Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Dexter HD Suspension & EZ-Flex Install (long w/ pictures)

Print | Close

Topic: Dexter HD Suspension & EZ-Flex Install (long w/ pictures)

Posted By: srd357 on 07/05/08 12:32pm

I did mine, 1999 Sunline 2475. First trip out, with the kit, we went over a bridge with the expansion joints.
The truck went thump thump and there was nothing from the trailer. The wife turned around, to look out the
back window to see if the trailer was still there. She looked at me and said "that's weird, I didn't feel the trailer,
and thought it was gone. What's up with that? " I answered "You're welcome"
Yes, it makes that big of a difference.
Steve

Posted By: cachingcampers on 07/06/08 07:43am

Realy dumb question.....I realize this is a "Dexter" made kit, I'd like to install it on my KZ which has Alco axles/springs. Is this kit "universal" or should I be looking at something else.

I did read the specs on Dexter's website, but it doesn't indicate if it fits any other manufacture's then Dexter.

TIA!

BTW, nice work Les!

2010 KZ Spree 324BHS-LX- Hensley Arrow 14K,Prodigy
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 MegaCab Laramie Heavy Duty,I6 CTD,4x4
Me-1970
DW-1967
DS-1995
Our Pics & Trips
Winter Camping Tips & Tricks!

Posted By: Drbolasky on 07/07/08 08:16pm

Superb text & pix. You should write for TL.

Doug, Linda, Audrey (USN) & Andrew
2008 Sequoia SR-5, 5.7 L, 2000 Coachmen Futura 2790TB Bunkhouse, Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension, Reese W.D. Hitch/Dual Cam Sway Control, Prodigy Brake Controller, McKesh Mirrors
">

Posted By: Allen Schultz on 07/07/08 08:36pm

It takes quite a bit of time to put together a presentation like this. I appreciate your efforts! Thanks.

02 K2500HD Crew Cab Duramax Long Bed. Rickson 19.5" wheels + Bridgestone R250's. Rancho 9000's, Hellwig Sway Bar & Leveling Springs. 02 Summerwind 8.5 Camper with extended cabover. Honda EU3000 runs 13,500 AC.

Posted By: JBarca on 07/07/08 09:29pm

Les

Real nice job and nice write up. This type of mod and shocks are in my future as well. However I was going to go with the Trail Aire in place of the Dexter.

To your comment on the cheap nylon bushings, that is not a Skyline exclusive. Mine also have the same cheap nylon bushings and talk to me each time I do a turn on the TT reminding me just how cheap they are...

Thanks for sharing

John

John & Cindy

2005 Ford F350 Super Duty, 4x4; 6.8L V10 with 4.10
CC, SB, Lariat & FX4 package
21,000 GCWR, 11,000 GVWR
Ford Tow Command
1,700# Reese HP hitch & HP Dual Cam
2 1/2" Towbeast Receiver

2004 Sunline Solaris T310SR
(I wish we were camping!)

Posted By: RG7fan on 07/10/08 02:29pm

cachingcampers wrote:

I had the same question about this kit for my Starcraft TT with Lippert axles and springs, here is the response I got from Dexter.

The DEXTER AXLE E-Z Flex equalizers are designed to be direct replacements for specific size cast iron equalizers.

The P/N K71-654-00 equalizer kit is a direct replacement for equalizer p/n 013-104-02. These equalizers have the bottom hole spacing at approximately 5.7” If you have an equalizer that have hole spacing of 5.5” to 6.0 inches than you can use the K71-654-00 kit.

The p/n K71-655-00 equalizer kit is a direct replacement for equalizer p/n 013-122-02. These equalizers have the bottom hole spacing of approximately 7.67 inches. If your equalizers have hole spacing of 7.5 to 7.75 inches then the K71-655-00 kit will work.

Duane Belisle

Dexter Axle Product Engineer

574-296-7334

574-296-7320 Fax

Posted By: cachingcampers on 07/10/08 03:52pm

Thanks RG7Fan!
That answers that! However; now I wonder about size for the brass inserts for the leaf spring eyes for non dexter springs... .. [emoticon]

Posted By: brohloff on 07/10/08 05:32pm

Put the Dexter HD Suspension Kit in our '05 Nash TT this spring. Was not the E-Z Flex but a regular suspension. Went well. Took about 6 hrs. I used an 8" C-clamp to press the bushings in. Worked well. I positioned all the grease outlet holes in the down position (as it made the most sense to me that that is where the clearance will be when the weight is on the suspension) and had only a problem getting grease to one of the 14 greaseable bolts.
Also, I positioned all my zerks to the inside, rather than to the outside as Dexter shows, as it seemed easier to slide under the TT (lots of clearance under the Nash) rather than have to take the wheels off to grease them. At least IMHO.
A great TT addition for the $120 spent. Too bad Dexter doesn't add these as OEM.

'05 3500 CTD SB SRW 4x4
'07 Tacoma 4x4 daily driver
'05 Nash 22H, Equalizer, Brakesmart

Posted By: steve-n-vicki on 07/10/08 05:48pm

I installed the same kit in April and it was easy for me to install , however I am in the medium , heavy truck and heavy earthmoving equipment repair field.
but as Les has showed you it is doable by just about anyone and the pic's makes it easier to follow

Posted By: MCrankyPants on 07/10/08 05:48pm

Fantastic write-up!

With a little time and the right tools, the average DIY'er can do so much maintenance and upgrades to our rigs.
The biggest hurdle is usually lack of "concise" instructions.
You've given that, and the pics are a huge help too.

Before we traded our old trailer, I was going to have this mod done, and had no plans on doing it myself...if I'm ever in that position again, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.
Props!!

2007 Teton Experience Sunrise pulled by 2003 Dodge 3500 Cummins HO 6-spd. 4x4
'61 VW Double-Cab

Print | Close