Abstract: A boom assembly for a crane or other lifting device is provided. The boom assembly includes a plurality of telescoping boom sections, each having an at least partially rounded portion, and a plurality of corresponding wear pads for reducing friction between the adjacent boom sections during relative telescoping movement. The rounded portion includes a plurality of equiangular breaks. Each wear pad is substantially identical and includes a contoured engagement surface for positioning adjacent to one of the plurality of breaks at the lower front end of each boom section. The identical wear pads are interchangeable, which eliminates the need for keeping a plurality of substantially different shapes or sizes of wear pads on hand for positioning at the lower front ends of adjacent boom sections. Spacers may also be provided between the wear pads positioned adjacent to the breaks on outer boom sections to prevent shifting during the relative telescoping movement.