Leaf spring help!

[tcampbell011]

I am replacing the axle on my boat trailer and I decided to do the leaf springs as well.

I got them off and they are the "straight slipper" type springs... an eye on one end and a straight bar on the other.

The problem is... I measured them at 27" from the eye to the end of the bar. (12" from the eye to the axle center)

Everything online is either 25.25 inches or 29" there are none in the middle.

Now I know these springs flatten out over time, but could it really flatten a whole 2 inches?

I don't think I could fit a 29" spring, I have about 1/2" of clearance behind the slipper.. so at most I could take a 27.5in spring.

I thought my trailer used standard parts mostly, but maybe not. I've been looking for a solid week online. Anyone ever bought custom leaf springs?

Any help would be appreciated!

Here is a pic of the springs on the ground:

 

[MTboatguy]

What brand of trailer?

What width of the spring?

What weight capacity?

How many leaves?



E Trailer carries a 27 in slipper spring with a hook under the slipper in a 27"

But it is a 6000 pound spring.

E Trailer Item # SP-160275

 

[Silvertip]

If the 29 incher has enough length on the slipper end, cut it off to a length that works.

 

[tcampbell011]

My trailer has no emblems visible. The title says make: "BM" model: "TL". It is a tilt trailer for a 16ft Alumacraft V hull... the year is 1991.

The closest one I've found is also the most expensive (go figure):
https://www.easternmarine.com/carry-on-leaf-spring-352

I'm not sure about using the springs with the curved ends instead of the flat ends from my original springs. How exact of a match do they need to be?

 

[MTboatguy]

East marine is one of the most expensive stores out there and there shipping is normally crazy.

If it were me, I would actually just weld two new brackets on and use a double eye spring, but a lot of guys don't like doing that.

 

[tcampbell011]

That would work great if I knew how to weld!

I might be able to use a grinder to cut off bottom of the bracket the slipper slides into... then drill a hole for the bolt.

I thought it'd be a quick replacement.

To be honest I'll probably just use the old springs. I don't want to modify the trailer, just replace worn parts.

 

[slimdaddy45]

Looks as your springs still have good arch to them I would still use them

 

[MTboatguy]

Looks as your springs still have good arch to them I would still use them

I do have to agree, your spring don't look bad and the boat you are carrying on it is not that heavy to load them much.

 

[tcampbell011]

The only complaint I have with the old springs is that.. if I give it a good shake... they move a bit. The leafs do not seem bound that tightly. I'm not sure if that is the case with new springs.

 

[MTboatguy]

The only complaint I have with the old springs is that.. if I give it a good shake... they move a bit. The leafs do not seem bound that tightly. I'm not sure if that is the case with new springs.

Replace the center bolts on them, or take them to a suspension shop and have them replace them. You do realize spring move when they compress and relax, right? I have seen bolts in slippers that actually have notches in the bolt from the small amount of movement over the years of use. But the bolts can be replaced for an inexpensive investment.

 

[tcampbell011]

Thanks, maybe I will just replace the bolts...

Hey MTboatguy... does the MT in your name stand for Montana? Any chance you could recommend a suspension shop that might have springs like these in western MT?

I am a student in Butte, MT. I called a few auto shop places around and no one has springs for a trailer, just for automobiles. I couldn't find any shops that were listed as "suspension shops"

 

[MTboatguy]

Thanks, maybe I will just replace the bolts...

Hey MTboatguy... does the MT in your name stand for Montana? Any chance you could recommend a suspension shop that might have springs like these in western MT?

I am a student in Butte, MT. I called a few auto shop places around and no one has springs for a trailer, just for automobiles. I couldn't find any shops that were listed as "suspension shops"

You might check with NAPA in Butte, also, most tire shops will do suspension work, like Les Schwab, Discount tires, you might drop buy at one of them and have them take a look at them.

Yes, I am up in NW Montana about 20 miles from Flathead Lake and 30 miles from Glacier Park