Torflex axle and Wheels off a Jeep

[Cdash]

Hi all,

I am doing my homework on building a tear. I have a lot of it worked out already, but am now looking at the axle.

I am building a striped down tear for pulling behind my Jeep. I am going with a Jim Dandy type shape without any galley. It will just be a bed and some extra room for storage. I don't really plan it to be a bounce it off the rocks off road trailer, but more a bed on wheels I will take on trips and park while playing.

I plan to make the hitch level with the Jeep, which means larger tires. I figure if I am going to order an axle, I may as well get the hubs to match the Jeep and just pick up a couple of used wheels. My Jeep has 17" wheels, but there are 16", 17" and 18" wheels that come on them, guessing that the 16" will be found cheaply. I have the back spacing figured out in that I can get the axle out far enough to use the wheels without exceeding Dexter's maximums for the overhang, while still having clearance to the walls.

The question I have is with the Jeep wheels and the larger backspacing, am I going to run into an interference between the wheel and the trailing arm up by the axle tube? Does anyone know what the dimension is on a #10 axle from the center of spindle to the edge of the trailing arm and how far back it sits from the hub face?

Also, while the torflex guru's are in the post, where are the best places to buy with good service, prices and low shipping?

Thanks for any help!!

Craig

[urban5]

You don't say what type of Jeep you have. Seems like each one has a different lug pattern in the newer models. Assuming you are using Jeep to refer to the Wrangler style platform, I am guessing you have a JK because of the rim sizes you mentioned. So here is some food for thought.

The TJ had 15" rims stock with a 5 on 4.5". The stock steelies (or spare tire rims, which are the same) would have no interference but keep in mind it is a fairly wide tire and rim compared to the normal trailer tire. The arm from center of axle spindle to the outer most part of the axle tube (meaning the side the rim could rub against) could be no more than 7".

The JK has a 5 on 5" pattern and has larger diameter wheels (stock) than the TJ, but they are also wider in most cases. Also keep in mind the 5 on 5 pattern is not a very standard pattern for trailers. (keep in mind I am not trying to discourage you)

What I would do: Order the torsion axle with the 5 on 4.5 pattern. Then check out someone like Morris 4x4 center and purchase they're wheel adapter kit that would convert the 4.5 to 5. I think both adapters, and lug nuts run around $100.

The why: The adapters will add an extra 1.5" of clearance on each side, allowing the use of the slightly wider tire. If for some crazy reason you have a blow out and the only spare available with your ride partners is a TJ rim, you can take the spacer off and fit that rim also, or you can fit a standard 5 lug trailer rim. So it really gives you more options. Of course because you prepared for it, it would never happen

If you do not own a TJ or JK then post what you do have because the above info may not apply. Also make sure you measure 20 times to make sure it will all fit, before you order it.

[Shadow Catcher]

you might want to consider using a Flexride axle http://www.ucfamerica.com/flexiride.html which in the torsion bar type is adjustable which is adjustable as far as height.

For every one else they have a toe in camber sheet that says what you need http://www.ucfamerica.com/Flexiride%20T ... angles.jpg

[Cdash]

I am guessing you have a JK....

The JK has a 5 on 5" pattern.....

Yup, it's a JK (Wrangler) Unlimited. The wheels I have are 17" diameter, 7.5" wide with a 6.25" back spacing. I have it all figured out from that end.

The other option I threw around is going with the 5 on 4.5 to use two left over wheels and tires i have laying around from my old XJ, but then I would have to buy a spare to cary on the trailer. It really wouldn't be a big deal, I would guess wheels for an XJ are a dime a dozen for all of them that were sold in addition to the TJ's.

I kind of liked the idea of being able to use the spare from the Jeep if needed.....

[urban5]

I myself have a TJ, and not only did I use my old spare, but I bought 2 more spares of craigslist for $20. I also reused my original TJ spare tire carrier on my trailer. ( I have a swingout on my Jeep now). Check out my album for pics. When the pics were taken I was using the trailer rims and tires I already had, because I found after the build that my trailer sits level with the Jeep if I turned a 2in drop hitch over to make it a 2 in rise. (my trailer is a spring over solid axle though) with the trailer sized rims and tires. The stock TJ/XJ tire will measure out to about 29" and the Trailer combo comes out to about 25". My TJ is running a modest lift and 33"x12.50s Good thing is that if I choose to keep using the trailer wheels, my lug pattern is the same on the old tire carrier, so a trailer rim will fit it.

I have also found that it is easier to get a car tire than a trailer tire, when your out and about.