SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual
4
FIG – 3 Pusher and Tag Axle Alignment
4. Installation
The following instructions are for installing the
components of the Watson & Chalin SL Series
Suspension systems. All model numbers in the
series are installed using the same set of
instructions. Watson & Chalin assumes that the
correct auxiliary suspension and axle were
chosen based on the individual design criteria.
The suspension systems must be installed with
the proper amount of tire-to-ground clearance to
ensure trouble free operation of the vehicle. If
there is too much ground clearance, the
suspension will not carry its share of the load,
straining the other suspension components.
When there is too little ground clearance or if the
suspension is overloaded, the vehicle will bottom
out while going over bumps and damage can be
done to the suspension components or other
components on the vehicle.
4.1 Mounting the Suspension
Before mounting the suspension, you must:
•
Confirm that the proper suspension and axle
was chosen based on your company’s
specifications.
•
Ensure the chassis frame has the proper
crossmember reinforcement in the area
where the auxiliary axle hanger/rail is
located. See Figure 4.
•
If the vehicle frame was predrilled for
mounting the SL series axle prior to
purchase, be sure to align to and use these
fastener positions.
•
Also remember to remove the associated
bolts from the frame prior to axle alignment
and installation.
