looked at that what you will probably need. You also have to take insurance into account when doing modifications cos if anything breaks will give them an out if its not certified
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FollowupID: 556680

Follow Up By: Wizard1 - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 15:09

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 15:09
What the????

Underslinging your axle, as it is commonly known, has no effect on the trailer's tare, gross or aggregate mass.

The springs are still the same, the axle is still the same, the bearings and wheels are still the same.

All you have done is re-located the axle to another position on the same spring assembly.

I see no where on the compliance plate where it says over or underslung. Compliance is based on the maximum weight carrying capacity of the whole assembly an tis component parts, not how it is setup.

Unless you fit higher capacity springs, bearings, etc everything remains the same.

So please explain why you need it re-certified if the components remain the same and therefore the mass compliance doesn't change?

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FollowupID: 556770

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 20:07

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 20:07
I really dont know if its necessary or not but is wise to see an engineer before you do it. In this country insurance companies use anything to get out of paying so why give them another reason.
If you want to raise your GVM, yes you will have to have it inspected and certified by an engineer.
To get mine upped by 200kg I had to have the following done.
Check brakes for capacity.
Ditto Wheel bearings, Tyres, Chassis, Coupling, springs and rims.
It just sneaked in without modification so I was lucky.
Sticker still cost $500.

Whilst you havent changed much, agreed, it will alter the centre of gravity and may affect handling. Mine was a suggestion not an order.
Far better to check rather than be sorry later.
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FollowupID: 556809

Follow Up By: Montereykeys - Thursday, Mar 27, 2008 at 18:27

Thursday, Mar 27, 2008 at 18:27
Graham H

I have a 23' Sterling that I am looking at underslinging. I live on the northern Gold Coast and notice you live in Queensland. If you had your van underslung and recertified in south east Qld I would appreciate if you could let me know where this was done?

Dave P
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FollowupID: 560995

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Thursday, Mar 27, 2008 at 18:54

Thursday, Mar 27, 2008 at 18:54
Mine wasnt underslung as it has Simplicity independant suspension on a double rail chassis so is high enuf.
I'm having it recertified to allow it to carry 240 kg extra weight.
It is being done by Caboolture Caravan Repairs.
They do the work you are interested in but are extremely busy. You could ring them. They have two vans there at the moment with axle mods like you want.
Cheers
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FollowupID: 561000

Reply By: Member - Davidp P (VIC) - Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:25

Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:25
Hi Grant, the only thing I would query is whether the spring and shakles
AnswerID: 291278

Follow Up By: Member - Davidp P (VIC) - Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:29

Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:29
oops , finger trouble ? springs and shackles are the same as the off-road version?....cheers silverback
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Reply By: GC04 - Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:45

Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:45
thanks David,

I am thinking of moving to under the spring and changing back after trip, but you raised a good point

Grant
AnswerID: 291285

Reply By: GerryP - Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:56

Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 22:56
Hi Grant,
It may not be that easy to just put it underneath and then put it back after the trip. There are locating pins/bolts on the springs with mating plates, possibly welded to the axle, which may need to be relocated and rewelded in order to properly locate and secure your axle in its new location. If you have shockers, that may cause further issues as they may not be long enough.
Can be done, but make sure the axle is properly and solidly located.
Cheers
Gerry
AnswerID: 291290

Follow Up By: Crackles - Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 23:10

Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 at 23:10
Plus the centre bolts need inverting and the increase in height (poss 120mm+) may mean the legs on the van wont reach the ground. Add then the complexity of rerouting the brake lines and it's not a simple job.
Cheers Craig................
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FollowupID: 556670

Reply By: perthburts - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 02:01

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 02:01
Hi Grant,

It was me that asked a week or so ago. I did the 'under-sling' my self on my 2002 Hawk. I achieved a 110mm lift. I have a 5 leaf spring set-up.
Procedure;
Jack one side of the van up (make safe with stands etc.)
Remove wheel, u-bolts and spring hanger bolt
Drop spring off body - away from the axle
Invert centre leaf bolt
Grind off locating lug from axle, re-weld on top of axle
Refit spring over the top of the axle
Reassemble
Repeat on other side
Have a beer and admire the room underneath.

I my case, no adjustments were necessary to the hand-brake cable or the electric brake wiring. The side door step is a little high, but you get used to it. Annex wont fit either. Jockey wheel may need adjustments (if a welded on swivel type).
AnswerID: 291319

Reply By: Steve Ellis - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 20:22

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 20:22
Lots have done it. Lots more will. Whats the drama. Get on with it, and the knockers get over it. There are some people who never get or have never got of theire backsides and done anything who have a lot to say.
AnswerID: 291460

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 19:05

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 19:05
Not all of us a "knockers" perhaps careful is a better word.
Its better to check and be legal than forge ahead , have an accident and lose everything.
As far as doing nothing is concerned you are wrong again as I do all my own work on my vehicles and only farm out really technical stuff that requires a cerified tradesman to do it.
There are some people who just sit and pick at posters but dont contribute to the question.
At least we are trying to help even if slightly incorrect.
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FollowupID: 557145

Reply By: Dunaruna - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 20:30

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 20:30
On some vans it's a good mod, on some vans it's not.

One thing you may also need to consider is the change in hitch height in relation to your ball.
AnswerID: 291467

Reply By: bms - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 21:30

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 21:30
I put longer leaves in with gas shocks on my jayco and the van is just awesome even over very rough roads.
I think they were holden springs from memory

bms
AnswerID: 291480

Reply By: Member - Roger B (VIC) - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 23:03

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 23:03
I have a n old Jayco Dove (1978 model ) and had the springs put over the axle about five years ago, with no problems. Put 14" light truck tyres on ( originals were 13" )and haven't looked back. The van rides better, feels better and looks better. Don't have an annexe so no worries there. A couple of extra wooden blocks in the bag to put under the legs etc, and a box near the front step for that extra hoist up !! SWMBO and I are mid sixties, so need a bit of help. Had it done specifically for a 6 month trip to WA incl. Kimberley. Made the G.R.Rd. a lot more negotiable. Go for it.
AnswerID: 291499

Reply By: rags - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 23:04

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 23:04
Hi
i did similar as perthburts did to my finch only i add shocks as well.
no problems 5 years on and many trips and provide good ride height,in the process of swapping brake hubs to 6 stud to allow fitting of 15" wheels 215 x 15 trye
thanks Russell
AnswerID: 291500

Reply By: swampy66 - Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 23:15

Friday, Mar 07, 2008 at 23:15
Grant,

A mate bought a used eagle from his local coromal shop. They moved the axel for him. They didnt have a problem doing it.
But the height change affected his annex and skirt.

good luck

swampy
AnswerID: 291503

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