Done with Lippert / Center Point

anijet · 10-07-2011, 09:45 AM

Done with Lippert / Center Point

Three years in a row I've had suspension problems. Wheel bearing wiped out an axle, brake actuator failed, broken shackle bolt, and this year noticed missing side plates that mount the Center Point to the frame hangar. Called Lippert and received no answers to questions. Ordered parts and was shipped wrong 1/2" bolts even though I told Don they were 9/16". Tech support didn't have time for me. In a separate thread I'll show problems with the way Lippert mounts the Center Point. To put it mildly, I'm very dissatisfied with Lippert at this point. This thread will show my new plan; when I figure out what it is. Out with the old.............

Joezilla · 10-07-2011, 01:07 PM

Sounds like a Morryde IS system is what you are needing.

Joe

**wingnut60** · 10-07-2011, 04:44 PM

Your spring-mount brackets are nowhere near as stout as the ones on my '05.
As Joezilla said, a MorRyde IS would surely solve your problems, but looks as tho you have to put everythng back together just to take it anywhere for work. there is also Torflex/EZFlex from Dexter that would work.
Yes, keep us up on how you get it fixed.

Joe

anijet · 10-07-2011, 06:28 PM

I was going to install a Mor/ryde IS system my self but after thinking about it changed my mind and decided to rebush the springs, install Mor/ryde XFactor braces, change the Center Point to a Dexter EZ-flex equlizer with Dextrer shackles and hardware. All the spring bushings were worn out, cracked or partially missing.

**wingnut60** · 10-07-2011, 08:11 PM

That is not unusual wear on the brass bushings on an '07--mine looked at least that bad before last season when I had them replaced.

Leo, take lots of pics when the MorRyde gets put in, please.

Joe

anijet · 10-08-2011, 10:07 AM

Yesterday I installed the Mor/Ryde Xfactor braces and the EZflex equalizers. Dexter shorted 4 bushings so I only rebushed and installed 2 springs and the rear axle. Should have bushings Monday. If this system works satisfactorily after a test trip, I'll install new shocks.

**wingnut60** · 10-08-2011, 08:38 PM

Leo,
Mind sharing the cost of the parts?
Joe

anijet · 10-09-2011, 09:21 AM

The three Xfactor braces were $488 shipped fron IN. The EZflex was $250 including tax and freight from Dexter.

**wingnut60** · 10-09-2011, 08:42 PM

Thanks, and hope you get the results you need.
Joe

RonS · 10-10-2011, 09:36 AM

Just wondering if you had been greasing all your bushings. I have been but now looking at your bushings maybe I better pull out a couple to see how bad mine are.

anijet · 10-10-2011, 11:55 AM

I removed the weight from one side at a time and greased before each trip. We tend to do longer trips, usually 4-5000 miles. I think we have around 30,000 miles.

Thinking back to when we first got the MS we went out for 4 months and put on about 15,000 miles. I think the first time I greased them was after that outing. That was probably too long and they may not have been greased sufficiently from the factory.

RonS · 10-10-2011, 04:09 PM

I must have about 35K on my trailer, and have ony been greasing once per year. I will get them checked when we get to Texas for the winter. Leaving in a week. Thanks for the reply.........Ron

**wingnut60** · 10-10-2011, 10:17 PM

I think the bronze bushing is a wear bushing, designed to wear instead of spring-to-bolt wear. Grease should definitely prolong the bushing life.
Joe
When mine were checked/replaced last season, they put the plastic bushings in--I expect to install new wet bolt kit before next season for the AK trip.

RonS · 10-11-2011, 11:01 AM

What is a wet bolt kit?? I thought that is what we have, with the greaseable bolt.

jas24 · 10-11-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonS

What is a wet bolt kit?? I thought that is what we have, with the greaseable bolt.

That is what you have.....

Think Joe is talking about replacing the whole kit with a new one.

jas24 · 10-11-2011, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anijet

I removed the weight from one side at a time and greased before each trip. We tend to do longer trips, usually 4-5000 miles. I think we have around 30,000 miles.

Thinking back to when we first got the MS we went out for 4 months and put on about 15,000 miles. I think the first time I greased them was after that outing. That was probably too long and they may not have been greased sufficiently from the factory.

I don't think mine were ever greased at the factory.....

I am sure a lot came out of DRV not being greased.

Something else I better check also.

Hope you are in Florida Leo if I ever have to do any of this stuff...

Looks good so far....Good Luck with the completion.

**wingnut60** · 10-12-2011, 09:06 AM

Wet Bolt Kit--replacement from Dexter or MorRyde with greaseable bolts--mine does not have the grease fittings.
Joe

Motor31 · 10-13-2011, 08:36 AM

I just noticed something. The pix posted in this thread do not seem to have a "wet bolt" in them. The bolts at the spring and connect point to the pivot mechanism do not appear to have grease zerks like the central pivot point of the equalizer. If they are in fact dry, the bushings will behave the same as the old system did. They will wear out fairly quickly and need replacement. Were those bushings in the mor/ryde conversion bronze or plastic?

I grease my suspension system at least 3 times a year, usually 4 before we take a long trip.

anijet · 10-13-2011, 09:30 AM

All shackle and spring hangar bolts are wet. I installed with the zerks to the inside for two reasons. One, so I can get the grease gun on and second, I want to be able to inspect the nuts easily during a rest stop. The center pivot uses a bushing that is clamped between the hangar and does not rotate on the bolt. One picture shows the two zerks in the pivot arm to lube between the arms and the bushing.

jas24 · 10-13-2011, 09:55 AM

Leo,

Does any of the Mor/Ryde X Factor braces need to be welded in place after final install or is it all just bolt on?

Another thing I noticed....Did yours come with disc brakes or were they added later?

Mine does not have them...wish it did.

When I blew 2 tires on that side, it would have taken my brakes lines out also I am sure.

Keep up the good work.