tincanalley
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1958 Jewel
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Post by tincanalley on Apr 20, 2023 11:23:47 GMT -8
So, I’m now biting the bullet and going to replace the idler hub (no brakes) and 1 1/2 square drop axle. This is after new bearing and races…oh well. I just think having trailer brakes is worth it, before I start attaching the floor/walls etc and continue my from scratch build. Anyway lots of research into a dexter kit, 61 or 59 inch hub face to face is available or, e trailer makes these timbren axle-less setups. Has any one out there installed these? They look pretty stout, and bolt right to the chassis, no leaf springs and p,entry of clearance….would like to hear what you all think of these…. www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Timbren/ASR5200S04.htmlhere’s my existing setup.  7870940C-7544-47C4-80D5-0DE3FB022691 by asmay22, on Flickr  2913D9C0-CB0C-4804-B53C-BE66BDA6A4BF by asmay22, on Flickr I know there’s lots of info from PT and others on the dexter route (was initially leaning this way). But….hmmmm thanks again, Scott |
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newin62
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1962 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by newin62 on Apr 20, 2023 14:02:26 GMT -8
Not sure if the old trailer frames are rigid enough for these. All the weight will be pivoting on one spot. The old leaf springs spread the weight over 4 feet. Not to mention the sideways twisting forces.
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tincanalley
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1958 Jewel
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Post by tincanalley on Apr 20, 2023 18:57:21 GMT -8
Yes - good point on the load. Also if the frame is not perfectly square then there is shimming etc for toe in/out.
I’ll probably go with the dexter setup just need to make sure I’m getting the right length for the wheels to sit in the wells correctly
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Post by Teachndad on Apr 20, 2023 20:25:31 GMT -8
Hi Friends,
With a prices of almost $1350 for the Timbren axle, I would have stopped there. Price out the Dexter axle and then you will probably have to have the spring hangers moved as the springs probably won't be the same length. Modern springs are typically shorter than the vintage ones.
For one of my trailers I ordered the axle through one of Dexter's dealers and had to drive 60 miles away to the dealer to pick it up. I had to hire a mobile trailer repair guy to install the axle. He had also measured the existing axle to duplicate. Total cost of axle, gas to pick up and installation was easily less than $1350, but I should add it was about two years ago. Of course it's cheaper if you can do most of it yourself or have friends.
Newin62 makes a really good point.
Cheers,
Rod
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tincanalley
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1958 Jewel
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Post by tincanalley on Apr 21, 2023 6:45:22 GMT -8
Thanks Rod,
For sure, the cost was making me shy away also. The dexter I can get the whole kit brakes etc for less. My springs seem like they are good, and I don’t think they are original, there are only 3 leafs. I think the 3500 lb set from dexter is 4 that comes with the axle, but also seem to be an inch shorter at 25 1/8 vs 26 1/2 ish on the old ones. Also dealing with spindle length and centering of the wheel will require the right measurements. And of course the underslung (more clearance which is my current situation) vs overslung - which I think is how most of the drop axles were installed by most of the vintage trailer manufacturers. Also like PT had said the spring seats cost you about a 1/2 inch in height. I wonder if the rear spring hanger could be used with a shorter eye to eye length spring and just angled the inch or so to the front so they fit, or if the hanger needs to be more at 90 degrees? The rear hanger pivots on 2 bushings.
Thnx,
Scott
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tincanalley
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1958 Jewel
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Post by tincanalley on Apr 21, 2023 7:45:17 GMT -8
Here is the trailer before complete disassembly.  E8B1DC31-A479-4C81-942A-330785B9B42A by asmay22, on Flickr With the underslung axle. It gives it plenty of clearance. I’m not sure if the axle withe idler hubs and spring setup was original to this trailer. I think most trailers in 1958 were built with brake hubs from the factory, but could be wrong on this. I was going to go for the 2 3/8 axle 4 drop and new springs (doesn’t seem like 3 leaf is enough?) from dexter similar to PT. Just need to do a lot of measuring, and probably re-position the spring hanger because of the sorter modern springs. Since I’ve built my walls an cut the wells to match the axle needs to be centered in the well, and the 5 x 4 1/2 15” wheel needs to fit up in the well…ok more pondering before ordering the right hub face to hub face length. Decided to not go with the timbren option. so much for trying to get finished by this fall (self imposed deadline)… |
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