Replacement Leaf Springs, Bronze Bushings, and U-Bolts for 3,500 lb Dexter Axles

Updated 10/26/2026 | Published 10/21/2026

Products Featured in This Question

4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles - 26" Long

(2487)

$73.28

U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 5-1/2" Long U-Bolts

(2286)

$79.42

Dexter Bronze Bushings - Qty 4

(779)

$25.64

Question:

I need to replace my springs after 9 years of use. Each of my Dexter axles are rated tor 3500 pounds. Would the eTrailer 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles - 26inch Long, P/N e22YR be a good choice? I currently have wet bolts installed so I would also need 8 new bronze bushings. Is it recommended to replace the U-bolts as well? What about the Tie Plates? Is there a warranty on the eTrailer springs? Could you provide part numbers for everything I would need to replace 4 springs? Thanks in advance! Lee

asked by: Lee A

Expert Reply:

Hey Lee, welcome back! The etrailer 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # e22YR is a good choice for your 3,500 lb Dexter axles as long as the length matches your original springs. These measure 26" from eye to eye when unloaded and have a 28" flat length (14" measured to center bolt). The flat length is easier to compare since you don't have to account for them wearing out, see the attached photo. These come with a 1-year limited warranty

If you need to replace the bronze bushings, you can use the Dexter Bronze Bushing Kit # K71-291-00 (4 bushings per kit). I would go ahead and swap out the U-bolts while you're at it using the Dexter U-Bolt Kit # APUBR-1. This includes tie plates so you don't have to get those separately.

Did you ever get the AC swapped out on your Autumn Ridge?

expert reply by: Robin H

Leaf Spring Measurement
(click to enlarge)

Mark

10/23/2026

Lee, I replaced all 4 of my 26" leaf springs last year on my 2005 Artic Fox 5th wheel. When one of my original springs broke I decided to replace them all with the new Ubolt kit also. I'm glad I bought the Ubolt kit. The original ubolts were a little rusty and 1 ended up getting cut to get it off. I should have saved time and effort just cutting all of the original bolts with a grinder cut wheel. I was 64 at the time and it wasn't to difficult doing 1 at a time.

Robin H.

10/23/2026

@Mark sounds like replacing all four springs and the U-bolts was the right call! That's exactly why I recommend replacing the U-bolts while you're in there. You never know what you'll run into after years of use. Appreciate you sharing your experience with Lee!

Lee

10/23/2026

Thanks for the heads up. Mine aren't rusted, but I will replace them anyway. I got you beat age wise by 19 yrs., plan to get a Mobile Tech to help me.

Lee

10/24/2026

OK, I just placed an order for springs, U-bolts and bushings. What is the correct torque for the U-bolts and also the torque for the shackle bolts?

Robin H.

10/26/2026

@Lee the U-bolts included with # APUBR-1 should be torqued to 45–70 ft-lbs. Tighten them evenly in a crossing pattern. For the shackle bolts, the torque depends on which wet bolt kit you have.

Lee

10/26/2026

Shackle Bolt Kit: K71-448-00

Robin H.

10/26/2026

@Lee the Dexter # K71-448-00 calls for 30–50 ft-lbs on the shackle bolts.