Can the Spring Seats Be Moved on the 57-1/2" Long CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs?

Updated 08/01/2026 | Published 07/27/2026

Products Featured in This Question

CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K

(57)

$417.98

Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 1-1/2" Front, 1-1/4" Rear

(391)

$28.56

CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 1-1/2" Square Trailer Axles - 3-3/8" Long U-Bolts - Zinc

(1075)

$28.54

etrailer Rust-Resistant 3-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 2K Trailer Axles - 20-3/8" Long - Dacromet

(518)

$44.05

Question:

I’ve a 1957 Montgomery ward boat trailer and it has one spring assembly mounted cross ways of trailer was thinking about converting it to regular springs but current frame center width is 43.5” c to c would it be recommended to drill new holes at that spacing

asked by: L T

Expert Reply:

That's exactly what you'll want to do LT. The CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs item # CE33201GA-HUB you were looking at, is a 1,800 lbs capacity 1-1/2" square axle that has spring center holes drilled at 46-1/2" on center. What you'll want to do is rotate this axle to a different side and drill new holes spaced 43-1/2" apart.

The CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs item # CE33201GA-HUB has a 57-1/2" hub face and comes with two idler hubs that have a 5 on 4-1/2" lug nut pattern.

With new holes drilled you can use the CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 1-1/2" Square Trailer Axles item # CE23102 to mount the axle to your trailer's new leaf springs. You may also need the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit item # APS3. I'm not familiar with your trailer's suspension but these hangers weld to your trailer's frame and provide the mounting point for leaf springs. Our 20-3/8" Long etrailer Rust-Resistant 3-Leaf Double Eye Spring item # e53SR would be a great option for your 1957 Montgomery Ward boat trailer.

What kind of boat do you have and how heavy is it?

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