PT
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1964 Aloha & 1962 Holiday House
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Post by PT on May 16, 2021 15:20:28 GMT -8
I found a Dexter 3500LB 4" drop axle (Dexter part number 4766665) that is 78 inches wide hub face to hub face (one inch wider than the one I will have to replace). I have about 2.5 inches between the outer tire edge and the inside of the wheel well currently so I believe the tires will still fit in the wheel well...
Question - The specs for the Dexter axle call out spring centers from 60-64 inches. The springs on the Holiday House are 56.5 inches center to center. Is this 60-64 inch range an absolute requirement or can I cheat by 3.5 inches?
I'll be asking the shop when I call tomorrow but curious if anyone else has dealt with this?
Thanks
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on May 17, 2021 3:46:53 GMT -8
Where will you order your axle from and how much was the whole assembly? I may be coming to the same point soon.
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sawset
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1958 Mobile Scout
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Post by sawset on May 17, 2021 6:09:09 GMT -8
I recently custom ordered an axle for a trailer that I was building. It was the same as those listed as so called part number axles available (Dexter part number xxxxxx), except that I was able to spec the drop, hub face width, and spring center width, and the hub bolt pattern to match the existing wheels. Mine was a torsion type, about 56" mounting centers, $280. I believe the straight and straight/drop axles have a welded bracket to except the spring mounting. Not sure if a ubolt and bolted bracket would suffice, but the location should be able to be variable if it is. I ordered mine through a distributor 20mi away, so no shipping. I just filled out their form, spec't everything required, 3 weeks to pick it up. That way I didn't need to try to fit and axle that was available but not quite right. Pioneerwheel has locations in Fargo, Minneapolis, and Madison WI, and has order forms on their website.
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PT
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1964 Aloha & 1962 Holiday House
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Post by PT on May 17, 2021 11:19:54 GMT -8
Thanks - This place has been recommended to me by a few knowledgeable people. sixrobblees.comThey did not carry the 3500LB 78 inch Dexter axle I found online and the guy I talked to did not think moving the spring seat outside its recommended range was a good idea. BUT - they do have a spot on 77" (hubface to hubface) highway rated 4 inch drop axle in their Seattle warehouse They can have it shipped here by next Tuesday. It works with 6 on 5.5 hubs so I can keep my existing rims with hubcaps and tires. Axle, bearings, hubs, brake assemblies appear to be in the mid $700 (could have been less if I went with Chinese options) range which is in the ballpark of my earlier plan to have a custom axle built and outfitted with brakes. I'm learning more about trailer axles and brakes than I ever wanted to know...
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