new axle on old trailer.

[larky]

hey guys. i have found myself faced with a problem. i hope that i don't upset anyone with what i am about to ask.......but i am considering replacing the axle on a 1950's tee nee trailer. the axle is in need of bearings and seals. I am able to get them through my local Napa, but the repair is going to cost nearly $200 because of the rare size of the original bearings and races . I have been researching the cost of replacement axles and it appears that a new axle would only cost about $100. what are your thoughts on this? the trailer is ugly as sin and heavily modified. so its not like its worth keeping original. any help is greatly appreciated

Thanks
Matt

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

Sounds like a good plan. You save yourself some money right up front plus with a modern axle when you do need repairs they will be cheaper.

 

[angel_guardian]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

i agree. I am going through a similar situation. my bearing broke and hub ate up the spindle just two days ago. Nobody in my area has the exact size axle i need (66.5" center to center of leaf springs). So I took 30 min after work today jacked up both sides, set on jackstands, took out 10 nuts total and taking entire thing to an axle fabricator. Cost a little more but not breaking the bank.

 

[sschefer]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

LOL, I just ordered a new axel for an old 59 trailer/boat thats been sitting up in the mountains for several years. It was less expensive to throw a new axle and hubs under it than it was to buy another trailer used trailer and possibly face the same grief.. I'll agree with you on your choice. Don't forget those new hubs are going to run you a few bucks too. Mine were 75.00 each lubed and ready to install. I got mine a Pacific Trailer Sales.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

Even if it winds up costing a bit more to go new at least you will have new modern parts in standard modern sizes. A win win in my book.

 

[larky]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

thanks to everyone for your responses. the axle that i am looking at is here

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-2300-2000-lb-standard-spring-trailer-axle.aspx

if anyone has any experience with ordering from this web site, please jump in and let us know. it looks like the hubs are included. they offer 4 and 5 lug patterns. i'll have to check my current tires. they are the 4 lug rim, but will have to measure to verify if they are 4". guys, check out the link and tell me if somethings stands out to you that i should take note of. seems pretty straight forward to me, but this will be my first axle install. i am aware that some welding will be needed to transfer some parts from the old axle to the new one.

thanks again guys
matt

 

[sublauxation]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

thanks to everyone for your responses. the axle that i am looking at is here

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-2300-2000-lb-standard-spring-trailer-axle.aspx

seems pretty straight forward to me, but this will be my first axle install. i am aware that some welding will be needed to transfer some parts from the old axle to the new one.

thanks again guys
matt

There shouldn't be any welding necessary as long as the axle you are ordering has the spring perches in the right location but reading the description on your link it doesn't sound like this axle comes with them welded on. Around here it's about $80 to get that done. I'd call and verify that and see if they can do it cheaply. Otherwise abctrailerparts.com may be something to look into, their's come with the perches already in place and for a nominal fee he can customize them if you have an odd width (chances are it's not). If you get the right axle it's nothing more than 8 nuts with washers and the 4 ubolts.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

I had the same experience as you with my old Tee Nee trailer. Had weird bearings and worst of all the seal. Took the hubs into my local RV shop and they were like "never seen one like that" and that was all I needed to hear. Swapped the whole thing out for a Tractor Supply one. Didn't want to have to chase parts everything I needed hub maintenance.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

I had the local high school welding class do perches for me no charge.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

That's a great idea lck never would have thought of that.

 

[larky]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

ok, guys.....i took the axle off my trailer this afternoon, and was kinda surprised. it had never occurred to me that this old axle would have replaceable spindles. but that's what it looks like. there is what appears to be a circle or hole that has been welded in. i am going to try to drill out that hole tomorrow and see if the spindle can be removed. if that is the case then it looks like i could get by with a repair that will cost a little more than $50. I'll let you know what i find.

thanks again folks for all your input

Matt

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

Good luck larky hope it works out for you.

 

[ricohman]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

I would get the new axle.
I did the same repair last summer. Cutting and rewelding the perches was necessary but it only took me a couple of hours.
Then I had new everything and I bought the 2500lb axle on sale for $150.

 

[larky]

Re: new axle on old trailer.

update.......drilled the welded "hole" and with some brutal persuasion from my good friend the sledge hammer, that ole spindle slid right out. now to choose a spindle to suit my needs. but in response to everyone suggesting a new axle. this particular axle has coil springs. so an axle switch would be a little more work than usual. there would be a bit more cutting and re-welding of needed hardware. if it just had perches to replace then no sweat, but not so with this dinosaur. but there is no denying the true motivation behind this type of repair is cost. gotta keep things cheap. thanks again to all who have offered their input. when i get the parts delivered and installed i will write in to report how things went.

thanks
Matt