I recently read an article in the "RV Clinic" section of the November 2011 "Trailer Life" magazine. They show a picture of extremely worn shackles and recommend replacement with a Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit that includes greaseable shackles. Has anyone installed this kit and what are your thoughts?
I need to get new u joints for my 4 wheel drive shaft and I was going to get the ujoints that I could grease, but I have a friend that has farmed and has been through a diesel program in college. He said that greaseserts make a weak point in the part and alows dirt inside the part and the part fails quicker because people put too much grease in it ruining the seals. So with all that said I'm not sure if this concept of ujoints would be the same as greaseable shackles. Just something to think about I guess, but I always feel better when I can grease something so I don't know.
__________________ Chris & Karen- Heyworth, Illinois
2009 CF32BL pulled by a 2011 RAM 2500 CTD 4x4
PullRite Superglide 18K hitch 2015stats: Nights: 28 Miles: 3245
I have done the Dexter kits on my last two rigs. Well worth the money. I grease mine before each long trip. You also get to replace a cheap plastic shim on the bolts with better quality brass shims. When installed, make sure the hole in the bolt is installed horizontally (not vertically) to make greasing easier.
It's one of the best safty things you can do. If you don't already have them they make a equalizer block that has rubber like a shock. this holds the 2 springs together in center. It really helps to smooth out the bumps.
I have done the Dexter kits on my last two rigs. Well worth the money. I grease mine before each long trip. You also get to replace a cheap plastic shim on the bolts with better quality brass shims. When installed, make sure the hole in the bolt is installed horizontally (not vertically) to make greasing easier.
I too installed it on my last unit & sold it 6 months later.The new unit has trailaire suspension that is similar but I wish I had the dexter instead as it just looks better engineered to me!!JMHO jb
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Traveling the country enjoying gods masterpieces.
Thanks for all the feedback. It provided an informative addition to my research. My rig is only 2 years old so I won't be needing them right away. However, as soon as they start showing the first signs of wear, I'll be replacing them.Thanks again.
Thanks for all the feedback. It provided an informative addition to my research. My rig is only 2 years old so I won't be needing them right away. However, as soon as they start showing the first signs of wear, I'll be replacing them.Thanks again.
Don't be to sure about maybe not needing them yet so be sure to check them out. I didn't think I did either & they were far worse thanI couldhave believed. Also even if they aren't worn out yet it is a great upgrade to do for your coaches sake as the ride is much smoother with the units..JMHO jb I didmine in the driveway in about 6 hours takingmytime. I do have the tools having wrenched for a living for many years,but the old Ritus brothers have taken their toll so muchslower. Pardon the run together words as my program does that on its own now & then & I haven't found a fix for it yet!!! JOHO jb
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Traveling the country enjoying gods masterpieces.
When my rig was just less than 2 years old the suspension hangers all bent streetside. I had to have them straightened and reinforced at a cost of $700. Then just after 2 years the suspension broke into 2 pieces. The cost for that was $800. I now have Mor-Ride greasable suspension system. The installing dealer stated they should be greased twice a year minimum.
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