Made in USA leaf springs

[katanapilot]

Just another data point for anyone curious -

Recently installed 4 leaf Alcan springs and new Bulldog shocks.  Drove 2000 miles to EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh) and back, most of it interstate roads.  Lowered tire pressure from 50 psi to 45 psi.  One window shade detached and hanging clothes in the closet fell off the hangar.  Never had this happen previously even during our 12,000+ mile trek to Alaska and back (yes, on the Alcan and worse roads).  

I can only imagine the ride with the full 5 leaf springs.  

Edited Tuesday at 02:49 PM by katanapilot
corrected misspelling

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, Tom and Doreen said:

You need one of those!  I had to change a tire in Yellowstone and I was glad to have mine! Mine is the 1/2 inch. 

This 3/4" impact has an insane amount of torque, at "1900 ft-lbs of breakaway torque." and you would need the 3/4" to 1/2" reducer most of the time to turn nuts and bolts 1" or less which includes TT and TV lug-nuts.

This 1/2" model would be better for everyday use. A little more expensive, but smaller, 1.5 lbs. lighter and breakaway torque spec'd at 1750 lb-ft. Still a beast!
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20V-1-2-in-High-Torque-Impact-Wrench-Tool-Only-DCF961B/328393371

Or you could save $38 and go another 1.25 lbs. lighter and go with this very capable model with breakaway torque spec'd at 1400 lb-ft.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20V-MAX-Cordless-1-2-in-Impact-Wrench-Tool-Only-DCF900B/317991357

Either model would be preferred by most of us vs. the 3/4" beast!
I have a 3/4" to 1/2" reducer for when I need sockets >1" like the 1 1/4" socket shown above required for the bearing press. The 3/4" breaker bar shown removes wheel lug-nuts easily or just put the weight of your foot on it to get it started! 🤣

However, not all 1/2" models have the required torque. Check the torque specs. I purchased one years ago, when they were not as strong as some today. It could pull lug-nuts off 12mm or 1/2" studs torqued to 120 lb-ft but it would not budge lug-nuts on a 2500 series truck with 14mm or 9/16" studs torqued to 140-150 lb-ft. I returned it after it failed to loosen a lug on my Dodge Ram. Ever since I've used my pneumatic 1/2" impact in the workshop and work to keep our vehicles well maintained so not to breakdown on the road, having hand tools for this rare case! I work on the TT and TV too much at home and thankfully we did over 50 days of travel in the last 3 months and all my tools stayed in the bottom of the TV toolbox! 😂

[jd1923]

11 hours ago, jd1923 said:

This 1/2" model would be better for everyday use. A little more expensive, but smaller, 1.5 lbs. lighter and breakaway torque spec'd at 1750 lb-ft. Still a beast!
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20V-1-2-in-High-Torque-Impact-Wrench-Tool-Only-DCF961B/328393371

This item is on my Christmas list! It costs the most meaning it's likely the best, smaller size, max power! 🤣

Edited Wednesday at 04:18 AM by jd1923

[Ronbrink]

22 hours ago, Tom and Doreen said:

You need one of those!  I had to change a tire in Yellowstone and I was glad to have mine! Mine is the 1/2 inch. 

I also have the 1/2” model, plenty of torque for both the Oliver and TV needs. And yes, used on many occasions roadside and for general maintenance. I also carry respective torque limiting extension bars and impact flip sockets, as well as a regular torque wrench and speed collar impact extension. Smaller bag with accessories and DeWalt stowed in the larger Duluth bag. A battery charger is carried separately in like manner. Note the quick reference ZipLok bag with specs for the Oliver.

Edited Wednesday at 12:01 PM by Ronbrink

[Gliddenwoods]

So...does D52 mean a 5200 lb axle?

[Gliddenwoods]

I contact Alcan to upgrade/replace my Oliver springs. They replied and asked do I want to also upgrade my axles to 5200 lbs. Why would/should  I do that?

[John Dorrer]

1 hour ago, Gliddenwoods said:

I contact Alcan to upgrade/replace my Oliver springs. They replied and asked do I want to also upgrade my axles to 5200 lbs. Why would/should  I do that?

You have the 5200 on your 2022. It is on your axel sticker 

[John Dorrer]

1 hour ago, Gliddenwoods said:

I contact Alcan to upgrade/replace my Oliver springs. They replied and asked do I want to also upgrade my axles to 5200 lbs. Why would/should  I do that?

D52 is the 5200 axel, but rated 3500 due to the 4-leaf springs

 This is the sticker you should see

 

[jd1923]

4 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

So...does D52 mean a 5200 lb axle?

Yes, as our friend @John Dorrer stated you already have the D52 axles.

When the label states D52, you have the 5200 LB axles. Reason it states 3500 LBS is the factory build plan called for 3500 LB leaf springs.

Just send Alcan your axle label picture and they will know your axles are A+ and with the Alcan leaf spring upgrade you’re good to go. Lucky you! 🤣

Edited Friday at 04:01 AM by jd1923

[Gliddenwoods]

Alcan now agrees that I 5200 lb axles the same as a couple of you also stated so.  Thanks.

A follow-up question. Alcan points out based on my axle label states that I have "nev-r-adjust" Dexter axle NOT "nev-r-lube" Dexter axles as the 2022 Oliver Legacy Elite II Owners Manual state are on the 2022 trailers. Is one "better" than the other? Should I be concerned that my 2022 Legacy Elite II does not have the "nev-r-lube" axle as the Owners Manual states?

Does the question of "nev-r-adjust" vs "nev-r-lube" have any bearing on my decision to have Alcan leaf springs install.

Thanks in advance...

 

[Gliddenwoods]

I should added to my previous post that my maintence/service (or lack there of) has been based on Owner Manual statement that my Oliver has "nev-r-lube" axles; now I need to find out what "lube" has been missed by the miss-information.

