U-Bolts

[msbhammer]

Mulv posted his u-bolt question the other day and that made me think that I should take a closer look at my trailer, since the damm tire already fell off the day I brought her home. Well it looks like I could use a few new u-bolts as well.
Questions:
1. Does the axel or leaf springs need to be supported when replacing the u-bolts ??
2. The u-bolts attach to that square metal plate. Is the plate sitting there secured by the u-bolts ?, in my picture, there is a center screw in the center of the steel bracket it looks.
3. My trailer sits exstreamly low to the ground. Would new leaf springs raise her higher above the ground ??
4. I still havent recieved the title from the scum bag who sold me the boat and trailer, should I invest money in a trailer that I cant get tagged ??
Hell, you might see me on Judge Judy sueing his *** because he wont send me my title and bill of sale.