Finding Correct Replacement Leaf Springs for 4 x 8 Utility Trialer

Published 08/30/2014

Question:

I have an old 4x8foot tilt bed utility trailer. Id like to replace the leaf springs. The springs are 22inch long x 1 3/4 wide. What springs do you recommend? Im worried the 20inch springs are to short and the 25inch springs are to long.

asked by: Greg M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The first thing you'll want to do is determine the capacity of your axle. This can usually be figured out by the getting as much of the following information as possible:

Wheel bolt pattern (# of lugs and bolt circle diameter, see help article)
Inner and outer wheel bearing reference numbers
Axle tube diameter

With at least two of the above, we can make a pretty good guesstimate about the axle capacity. When that is known, we'll look for a leaf spring that's a bit shorter than the one you have now, since they tend to flatten out as they wear. When you measure your original springs for length, be sure there's no weight on the spring.

Most 4 x 8 trailers use 2000 lb axles, I'd say the # e84SR spring which measure 20-3/8 inches long would most likely be the correct spring. If you'd care to reply with the information requested above, I'd be happy to look further.

expert reply by: Mike L