Can Double-Eye Leaf Spring Suspension be Replaced with Slipper Spring Suspension

Question:

I am trying to restore an old boat trailer. I am keeping the frame and updating the axle and springs. I do not have much info about the components, not sure what the axle or spring capacity is, however, when I pulled out my boat on it, the springs were completely flattened. I am looking at replacing the axle with a 3,500 lb one and get 1,750 lb springs. Can I replace my open eye springs with slipper springs if the measurements are identical? If so, do I need a different hanger kit than the one used by the open eye spring?

asked by: Farid

Expert Reply:

Slipper springs and double-eye springs use different mounting kits and hangers so you would actually have to do a bit more work and get all new parts if you wanted to switch from one to the other style. The hangers especially would be the biggest part of the switch because the old ones would have to be cut off and new ones welded on.

The u-bolt kit, spring seats, some hardware, is going to be different. I have included a couple of help articles that show all the things needed for double-eye and for slipper spring suspensions for you.

We do sell some axles as well. I have included a link to the 3500 pound options that we have. We carry the most common lengths. You will also see some axle-less options which are great because they have suspension built-in.

expert reply by: Michael H