axle hardware question

[motormike73]

so i am lowering the bed of my trailer by putting the axle over spring. i wanted to update the hardware and beef it up if possible. i went to croft trailer and they didnt have the exact u-bolt and plates i needed but did have some that were pretty close, just a bit thicker gauge. the first pic shows the new one next to to the original. problem is the inside width is about a 1/16 wider on the new set and when trying to line up with the new plate as you can see in the second pic, due to the larger diameter holes its a little off. just curious if i can make these work by drilling out the holes on one side of the plate just a hair bigger....thoughts?

[goducks10]

The bolt plates wholes are generally larger than the bolt. The U bolts don't have to be exact. The axle is secured by the hole in it that is centered on the springs pin. Having U bolts that are slightly larger than the axle won't make any difference. The U bolts are simply securing the axle to the spring.

[motormike73]

well as far as different bolts i have found some that are the correct size, but being as i am wanting to go axle over i was thinking it would be wise to beef up the hardware. using the current size would mean the thinner steel and i would want it as trong as possible. so i am trying to decide if its better to get thicketr steel but have to modify a bit or do not mods but settel for the smaller hardware.

as far as the bolt size, the plate pictured is for the larger bolts and they are 1/2" (original was 3/8"). would likely need to drill out the hole another 1/16-1/8 to get the bolt to go in flush and not be pinched/angled against the spring.

[carringb]

Drilling out those plates looks like it will leave too little material between the hole and edge. That looks to be a 5/8" hole? Recommended clearance from center of a 5/8" hole to edge of plate is 1-1/8".

Also the mentioned potential for alignment issues, however the clearance issue between the springs and U-bolts can be corrected by shimming the bolts with steel tube.

[campigloo]

I am far from a mechanic, but it sounds like a good way to create an alignment problem to me. Could you find the right bolts from another source?