oldtrailer
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Post by oldtrailer on Oct 7, 2021 7:53:31 GMT -8
Hi Guys, Those of you who are still using the original solid axles what are they rated for? I know I don't have information on mine and won't be throwing 3K pounds on it. It is a 1 3/8" thick axle, five lug hubs with step axle bearings. Six leaf springs and greaseable spring bushings. I'm thinking its 2k max including the weight of the trailer frame? What do you guys think? What are the capacity ratings of your smaller trailers? Mine won't have a camper on it. I'm going to replace the U bolts on it and go through the springs bushings too to see if they need replacing. Trailer Frame #2 by Another Dude, on Flickr Axle Thickness #1 by Another Dude, on Flickr Axle Thickness #2 by Another Dude, on Flickr
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Oct 8, 2021 4:35:03 GMT -8
I've never seen a rating for a 60 year old axle but I've never heard of one failing either. I did have a 60 year old shackle fail and I would think twice about using any badly rusted or pitted suspension parts.
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oldtrailer
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Post by oldtrailer on Oct 8, 2021 5:39:58 GMT -8
Thanks for the reply nccamper. I do plan on replacing the shackles and going through the spring bushings. I have read up on reconditioning the leaf springs article on here. Never seen that done and I could definitely do that. I've heard about old time shops that re arch them being far in between as it's a lost art now. With all the CHINA JUNK leaf springs out there. I used to be a diesel tech and we replaced springs all the time. Mainly for being broken because of the weight. Sometimes they would sag and get replaced. I replaced the leaf springs on my 65 mustang cause there was no one in my area to re arch them. $300 bucks but made in America by Eaton Springs. These things weren't sagging, they were a big fat unhappy face. I know the axle is pitted but it's solid steel and if it was a tube I'd throw the sucker in the scrap pile and slap a Dexter underneath it.
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oldtrailer
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Post by oldtrailer on Oct 8, 2021 5:40:55 GMT -8
By the way where in NC are you? I'm in Rock Hill close to Charlotte.
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