Jack
In Training
Posts: 27 
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Post by Jack on Jul 12, 2018 8:57:01 GMT 10
G'day All: Earlier this year, I encountered a 1970s Franklin Hunter which was sitting much higher off the ground than normal. I approached the owner, who informed me he had moved the leaf springs from the bottom of the axle to the top of the axle.
Unfortunately, time did not permit much further investigation. On first impression, it didn't look as stable for towing as the normal lower set Franklin with the the springs under the axle. I have been wondering if this is a safe modification. I would appreciate any thoughts. The extra ground clearance would be handy at time, but the centre of gravity is much higher. Hope to hear your opinions.
Regards, Jack
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Post by planner on Jul 12, 2018 9:45:56 GMT 10
Hope to hear your opinions.
Jack I did that modification to our 76 Franklin Arrow. My opinion is that it was one of the best modifications that we made to the van. Now I can safely negotiate speedhumps, gutters, bush tracks and get to most places that I want to. I didn't notice any great decrease in stability, but I don't throw it into corners too hard either. Hope this helps. Planner |
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Post by 78466noM on Jul 18, 2018 10:25:02 GMT 10
The towing goes as drive to conditions and limits of car and trailer so shouldn't be a problem many new caravans have a much higher center of gravity then you will make your van. . Down side is that in the event of a U-bolt fail the axle isn't contained but if you use good quality heavy duty u-bolt's , base plates and new center bolts you shouldn't have a problem you will also have to weld new axle pads to top of axle so you sholdn't have any problems.Then as you would do any way a check before heading off and general maintenance all as safe as
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Post by snoops on Jul 18, 2018 18:28:32 GMT 10
Seen it done plenty of times over decades and never heard of any issues. When I did my Arrow, I had to install a whole new axle so I bought a normal straight axle instead of the drop style that is on them. One top if that I am running slightly larger tyres so I achieved a similar result from the bum dragging beast it used to be. As suggested by others, use new u bolts, etc for piece of mind.
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