Flexiride 3500# Torsion half axle install question

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Flexiride 3500# Torsion half axle install question

Postby jamorgan3777 » Sun Nov 01, 2020 11:41 am

Ill try this first by explaining and then attach a drawing if my explanation is not enough. I am getting ready to install a 3500# Flexiride torsion half axle set on the trailer frame I am building. I cant really find any instructions or past attempts to look at. My question is about how far out the hub face should be from the side rail of the trailer. If I install as I am thinking, the frame rail will be directly over the torsion arm. It would look like if it really bottomed out the arm would hit the frame. If I line it up such that the torsion arm is all the way clearing, then I have a set of bolt holes that go right into my frame rail. I was not wanting to install sleves in the rail if I can help it. The flexiride web site is not much help. I plan on installing them with the maximum down angle (22.5 degrees I think) so the chances of it bottoming out should be very low. It appears there is enough clearance for the torsion axle to actuate unobstructed.

Any advice would help.
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Re: Flexiride 3500# Torsion half axle install question

Postby saltydawg » Sun Nov 01, 2020 12:17 pm

How far out depends on your tire wheel combo. I would think you want it so you have a min of 1.5 inches from the tire/rim from the rail. If that will let the arm hit the frame then you would need to go further out. But I think they are designed to mount the body flush to the outside of the frame.
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Re: Flexiride 3500# Torsion half axle install question

Postby twisted lines » Sun Nov 01, 2020 3:28 pm

I wish I knew more about Torsion's axle's but from a drag racer that had 33.5 15 x 15s in a Camaro Offset means everything 1.5 " Means more tire. ;)
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Re: Flexiride 3500# Torsion half axle install question

Postby tony.latham » Sun Nov 01, 2020 3:48 pm

[img]It%20appears%20there%20is%20enough%20clearance%20for%20the%20torsion%20axle%20to%20actuate%20unobstructed.[/img]

My Dexter 22.5ยบ down axle needs 4" of clearance between the tire and the fender.

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Re: Flexiride 3500# Torsion half axle install question

Postby John61CT » Sun Nov 01, 2020 5:28 pm

from the data sheet

If that's not enough I'd call Universal's support line
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Re: Flexiride 3500# Torsion half axle install question

Postby jamorgan3777 » Mon Nov 02, 2020 11:15 am

Thanks for all the hints. I think my original idea of placement is correct. Ill take you through the logic. I am in contact with the axle supplier and they are confirming.

Basically, my hub face will determine the placement. If my fender is 9" wide and my hub face is to be centered in the fender, then there should be 4.5 " from the hub face to the outside edge of the frame rail. The drawing shows 6.44 inches from the edge of the bolt pattern to the hub face so I think everything lines up. 4.5 hub face to frame rail + 2" frame rail to axle mount = ~6.5" mounting distance. That should put it right on the edge of the frame rail with enough overlap to get a good weld in and yet enough clearance for bolt holes. I plan to try it out tonight with the wheel and everything just clamped up to see how its gonna work.


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Re: Flexiride 3500# Torsion half axle install question

Postby John61CT » Mon Nov 02, 2020 12:36 pm

Personally I would extend the mounting point outwards until the bouncy bits completely clear the frame.

Then only the fender needs to be mounted high enough so the tire never hits it.

Have a look at the (very clear and easy) install drawings and videos for the sideways-mounted Timbren Axle-less line, and you'll see what I mean.

Basically you start your overall frame design with your overall width at the hub face

and use the suspension design to determine the width of your main rails where they get mounted.
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