Should Trailer Leaf Springs Have Load on them When Measured for Replacement

Question

Question:

Do I need to have both wheels off the ground when I am measuring for new leaf springs eye to eye measurement

asked by: Anthony V

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Anthony, yes when measuring leaf springs to pick out a replacement you want to have no load on them. Keep in mind that springs tend to stretch around 1/8 of an inch overtime as they wear out.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Jameson C.

10/22/2025

Hey Anthony, how did things go once you measured the leaf springs with the trailer unloaded? Knowing what length you ended up with could help others trying to replace worn springs.

Answer 1

The easiest way to accomplish this would be to start on one side of the trailer and get the springs in place before bolting the axle to the springs with the u-bolts. Have the axle up on jacks or blocks so its weight is not bearing on the springs.…

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Answer 2

Hey Jason, it's pretty common for replacement leaf springs to be slightly shorter than what they replace as springs tend to stretch/flatten overtime as they wear out so while you are on the right track 3/4 of an inch is a bit too much of a…

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Answer 3

If you do not have the boat on the tandem axle trailer, what you have mentioned is how the trailer suspension will look without a load on it. The equalizer will be up in the rear and the rear spring will be tilting the axle forward. The reason is…

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Answer 4

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 5

I would be happy to help! When measuring for new leaf springs you need to either take them off of the trailer, or jack up the side of the trailer so that the axle is not carrying any weight. Based on the pictures of the leaf springs on your 2017…

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Answer 6

If your existing leaf springs measure 25-1/2" then the correct replacement is likely either 25-1/8" or 25-1/4" as leaf springs stretch over time. Please note, leaf springs should also be measured with the trailer unloaded. I have…

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Answer 7

There is no exact way to determine the leaf spring length. The best way to determine the length for a replacement is by measuring the existing leaf springs. The hanger distance and shackle length can help you get a good idea, but you're looking…

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Answer 8

For all of our springs we list the unloaded length measured center eye to center eye straight across. Leaf springs can extend up to 1" when flexed. If you are looking to replace old leaf springs, you will want to jack up the trailer so that the…

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Answer 9

Hello Mark, thanks for reaching out. When replacing leaf springs, it is important the new springs are identical in length to the old ones. There is a small amount of tolerance, like 1/2" or less, but any more than this can throw the suspension…

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Answer 10

It makes no difference which direction the shackle nut or bolt head is facing. The bolt is not driven in, when the shackle bolts are tightened, the knurled portion of the bolt will be drawn into place. Make sure you use a lock nut, and snug it down…

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Answer 11

There should be enough free play in the shackles to allow them to move. There is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. The first thing you should make sure of is that the bolts you use are long enough so that when installed you will have at…

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Answer 12

A 9/16" shackle bolt like the Step Wet Bolt for 1-3/4" Double Eye Springs #34007-187-00 actually does not have a recommended torque because tightening the shackle bolts too much will crush the shackle straps up against the leaf springs, and…

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Should Trailer Leaf Springs Have Load on them When Measured for Replacement

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