Axle spindles

[sseaman]

Has anyone used axle spindles, instead of buying axles, and connected them with square tube so that the axle can be any width you want? im thinking that if you dont know the exact width, as in you dont have the tires and wheels you want to use you could fab that up later? maybe a dumb idea

[asianflava]

A couple folks here have used stub axles. Not that much advantage to them unless you plan on having a drop floor where the axle would normally run. When you order an axle from Dexter or Flexi-Ride, you specify the axle width and they custom build them for you.

Not shure how to lengthen/shorten a regular axle since I'm unfamiliar with them. I'm shure it can be done with a sleeve welded in the center.

[SteveH]

sseaman,

No, it's not a dumb idea. I've built axles in the past with pipe and spindles I bought at a place here in San Antonio...Southwest Wheel. It's no problem at all if you know how to weld. You can buy spindles made from round or square stock. Square is a little easier because you don't have to fabricate the plates to adapt the round pipe to the leaf springs.

[sseaman]

Thanks for the reply, i am planning on welding up my own trailer, and we are looking at a drop floor, i think i may have scrapped the aliner idea for td. i found a source this weekend for scrap metal locally, and picked up some galvanized angle cheap.

[Podunkfla]

Yep... been doing it for years. You can get axle stubs from NorthernTool.com

[Dale M.]

DITTO on what others have said.... Stubs axles and square tubing , works quite well.... Check locally to see if you have trailer manufacturer/supplier locally... I'm fortunate to have all the "stuff' locally... Just a trip across town...

Dale

[Dale M.]

Thanks for the reply, i am planning on welding up my own trailer, and we are looking at a drop floor, i think i may have scrapped the aliner idea for td. i found a source this weekend for scrap metal locally, and picked up some galvanized angle cheap.

Just be careful welding GALVANIZED material... Fumes coming off welding process is TOXIC.... Do it outside with lots of air circulation....

Dale

[sseaman]

Dale, i have read many places that welding galvanized isnt any worse for you than the normal welding fumes. Either way you should have alot of air flow.

[Podunkfla]

Dale, i have read many places that welding galvanized isnt any worse for you than the normal welding fumes. Either way you should have alot of air flow.

In most cases you can just grind or sand off the galvainzing coat to get to steel no problem... Just makes for a better weld anyway.

[Dale M.]

Dale, i have read many places that welding galvanized isnt any worse for you than the normal welding fumes. Either way you should have alot of air flow.

Well I don't want to get sick again so I avoid galvanized as much as possible...

http://files.aws.org/technical/facts/FACT-25.PDF

http://www.twi.co.uk/j32k/protected/band_3/jk30.html

Dale

[sseaman]

i guess i should have clarified better, there arent long term effects, now the flu like symptoms dont sound fun at all