Leaf Spring Bolt, Bushings, and Leaf Springs for 2k Trailer Axle

Updated 11/12/2026 | Published 11/11/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Wet Equalizer Bolt with Locknut and Grease Zerk for Double-Eye Springs - 3" Long

(794)

$11.13

Nylon Bushing - 9/16" Inner Diameter, 7/8" Outer Diameter - 1-3/4" Long - Qty 1

(1235)

$5.88

Terran Industries 3-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long

(1)

$33.80

Question:

I have a 50 year old boat trailer that has bolt on hangers. My rear hanger has a horizontal pipe welded to the hanger. It had a rubber bushing that fit a half inch bolt. I removed it because it was trash. I measured the ID of the pipe It was 7/8 QUESTION 1: New leaf spring eyes are 9/16 Is it a good idea to switch over to 9/16 bolts? this is a 2000 pound axle setup QUESTION 2: If 9/16 is OK then I need two bushings. I dont know if I Need an 11/16 OD x 9/16 bolt hole OR 7/8 OD x 9/16 bolt hole. Please tell me which one will drive into that 7/8 ID pipe. QUESTION 3: I have talked to etrailer and three other trailer spring outfits and I am being told conflicting answers. My QUESTION was for a 2000 pound axle and 1000 pound each leaf springs does a 4 leaf or a 2 leaf ride Smoother/ less bumpy. REMEMBER THE BOAT ON THIS TRAILER TOTAL LOAD IS PROBABLY 800 - 1000 POUNDS. I DONT WANT IT STIFF RIDING. FYI the old springs measured 29 1/2 eye to eye and had 4 leafs. I am going to 26 springs.

asked by: Byron M

Expert Reply:

Hey Byron, welcome back! Yes it is recommended that you use 9/16 inch bolts like the part # 126B2 with 9/16 inch bushings. For bushings you would want the 7/8 9/16 inch bushings like the part # TRBU11568.

For leaf springs the amount of leaves doesn't really influence the ride quality that much. The really only factor to consider is the correct capacity which it sounds like you have already determined being 2,000 lb. A really popular option is the Terran spring part # TX68RJ which is 25-1/4 inches long and for a 2k axle.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Byron M.

11/12/2026

The old springs were 29.5 inches. Why is 25.25 better than 26" seems like the shorter the spring the more stiff

Jameson C.

11/12/2026

@ByronM It's not so much that a shorter or longer spring is better its really just about trying to get the same length you have now so that you aren't having to move hangers etc. A 29.5 inch long spring is pretty long and not something we have in the capacity you need though so moving hangers would be what is needed.

Byron

11/12/2026

@JamesonC mm If you read the first sentence in my first email it says I have bolt on hangers. I suggested 26" spring. You suggested 25 1/4" I've talked with four companies that sell springs, One of them was e trailer and I was told four leaves would ride better than a two leaf. Basically I got two Companies saying four leaves are better and two saying two leafs are a better ride for a light 1200 load. When I move my hangers in to 26" or your 25.25" this also makes for a stiffer ride,does it not? I don't know why this is such a hard question. Both of the 1000# spring's have quarter inch thick leafs. Is it not correct to think it's easier to flex just two leafs than four?

Jameson C.

11/12/2026

@Byron we don't have a 26 inch spring in the capacity you need. That is why I mentioned a 25-1/4 inch spring. Whoever told you here at etrailer that the number of leaves was going to influence ride quality wasn't accurate. The ride quality is not affected by the length of the spring either to any noticeable degree either. Trailer suspension is just not that sophisticated. It's not a hard question and I've been consistent on what I've been telling you but I can't know why someone else was giving you a differing opinion. All that matters is capacity in terms of actual stiffness and ride quality.