How to Flip Square Trailer Axle for Ground Clearance

Updated 02/23/2026 | Published 02/18/2026

Question:

Hello I have 2000 Tahoe boat trailor that I need lifted, pro lem is it has a rectanglesquare axle. What over under kit donyou have for a square axle I can not find one. Thank-you

asked by: Kristopher M

Expert Reply:

Hi there,

I understand the frustration square axles can make things a little trickier. At this time, we don’t carry an over under kit specifically designed for square or rectangular axles.

That said, you can still gain lift by flipping the axle without welding. On most square axle setups, this means moving the axle from above the leaf springs to underneath them, which usually gives you about 3 to 5 inches of additional ground clearance.

To do this, you would need a square U-bolt kit like CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2" Square Trailer Axles part # CE23103. Since square axles typically don’t use welded spring seats like round axles do, the leaf spring center pin usually indexes into a hole drilled directly into the axle tube. If there isn’t already a hole on the opposite side, you’ll need to carefully mark and drill a new alignment hole in the tube so the spring center pin can seat properly and keep the axle centered.

After we set you up, where do you like to launch or fish with your Tahoe?

expert reply by: Heather A

flipaxle
(click to enlarge)

Kristopher M.

2/23/2026

Thank you for the information. That process is pretty much what I was starting see in all my research. There isn't a lot of information or videos on square axle flips, maybe I should do a video and put it on you tube for other DIY guys like myself. I live in Lasalle Illinois right by the Illinois River so most of my boating time has been spent there. I plan on branching out to other locations this summer after I get my trailer lifted as it scrapes every time I take it in and out of my driveway. Do you know if there are safety concerns with driving with a lifted boat trailers?

Heather A.

2/23/2026

@KristopherM You’re right, there really isn’t much out there on square axle flips. Most of what you find is about round axles, so honestly, making a video would probably help a lot of DIYers out there. As for lifting your boat trailer, it’s generally safe if it’s done the right way. The main thing to keep in mind is that lifting it raises the boat a few inches, which slightly raises the center of gravity. That can make it a little more sensitive to crosswinds or sway, but with a modest lift and proper tongue weight (around 10–15% of total trailer weight), most people don’t have issues. Just make sure you are within 2" of level with the trailer hitch. Overall, a small lift to stop it from scraping your driveway is pretty common and usually works out great. Just take your time, double-check your setup, and you should be in good shape for branching out to new boating spots this summer.