Replacement Leaf Springs, U-Bolts, & Shackle Straps for 3,500 Pound 1981 Bass Boat Trailer

Question:

I have a 1981 Astroglass bass boat and a 1981 trailer. Leaf springs need to be changed out, just not sure what springs to purchase. They are 3 leaf, 1 3/4 wide and 25 1/4 long There 35 years old, got to have stretched over that period of time. Have no idea axel info, I believe it is 2-3/8 inch diameter. I also want to replace shackles, ubolts and plates. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

The leaf spring I recommend to replace your trailer's existing leaf springs is the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500 Pound Trailer Axles # e54SR. This spring measures 25-1/8 inches from eye-to-eye and will work well to replace the existing spring length. Based on your trailer axle's diameter, the capacity of the axle is 3,500, which is the axle capacity for which these springs are designed. The number of springs to not determine the axle capacity, so it will not affect your trailer to replace the existing 3-leaf springs with the # e54SR 4-leaf spring.

This part number is for 1 replacement spring. To replace both springs on your trailer, you will want to order a quantity of 2 springs. I've attached a review video of the spring for you.

To replace the U-bolts and U-bolt plates on your boat trailer, I recommend the CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500 Pound Round Trailer Axles # CE23002 because the components in the kit are designed to resist corrosion which is great for a boat trailer. The U-bolt plates are made from galvanized steel and the U-bolts and hardware are zinc-plated all to resist rust and corrosion and the kit includes the parts needed for a single axle trailer. I've attached a video of this kit for you as well.

To replace the shackle straps on your trailer, a very common size are the 2-5/8 inch long shackle straps, such as # 115052GALV. This replacement shackle strap is galvanized to resist rust and corrosion and measures 2-5/8 inches from center of hole to center of hole. This part number includes a single shackle strap, so you will want to order 2 shackles for your single axle trailer.