Replacement Trailer Suspension Parts for Trailer with 2 Square Axle

Question

Question:

Aloha, needing to replace suspension components on my 2003 EZ loader boat trailer w/ tandem axles. Sorry if this is so long. I think I may have found some of what I need but since Im in Hawaii and need to make sure I get it all right the first time, I would greatly appreciate some help. I have disassembled one side to help get as accurate measurements and pictures as I can. Everything is very worn and corroded making it a bit difficult to get some measurements. I would like to think there is some leeway in components as long as they are close. Here is a breakdown of where I am. Leaf springs - unloaded, one measures 25 7/8 and the other 25 3/4 from centers of eyes. They are very worn. While they were under load, they were 26 1/2 and 26 3/4. These are 4 leaf, 1 3/4 wide, each leaf 3/8 thick. I am guessing that these 26inch x 1 3/4 springs would work ? Need 4 of them. I cannot find a u-bolt kit. Ive attached a photo of the u-bolt assembly. The axles are square - 2 wide by 3 tall. The u-bolts are 7 long measured from top to bottom. There is also a plate that sits on top of the spring stack that has a large oval in the center to accommodate the bolt that holds the springs together. This plate is 4 1/8 x 1 3/4 by 3/8. I can probably re-use these if need be. Have attached photo. I have found Item # AP233 but not certain if this is compatible. The description says the distance between centers is 5 3/4, mine is 5 1/2 but very worn. Description also says it is 2 tall but not sure what that refers to - distance between center of top hole and center of lower holes? Mine is 1 3/4, but again, very worn. Also in this Item, the shackles are 2 1/4 between center of holes, but mine is 2 3/8. With slightly larger equalizer but slightly smaller shackles, and leaf springs about the same Im guessing the geometry may be about the same. Are these components close enough to work without causing problems? I have included photos of my equalizer and shackles w/ dimensions. I believe the 3 x 9/16 bolts included with the kit are fine with a couple exceptions. The inner width of the leaf outer brackets are about 2 1/8, outer width is 2 5/8 so a 3 1/2 bolt is being used there. If the leaf springs are 1 3/4, that leaves a bit of a gap - not sure if that is normal. Inner width of the equalizer bracket is 2, outer is 2 5/8, so a 3 1/2 bolt is used here as well. So, In addition to this kit, IF it is compatible, Id need 6 - 3 1/2 x 9/16 bolts w/ nuts. A couple other measurements that might be useful - The leaf spring and equalizer hangers / brackets are welded to the frame, otherwise I most likely would replace those as well. From center hole of leaf spring bracket to center hole of equalizer bracket both front and back are 29 1/2. Distance between hubs is 32 1/2. Center hole in spring brackets are 3 1/4 from the frame. Center hole from equalizer bracket to frame is 3 3/4. Greatly appreciate getting this correct. Will be shipping to me out here in Hawaii which I know will be expensive so definitely want to get it right the first time. Please let me know what I may have over looked! Mahalo!

asked by: Bill M

0

Expert Reply:

It looks like you've got a pretty good grasp on all of this and thank you for the detailed information; it looks like most of the parts you've mentioned will work for you. For the leaf springs, the 26" long # e27SR will be the best option for you since springs stretch out over time and they're right around the capacity of what the axles likely is. The next closest size would be the 25-1/8" # e54SR, but I would be hard pressed to believe that your old ones have stretched out over a full inch, so I do believe the 26" is the way to go.

The Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs - 2-1/4" Links # AP233 also is the correct choice given all of that information; the current equalizers' eyelets seems pretty stretched out and worn, so the dimensions of the equalizer included in this kit match up fairly close and will work without any issues. I've also linked a diagram that shows the 2" measurement you referred to as the distance of height between the bottom holes of the equalizer to the top hole (center on center). The shackle straps included in this kit will work for you, but to get some longer bolts you can use the Spring-Eye Bolt with Locknut for Slipper Springs - 3-1/2" Long # 166079 -which are 3-1/2" long bolts.

The U-bolts were a little more difficult to locate; the closest match we have for U-bolts that are 7" long would be the 2" Square Trailer U-Bolt (Qty 2) # SP01-160 , which are 5-3/4" long and designed for square trailer axles that are 2" wide. That would be the best solution we could offer on that which would work with square axles. You can use the U-Bolt Plate for 2" Square Axle - 1-3/4", 2" Springs - 9/16" Bolts
Item # 117594, or you could re-use your existing plate with the old U-bolts as long as they're still structurally functional.

This would give you all of the parts that you needed to swap everything out, and I've linked some review videos of these parts that you may want to refer to.