Can anyone identify this suspension setup on (not my) DIY trailer?

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gr33nmachin3

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Indiana, USA
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Jon
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Dawes
Hello!

I purchased a diy overlanding trailer with roof tent last year and have traveled around with it a bit.

Anyone recognize the suspension on my trailer?

I did not build the trailer (an unknown previous owner did) but was told it is a Ford auto suspension (Escort perhaps?)

I'm researching so I can refresh bushings, shocks, springs, hubs etc. as necessary when the time comes.

Thank you!
 

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It does look like someone pulled a rear suspension out of a front wheel drive car. The trailing arm design looks very old. Easy pre 90's and possibly pre 80's. I say that because of the stamped arms and the way the lower spring buckets sit. I would be very surprised if it was newer.

Bushing wise, its going to take a bit of searching. You need all the dimensions first, which means disassembly. Once there I would start with ford and cross reference the dimensions. I've found odd bushings and bearings that way. You may want to start with the bearing dimensions and see what car you end up with. I've had better luck with those. Be aware, quite a few of those suspensions didn't have replaceable bushings.

Shock's are easier. Extended length, collapsed and mount design. You find shocks with the length numbers then look up mount type. Its possible your shocks are not from the same car. Most of my shock lengths (for trailers) end up being old lowered bug front.

Springs, if they hold up the weight and you don't see damage, just repaint them.
 
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Thank you!

Ford for sure. 5x114.3 bolt pattern.

I found the shocks previously by using the name on the sticker...not sure where that went but will be able to find again!
 
Many of the Fords were a multi link system. Escort, Tempo etc. I'm going to guess some sort of Chrysler product. K-car, Lebaron, 600. Maybe Omni or Horizon. The vans were leaf sprung.
 
Looks like just a trailing arm suspension with springs. Are you trying to update, fix, replace...?
 
if you can pop out the bushings and get measurements, i think energy suspension may still have a good selection of car suspension bushings.
 
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