Important -KIT Axle NoticeWhat Comes in the -KIT: Spring Perches Are Included Loose
This -KIT includes the axle beam and loose spring perches / spring seats. The spring perches are included as separate pieces. Included does not mean welded.
Spring perches ship loose by default. They are not welded to the axle tube before shipment unless the customer specifically requests perch welding in the order notes, provides the correct Spring Center measurement, and R&P confirms the weld-on request before the axle ships.
Repetition matters: If the listing says “spring perches included,” that means loose spring perches are included with the kit. It does not mean the spring perches are already installed, welded, or ready for towing.
Do not install or tow with loose spring perches. The perches must be measured, positioned, squared, and welded to the axle tube before the axle is placed into service.
When Will R&P Weld the Spring Perches?
R&P may weld the spring perches before shipment only when the order clearly gives us the information needed to do it correctly.
- The customer must request welded spring perches in the order notes.
- The customer must provide the Spring Center measurement.
- R&P must confirm the weld-on request before shipment.
Default rule: If the order does not clearly request welded perches and does not provide a Spring Center measurement, the spring perches ship loose.
How to Find Your Spring Center Measurement
Spring Center is the distance from the center of one leaf spring to the center of the opposite leaf spring. This is the measurement used to locate where the spring perches need to be welded on the axle tube.
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Best method with old axle: Measure from the center of one existing spring perch / spring seat to the center of the opposite spring perch / spring seat.
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Best method from the trailer: Measure from the centerline of the left leaf spring pack to the centerline of the right leaf spring pack where the axle sits.
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Leaf spring center bolt method: Measure from the center of the center bolt / locating pin on one spring pack to the center of the center bolt / locating pin on the other spring pack.
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Do not measure outside-to-outside. Spring Center is a center-to-center measurement.
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Do not guess from deck width. Deck width can be helpful context, but it is not a substitute for the actual Spring Center measurement.
Axle Measurement Diagram
Use the axle measurement diagram below as a general visual reference while confirming axle dimensions and installation details. The diagram is a measurement guide only and may not depict this exact 3,500 lb axle. Spring Center must still be measured center-to-center at the trailer’s leaf springs or existing spring perches.
Why Welding the Perches Matters
This image shows a real-world installation problem where loose spring perches were not welded before use and brake wiring was torn out. This is exactly why the axle must not be installed, towed, or placed into service while the spring perches are still loose.
Loose perches can allow the axle to move or rotate out of its intended installed position. That can damage brake wiring, brake components, suspension parts, tires, and the trailer. The perches must be properly welded before road use.
| Question |
Answer |
| Are spring perches included in the -KIT? |
Yes. The spring perches / spring seats are included as loose parts. |
| Are the spring perches welded on by default? |
No. They ship loose by default. |
| Can R&P weld the perches before shipping? |
Only if the customer requests it in the order notes, provides the correct Spring Center measurement, and R&P confirms the request before shipment. |
| What measurement is needed for welding? |
Spring Center: center of one leaf spring / spring perch to the center of the opposite leaf spring / spring perch. |
| Can the axle be used with loose perches? |
No. Do not install, tow, or place the axle in service until the perches are properly welded. |
| What can happen if perches are not welded? |
Loose perches can allow the axle to move or rotate, which can damage brake wiring, brake parts, suspension components, tires, and the trailer. |
| Which way does camber face? |
If the axle is cambered, the arch goes up in the middle when installed. |
Order Note Wording Customers Can Use
Customers who want R&P to weld the spring perches should put clear instructions in the order notes before checkout.
Example order note: “Please weld spring perches before shipping. My Spring Center measurement is ____ inches, measured center-to-center.”
Final reminder: Unless the order notes request welded perches, the Spring Center measurement is supplied, and R&P confirms the weld request, this -KIT ships with loose spring perches.
