Oliver Legacy Elite Dexter Suspension Kit

[rideandfly]

Has anyone here installed the Dexter K71-358-00 Heavy Duty Suspension Kit on their single axle Ollie? Looks like the following kit might work but may need two extra bronze bushings for two step bolts in the kit.

 

Just finished installing the Dexter EZ Flex system on our Ollie.

 

Thanks,

 

http://www.dexteraxle.com/inc/sdetail/3902

 

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Suspension/Dexter/K71-358-00.html

 

Bigfoot installation:

 

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f72/greasable-wet-shackle-kit-installed-on-bigfoot-62285.html

[John E Davies]

I don't have any first hand experience with that kit (though I have installed the tandem one years ago, without the EZ-flex thing). I did find this:

 

https://www.etrailer.com/question-147503.html

 

So it looks as if eTrailer believes that you don't need brass bushings for the upper end of the shackle, since "it won't wear out fast enough". I assume it was Dexter's decision, since they don't supply the extra parts in the kit. That sounds bogus to me, but I suggest you just install the two bolts this way, keep them lubed and keep a close eye on them. If after many miles you start to see some play in those upper eyes, you can carefully ream them out to take repair bushings and new bolts.

 

Since your Ollie has an aluminum frame there should not be any welding performed on that hanger without removing the entire bracket assembly from the frame, IMHO. The heat would destroy the bedding compound and galvanizing, which should be renewed afterwards, before reassembling it to the frame...

 

It is a little strange, isn't it? Maybe give Dexter a call and see what the pros say about it.

 

Good luck and keep us updated please.

 

PS, you could always install a Timbren Axle-Less suspension ;) Those are very stout, lightweight  (88 pounds), long lasting and zero maintenance. ... plus you can get them in various drop or lift configurations. These are about $600.

 

 

http://timbren.com/axle-less/

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[RBK]

I'm interested in seeing if any one has as well since I'm picking up my 2008 next week from Tom & Karen.

 

Randy

[rideandfly]

Randy,

 

Congrats on your Ollie!!!!

 

Another Ollie owner was asking, so I posted this thread to learn if anyone has done this mod yet.

[RBK]

Thanks Bill. I may have to do this upgrade but curious about results.

 

randy

[John E Davies]

I don't have any first hand experience with that kit (though I have installed the tandem one years ago, without the EZ-flex thing). I did find this: ...

https://www.etrailer.com/question-147503.html

 

So it looks as if eTrailer believes that you don't need brass bushings for the upper end of the shackle, since "it won't wear out fast enough". I assume it was Dexter's decision, since they don't supply the extra parts in the kit. That sounds slightly bogus to me, but I suggest you just install the two bolts this way, keep them well lubed and keep a close eye on them during tire or brake service. If after many miles you start to see some play in those upper eyes, you can carefully ream them out to take repair bushings and new bolts.

 

Since your Ollie has an aluminum frame there should not be any welding performed on that hanger without removing the entire bracket assembly from the frame, IMHO. The heat would destroy the bedding compound and galvanizing, which should be renewed afterwards, before reassembling it to the frame...

 

It is a little strange, isn't it? Maybe give Dexter a call and see what the pros say about it.

 

Good luck and keep us updated please.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA