HF axle flip question

[RogHodge]

I am about to flip the axle on my HF trailer set up. There is an indexing hole on the top of the axle for a relatively fool proof placement but nothing below. I searched for a complete axle flip thread but was unable to find one. I know many have done the work so the process should be no biggie.
Do I simply mark-measure-flip-bolt-pray? Or is there a more tab-A-in-slot-B method?
And, yes, I do know about the hanger notch.

[Mike_La]

Rog,

I haven't done it on a HF trailer, but have on others. I just transfer the measurements to the opposite side of the axle tube and go from there.


Mike

[satch]

Do you have a square or tube axle?

[RogHodge]

The axle is an odd "U" shape (inverted with the opening down) with round spindles welded in the ends. I thought about rotating the axle over but I believe that has been advised against in the past. I think it will be easy to mark and bolt back together- perhaps I’ll do some work tomorrow- and post some pics
and here it is-

[satch]

That's different than the one I have. With my tube axle, I just flipped it over ( There was no arch on this ) I would check other opinions.

[RogHodge]

Okay here is before and after? Does this look like the correct parts order?
I will need to grind the spring indexing bolt to fit against the axle.

[madjack]

Rog, that hole and indexing bolt does more than located the axle, it also keeps it from moving once bolted up...I wouldn't just grind the bolt off but drill a hole for it to fit into...sorry for being late to this thread but I have not previously messed with a HF trailer............
madjack

[satch]

I would weld a plate to the bottom of it and drill a hole for the index pin. Not sure if you have access to a welder, but I'm sure you have a shop near by that can.

[RogHodge]

Too late I already started to drill- then ran out of light. Well I could still weld it if I wanted to, and cared to go through the hassle- but I don’t. It would go against my inner cheapskate.
The hole is ~ ½ inch! I don’t own a bit that large- at least not a metal bit. BTW are the parts in the proper order a few pics up?

[hugh]

I have been staring at your before and after pictures and something strikes me as wrong. When the spring is mounted on top of the axle the U bolt plate sits flush on top of the spring plus the locating pin goes through the spring and into both the axle and the spring plate which helps keep the spring from moving sideways. That looks like a slipper spring which is located by the shackle and the pin in the center. The frame appears to be a channel, if it is I guess it would keep the slipper end of the spring aligned also.
When you moved your axle under the spring it looks like the arch of the spring does not allow the spring plate to sit flat plus you no longer have a locating pin to keep the spring in line. Looks like a very real chance of the spring being able to move sideways. It,s hard to tell from a couple of pictures but don,t be cheap on the important stuff.

[RogHodge]

To allay your fears let me assure you that I won’t do anything foolhardy or dangerous. There will be a hole to both keep the springs from wandering and allow everything to be snugged up. In my haste to post a picture I didn’t tighten the u-bolts.

I do have a thought though- Since the hole in the axle is ~1/2â€

[satch]

Just get a 1/2 bit, any hardware store should carry it. Alot easier than grinding bolt heads

[RogHodge]

I tried my idea with a stunt bolt (he volunteered for service)- I am now convinced intellectually and experientially that I need a bigger drill- (save the jokes)

I guess I’m off to HF – I hope their POS bit is good for two holes.

Rather than post twice I shall work before post.

For what it’s worth- dixiline- one bit $15
HF- set of bits- including the ½â€

[satch]

Looks like a winner to me.

[hugh]

looks good now.