New axle

[Mallard1]

Well a bearing finally went out on my old homemade 5x8 trailer. The trailer was built years ago and used a cut down trailer house axle. I would like to now change it out so I can find tires for it easier. It doesn't seem like a standard width so I would like a little help on what would work. I would like a 3500 lb axle I would prefer the spring seats already welded on. I've welded for years and built lots of stuff but still prefer not to weld on critical parts of a trailer.

Here are the dimensions I have

62" leaf spring center
80" outside of tires
68" inside of tires
26" leaf spring length
74" hub face to hub face
65" trailer frame width

Thanks for the help.

 

[bcp]

Find a trailer supply business. They can order an axle to your dimensions, if they are compatible.

Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - Find a Dexter Distributor

Bruce

 

[Diamondpilot]

You can have one customer ordered or just make it yourself or have a local fab shop do it. I have built a few. Spindle and hub assemblies are available anywhere along with spring perches. The key is getting the proper tubing for the axle itself.

Chris

 

[bdog]

Look here. 3,500 lbs. Straight Trailer Axles

The main measurement you need is hub face to hub face which you have and you can order the axle. Your trailer house springs may or may not work. The spring perches are not exactly what I would consider critical welds as they are held in place by the u-bolts. The main reason they are welded is to prevent rotation if you have trailer brakes. If not welded the axle could rotate or slide side to side but it isn't going to fall off. If you don't feel comfortable welding them you could bolt it all together and drive to a welding shop and have them do it.

 

[bdog]

You can have one customer ordered or just make it yourself or have a local fab shop do it. I have built a few. Spindle and hub assemblies are available anywhere along with spring perches. The key is getting the proper tubing for the axle itself.

Chris

Certainly you could build one but why bother when you can buy a complete 3500lb axle assembly for $119? Trying to source the tube and get it all straight seems like more trouble than any possible cost savings.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Certainly you could build one but why bother when you can buy a complete 3500lb axle assembly for $119? Trying to source the tube and get it all straight seems like more trouble than any possible cost savings.

I agree. I have only had to build a few. Just time critical or odd circumstances.

Chris

 

[Mallard1]

Thanks for the help, I will probably do the premade kit and just weld the seats. Is the best way to loosely bolt everything up and then center everything and then tighten up and then weld the seats. Also are most trailer wheels 0 offset?

 

[bdog]

I am not sure on the wheel offset. I have built several trailers and replaced more axles than I care to remember. Yes bolt up everything first, get it aligned, and weld last. What I do is put the leaf springs on the trailer first. You axle may go over or under the springs depending on your situation. If it goes over the springs make sure to place it in there before you bolt up the springs because you won't be able to fit it in there once the springs are in place. Once the springs are bolted into place bolt the axle up loosely and make sure you have it centered and then tighten up the u bolts. once it is tight and you have double checked measurements you can weld the perches.

 

[weldingisfun]

Check with these folks. Trailer Hitches & Vehicle Accessories (800)298-8924 They are easy to work with.

 

[Mallard1]

I talked to the local trailer shop and they had an 73" axle in stock and 205 tires. Looking tonight my frame is 64-1/8" wide above the axle. Please check my math.

A 205 tire is 8.1" wide so mounted on a 73" axle the inside width between the tires would be 64.9"

That gives me .4" between the tires and frame. This seems a little close to me because if my spring mounts are not perfectly square it will be even closer than that either on the front or back? My max width with these fenders is 82" wide to the outside of the tire