Damaged spring seat!

phx5kegsman

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Apr 10, 2021
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Hello, I have a 1982 ranger trail single axle trailer and Ranger 330V of the same year. My issue is with the axle and suspension. It is a 2x3 drop spindle axle. I was going to replace the shackle plates and bolts because, with the boat off the trailer, it appeared to be loose. After removing the leaf spring and associated hardware I discovered that the spring seat ( a hole drilled into the axle) is damaged from the spring center bolt moving. Has anyone had this happen? Parts for these trailers are not an easy find. For example, the shackle plate is 5" overall length, with 3 1/2" on- center bolt hole. Kind of an oddball shape.
Anyway, what I want to do is get a spring seat (some call it a spring perch) for each side of the axle. From what i understand they can be used on an both overslung and underslung axles. Will the added height (3/16") cause me to need new leaf springs? The ones that i have are good ...no rust at all. I also plan on replacing the shackle and bolts and also the bushings and u bolts/tie plates. Any info much appreciated.
Thanks
 

alldodge

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Will the added height (3/16") cause me to need new leaf springs?
Maybe just me but not able to visualize. Would need to know distance when boat is sitting on trailer, maybe a pic of the issues just to start thinking
 

phx5kegsman

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So...In just took off the starboard components(the first one I took off was port side) . What I found was somewhat disturbing. Apparently, there are TWO holes drilled in the axle! Here are some pics of the axle and hardware. I thought I took pics of the leaf springs, but I guess not. I can take some an post with measurements if that would help.
 

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phx5kegsman

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Apr 10, 2021
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Here is the a pic of the spring seat I'm thinking of buying, along with new hardware and bushings, of course. And a pic of the leaf springs. I'm not sure if they are two completely different sizes or one has stretched. Port side spring is 25 1/2" eye-to-eye with 3 1/4" arc. Starboard spring is 25 1/4" eye-to-eye with 3 1/2" arc
 

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  • springs.jpg
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alldodge

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I think this is what you mean, and if so I don't see an issue
Old on top, new on bottom

axle.jpg
 

phx5kegsman

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Apr 10, 2021
Messages
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my trailer is configured like the lower one in your pic. I want to keep it that way. I want to use the spring seat (in my pic above) in between the axle and spring. The spring seat holes that are drilled into my axel are damaged and will allow the spring to slide on the axle. My question was if the thickness of the add-on spring seat would cause me to have to get different leaf springs.
Now I have more questions, lol. I have been scouring the internet and cannot find shackle plates to match mine. they are very long. 5 1/4 overall length and bolt holes are 4 1/2" on center. I cant find anything even close to that. I think I,m going to call the Ranger factory tomorrow and see if they can help me. This is beginning to look very expensive to fix, lol!
 

alldodge

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I don't see adding the extra 3/8 plate will cause any issues with springs

Don't know about the U bolts. Guess you've looked at Grainger square U bolts. They have some more then long enough, just not exact center to center
 
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