[jd1923]

6 minutes ago, Gliddenwoods said:

Does the question of "nev-r-adjust" vs "nev-r-lube" have any bearing on my decision to have Alcan leaf springs install.

No, not at all, re this simple question.

Some may say your axles, though they require an annual pump of grease and every 3-5 years (IMHO) should have a full bearing maintenance, could be better than the newer Nev-R Lube axles.

The Jury is out on longevity of the newer Nev-R Lube bearings, that cannot be serviced, but must be replaced if they fail on-the road! We with Nev-R bearings are looking at replacement bearings and a bearing press to replace the bearing in the road if needed. Not necessary with your axles.

I would keep your axles, if it was me. If you’re going to Alcan for service, or wherever, ask them to replace your bearings with Made in USA Timken bearings to remove the cheap China-made bearings that came with your axles. 

New Alcan leaf springs, new Timken bearings, a squirt of grease yearly and please feel confident you’ll have a new suspension rated at 1.5 times the weight rating of the Oliver with all new parts!

Hope this helps in your decision! JD

[jd1923]

17 minutes ago, Gliddenwoods said:

I should added to my previous post that my maintence/service (or lack there of) has been based on Owner Manual statement that my Oliver has "nev-r-lube" axles; now I need to find out what "lube" has been missed by the miss-information.

You have a relatively new Oliver. If you do the Timken bearing replacement I suggested, nothing you have done or not done in 3 years matters.

[John Dorrer]

11 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

Alcan now agrees that I 5200 lb axles the same as a couple of you also stated so.  Thanks.

A follow-up question. Alcan points out based on my axle label states that I have "nev-r-adjust" Dexter axle NOT "nev-r-lube" Dexter axles as the 2022 Oliver Legacy Elite II Owners Manual state are on the 2022 trailers. Is one "better" than the other? Should I be concerned that my 2022 Legacy Elite II does not have the "nev-r-lube" axle as the Owners Manual states?

Does the question of "nev-r-adjust" vs "nev-r-lube" have any bearing on my decision to have Alcan leaf springs install.

Thanks in advance...

 

The 2022 -2025 Oliver's have Never Lub axels (hubs). Never Lub axels are warranteed for 100,000 miles. Your 16 Zerks are the only thing that needs to be greased and serviced, in addition to annual inspection of the entire suspension.

Edited yesterday at 02:00 PM by John Dorrer
Typo

[John Dorrer]

11 hours ago, Gliddenwoods said:

I should added to my previous post that my maintence/service (or lack there of) has been based on Owner Manual statement that my Oliver has "nev-r-lube" axles; now I need to find out what "lube" has been missed by the miss-information.

8 Zerks on each side need to be greased every 3,000 miles.

Edited yesterday at 02:31 PM by John Dorrer
Typo

[John Dorrer]

8 hours ago, jd1923 said:

No, not at all, re this simple question.

Some may say your axles, though they require an annual pump of grease and every 3-5 years (IMHO) should have a full bearing maintenance, could be better than the newer Nev-R Lube axles.

The Jury is out on longevity of the newer Nev-R Lube bearings, that cannot be serviced, but must be replaced if they fail on-the road! We with Nev-R bearings are looking at replacement bearings and a bearing press to replace the bearing in the road if needed. Not necessary with your axles.

I would keep your axles, if it was me. If you’re going to Alcan for service, or wherever, ask them to replace your bearings with Made in USA Timken bearings to remove the cheap China-made bearings that came with your axles. 

New Alcan leaf springs, new Timken bearings, a squirt of grease yearly and please feel confident you’ll have a new suspension rated at 1.5 times the weight rating of the Oliver with all new parts!

Hope this helps in your decision! JD

Never Lube are warrantees for 100,000 miles. The hubs shouldn't be touched. In fact I believe the hubs are sealed.

Edited yesterday at 11:18 AM by John Dorrer
Updated Comment

[John Dorrer]

8 hours ago, jd1923 said:

You have a relatively new Oliver. If you do the Timken bearing replacement I suggested, nothing you have done or not done in 3 years matters.

JD, He has a 100,000 mile warranty on the hubs/bearings. He shouldn't have to do anything with the bearings according to the 2022 manual. I also believe the hubs are sealed.

[John Dorrer]

You should never have to touch bearings on the Nev-R-Lube axels for 100,000 miles. Your suspension should be inspected every 12,000 miles. Contact Dexter and Oliver.

Edited yesterday at 11:38 AM by John Dorrer

[Gliddenwoods]

32 minutes ago, John Dorrer said:

The 2022 -2025 Oliver's have Never Lub axels (hubs). Never Lub axels are warrantees for 100,000 miles. Your 16 Zerks are the only thing that needs to be greased and serviced, in addition to annual inspection of the entire suspension.

My 2022 has Nev-r-adjust...not Nev-r-lube axles.

[John Dorrer]

6 minutes ago, Gliddenwoods said:

My 2022 has Nev-r-adjust...not Nev-r-lube axles.

According to Oliver the 2022's are Nev-R-Lub. I suggest you contact Oliver on Monday.

[John Dorrer]

36 minutes ago, Gliddenwoods said:

My 2022 has Nev-r-adjust...not Nev-r-lube axles.

[Gliddenwoods]

17 minutes ago, John Dorrer said:

 

[Gliddenwoods]

Alcan confirmed with Dexter...

[CRM]

Nev-R-Adjust is the brake system not the bearings. 

[John Dorrer]

42 minutes ago, CRM said:

Nev-R-Adjust is the brake system not the bearings. 

I tried to help them🙃. Our 2022 axel sticker, posted earlier in this thread, also has the reference to the Never Adjust brakes.