LRE shearspring and wetbolt kit replacement 2009 Carri-Lite

After calling Morryde for specifics, I got a pair of #20 LRE shear springs and LRE12-001 shackle upgrade kit.

First time, so I spent more time trying to figure out what tools I needed and traipsing back and forth to my shop to haul them the 75yds to the coach.
More up and down than I prefer for this 70yr old, but it only hurts tomorrow.
Bought a new all-terrain jack from HF and WAY easier than hauling a regular floor jack on DG.
Unbolted the original 2009 wetbolts and found 4 of the 6 on the driver’s side, (2009 36Max1 has a full slide on the driver’s side) missing about 1/3 of the brass bushing from wear. Came apart easily but getting the brass bushing out on 2 of the springs was REALLY hard.. I tried the 3/8 extension, heat, a bunch of different things, and had the best results with a brass drift I have had for 50 year but only got it out about 3mm. Went and bought a Dewalt air hammer, but it only had a rotating hammer, and ended up unhooking my shop compressor and hauling it out to the rig. Air hammer popped them out in 20 seconds. Would still like to find an electric hammer with a drift set though.
Shear spring collapsed at least 2 in, therefore pressed out horizontally, and jammed into the mount and I had to pound the daylights out of it to get it to drop, new one slid right in. FYI. Take the bolts and shackle out of the center FIRST, and the inside bolts are MUCH easier to get to. I can’t say I did it that way, but I will on the passenger side next weekend.
Dropped the shear spring and the wet bolts from the higher bolt holes to the lower ones, therefore raising the coach. I have a problem with the front riding high so the 2 some odd inch raise should help.

All went well until the LAST wetbolt, was a bear getting it to line up and while pulling it in with a 1/2 in large ratchet, I stripped the nut and shear threads. Just have to order another. I think because the bottom hole which was unused the last 14yrs, and the splines in the new wetbolt created too much interference fit pressure.
Any secrets on getting these springs lined up easily or is it just part of the deal?
Does anyone have any experience with a small but powerful enough electric hammer drill?

Thanks

Jack

• This topic was modified 2 years ago by ramseyjack. Reason: spelling

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I just did my bushings a couple of weeks ago. I actually put a cheap hydraulic floor Jack between the frame rail and the top of the leaf spring and cranked it right into place, no muss, no fuss. You could also just use the Jack from your pickup truck if you feel like digging it out and then putting it away again. Hope that helps, made my day easier. If you spray some penetrating oil in that spring perch it might make that busing come out a little easier. Have fun!

[ramseyjackParticipantParticipantTopics - 30Replies - 145Total - 175]

I answered yesterday but probably did not wait for the submission acknowledgment. So another try.

Steve,

I tried heat, PBlaster and various combinations with some success. I got the problematic one 3mm or so out the back, and about 20% of the outer edge chipped off with an old screwdriver  and a punch on the outside, which made a reasonably good lip for the drift. Air chisel did it in one trigger squeeze..

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