M416 Trailer Spring Question

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Sat Oct 22, 2011 12:43 pm

I know this is not a trailer question site but I figure someone on this data base has the answer to my question and I don't know where else to ask. I have been searching for a M416 trailer for my M38A1 and noted in some ads it was mentioned that the springs had been converted to an over the axle configuration.

What is the reason for this conversion and what does it take away from the originality of the trailer? Big no-no or it's okay because it improves the trailer in some way. Also does it change the bed height? In pictures I have seen, the bed height looked the same.

Anyone know about this?

Mariposa Mike

Post by **wesk** » Sun Oct 23, 2011 10:03 am

Spring over is the term for changing the relative positions of the axle and the springs. Originally the axle was mounted to the upper surface of the springs. When you do a spring over you move the axle to the lower surface of the This will raise the entire trailer about 6". The only result here is a trailer that sits 6" higher and looks gainly to say the least. There is an improvement in approach and departure angles but that is only a requirement of extreme off roading. Keep in mind it also raises the lunette height 6" so your tow vehicle will need to be quite tall.

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Sun Oct 23, 2011 10:32 am

Thanks for clearing that up. I suppose I should have posted on this trailer site but thought it might be used for M100 only. In the picture posted for one trailer that had this conversion, it did not appear the trailer was any higher than stock. I suspect either camera angles or maybe the picture was taken pre conversion. This is not a conversion I would want since I want to pull it behind my M38A1 so I will avoid those in my search.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Oct 23, 2011 11:11 am

They are easily converted back. So if you find a tall one cheap buy it. It is physically impossible not to get 4 to 6" taller when this mod is done with the stock springs.