10" brakes and torsion axles

[kokomoto]

I'm considering swapping my leaf spring axle for a torsion axle. I currently have a 3500 lb axle with 10" electric brakes. The TD weighs about 1,200 lbs, so I was comparing the Dexter #9 Torflex (derated to 1,600 lbs) to the Flexiride 2,000 lb axle. I'd like to swap the brakes and hubs to the new torsion axle. Can the 10" brake assemblies be fitted to these lighter axles? I'm towing with a Jeep Cherokee XJ, so I consider the brakes to be essential, especially on mountain roads.

In case you're curious as to why I'd like to swap axles, I ordered the original axle with the spring mounts on top which made the trailer ride height a bit taller than I'd like. The torsion axle should bring the ride height down to where I'd like it. Additionally, the ride is a bit bouncy on the leaf springs, and I don't want to install shocks.

[MickinOz]

Can't just put lighter leaf springs in with the axle on top of the springs?
My TD weighs 1100#, and the 1320# springs work great.
I wouldn't call it an off-road set up, butt on tar and well made gravel roads, it's fine.

[pchast]

What air pressure do you carry?

My unit is just less than 700lbs when loaded.
I used 30# pressure from my tire's weight/air chart.

[Woodbutcher]

What I like about the Flexride is that the arms are adjustable. Being able to change the ride height so easily was a plus. The downside is they cost more.

[swoody126]

you can buy spring perches for chump change and weld them on the opposite side of the axle

by placing the axle on top of the springs would lower the frame by the diameter of the axle

you can remove a leaf or 2 by simply unbolting the assembly and bolting it back together which would allow you to try different combinations

you are proposing an expense difference that would take you and your chosen partner out to one whale of a fine dining experience

and quite possibly a nice room for the night

if it doesn't fully satisfy you you are only out the price of the perches( <$20 on Prime) and some time

just this old cheapsteak's 2¢ worth this morning

btw ... i just sold my well loved XJ w/ over 300k on it that i regularly used to haul LOTSA STUFF on a very stout 12' x 102" wide utility trailer without brakes and never got myself in a bind

sw

[MickinOz]

That's very good advice SW.

Curious why new spring perches? Here in Oz, it'd be an even bet that you just turn the axle over.
Of course, we'd almost never have a deliberate camber in the axle.
We like our trailer wheels dead straight. Then we select axle size so that the wheels stay that way at design load.
The other thing - do try not to be horrified - we often don't weld the perch to the axle.

[Shadow Catcher]

After ten years our Dexter 2300# axle was sagging to the point of losing ground clearance. Installed a 3500# Flexride with 10" brakes. I thought we migt have to rough a ride, did not prov to be the case.

[Shadow Catcher]

After ten years our Dexter 2300# axle was sagging to the point of losing ground clearance. Installed a 3500# Flexride with 10" brakes. I thought we migt have to rough a ride, did not prov to be the case.