Underrated Axles

[MDW]

Underrated Axles w/pics

What to do when the axles under your trailer are way under sized.

Rip them out and install bigger ones Its a little bit of work though.

 

[MDW]

The pic shows one of the old axles with a new hub (the one with $36. 95 on it) as I have been constantly changing bearings and brakes as they keep catching on fire.

 

[MDW]

The problem is I'm going from 3500lbs axles to 6000lbs axles and the larger axles don't fit, so I am going to have to cut the frame and move it in.

Also going to replace the fenders with larger ones to accomodate the larger tires.

I get to run Dodge factory wheels and can use the takeoff tires.

I will post more pics as the project moves along, hope to be done by the end of the weekend.

 

[MDW]

Here's one of the bent trailing arms

 

[Bill Lins]

BOMBin' the trailer! Oh, yeah!

 

[MDW]

Here's the old side:

 

[MDW]

Here's the new side without the new frame:

 

[MDW]

The guy that built this trailer was a crook

 

[MDW]

Another one

 

[MDW]

Here's my version:

 

[gitchesum]

Hey!!

Them jack stands look familiar.

Guess I picked a good week to go on vacation. I know somehow I would have been convinced to come over and help.



Looking good.

 

[moparguy]

Yeah, it's a lotta work, but you'll be glad you did it. Reminds me of a "deal" I got on a stock trailer a couple of years ago. It only needed a new floor. I winded up replacing the entire frame. Got started and couldn't find a stopping point.



I was able to retain the axels.





Good luck, Ronnie

 

[Extreme1]

Looks like you're doing an A1 job. How'd the arms get bent on the old axle?? Overloaded or hit something?



I got a great (really bad) trailer story from last year. A brand new trailer that I was to load up and pull to CA for my brother had to have the axles re-hung and the tongue replaced because the idiot that built it didn't have a clue.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Nice job

Hey, nice work. I will be doing this soon to my car trailer. Any ballpark figure on what a loaded 6k axle will run? I won't really need to go torsion, unless I like my trailer to sit way lower. I would really like to ditch the Dexter axles with Dayton rims (MH style) and go to something better (and a lot more faster to replace tires on).

 

[Rob Thomas]

nathanbush,



I got my 6,000# Dexter axle's custom made for my application for about $320 each, they are torsion, however I had them made to sit taller, the bottom of my trailer is 19" off the ground. I'll never use the spring axles again, with the torsion axle there's no maintenance, except grease, or oil bath if you chose. Also they Make zero noise when hittin' bumps of drivin' down a dirt road.



Later, Rob

 

[MDW]

I'm kinda tired... LOL

 

[MDW]

Getting closer

 

[MDW]

Almost there

 

[MDW]

Ahhhhhhhhhh

 

[MidwestMotorman]

lookin' sweet

Looking good. It will be even better when the frame seam is caulked and painted back there



Knowing the job is done right by yourself is worth doing the project.