Well I took the plunge !

[schreimaster]

Madjack

So whats you choice torsion or regular axle?

[madjack]

...unless I was looking at mondo extreme off-roading I would go with the torsion...I think it gives a better ride for the weight designation plus it has a cleaner look...we presently have the Flexiride, which has adjustable swing arms giving the ability to go from a low rider to major ground clearance, which ever we should want...don't know if I will ever use that feature but it is a nice option however it is more expensive that the Dexter
madjack

[Chuck Craven]

One thing a bout the leaf spring type of axels, besides the cheaper cost, is:
By playing with the springs, taking or adding a leaf you can get the ride you want.
Also the tire pressure can be varied to help the ride. And in extreme off road you can add a shock to the axel for even a better ride on and off road.
With the torsion axel there is no adjustment once you order the axel. If you plan on a 600lb trailer and it ends up with an 1800lb trailer you may need to order a new axel.
But if you get the right axel you should not have to play with it to get a good ride.
I like the leaf spring type of axels just because if it would have a failure one can get a part to work until you get home and replace the spring with the right one. I must say though I have never had a spring brake on a trailer, just flat tires.
The only time I ever saw a broken axel or spring is because some on over loaded a trailer. Saw a 4 X 8 HF trailer with 4’ sides filled to the top with sand and the nut was complaining that HF trailers are junk. He moved the load some 5 miles before it broke. I figured he had close to 10 tons on an1800 lb trailer. Oh by the way he shoveled the sand it to a ½ ton truck and broke the rear springs on both side before he moved an inch. So if you don’t over load it, it should not brake.
Chuck

[schreimaster]

Madjack

With the Flexiride being adjustable, how is this going to effect the fender placement? It seems to me that if you plan on adjusting the axle for ride height, you would have to set the fenders up for the lowest ride to get the full range. Not ever dealing with this type of axle, I don't know, just my line of thinking.

[asianflava]

You can mount your fenders then adjust the ride height to suit them OR you can set the ride height where you want it then mount the fenders to that.

You will find out that there are probably a dozen ways to do anything. The trick is finding the way YOU want to do it.

[cracker39]

Shree,

I think most of the builders who buy torsion axles use the Flexiride or the Dexter #9 2000 lb model, although for a really light TD, the #8 (600-900 lb) might do. ThisDexter site has lots of info on installation as well as how to determine the initial ride height angle. The Flexiride torsion axles are the ones that allow you to change the angle to adjust your ride height for different conditions. Flexiride also has "half axle" units.

I'm going with the Dexter #9 myself for my TTT. I'm building my chassis exactly 5' wide so I can use a standard width and not have to order a special size. I'll either make an adapter to weld to my chassis so I can bolt on the axle without having to drill holes in my frame tube, or buy their side mount adapter (probably the latter).

[Chip]

I think it has been pointed out already but I am gonna say it again,, The axle has to of course clear the frame width and the box that is on the frame, but another consideration is the wheels you are gonna use, the back set on wheels vary and you could get a set of wheels say with a deeper backset than the axle is set up for and ya might run into a real problem, then its off to get spacers etc etc,

Just trying to head off a problem that I almost ran into,,,,,

chipper

[Denny Unfried]

Now I do need some direction. I'm leaning towards the torsion axle, It's my understanding it sould do better with a light weight trailer. So lets hear it ladies ( x-military, so don't get your feelings hurt) torsion or regular axles ?

You're off to a good start.
Although torsion axles install easier and are a little less expensive I chose leafs. Both suspensions can break and the springs are available everywhere, very easy to replace and you can limp into a town for parts. Torsion's are made to order and if it fails the tear is stranded for as long as it takes to make a new one - usually weeks. If towed it must be put on a flatbed which depending on mileage could exceed the cost of the original build.

Just more food for thought,
Denny

[madjack]

Madjack

With the Flexiride being adjustable, how is this going to effect the fender placement? It seems to me that if you plan on adjusting the axle for ride height, you would have to set the fenders up for the lowest ride to get the full range. Not ever dealing with this type of axle, I don't know, just my line of thinking.

...you are correct Sir
madjack

[schreimaster]

All right Ladies, I have made my choice, the torsion axle wins. Now I plan on ordering it Monday, now my question to you is: my frame is 56" wide + 3/4 plywood sides ( right or wrong ?) + 4 1/2" wheel offset X 2 = 66 1/2" hub face to hud face. I would think I need to add some, to space between the inside of the wheel and the trailer. I'm thinking 1" on each side, for a hub to hub length of 68 1/2". So talk to me, do I need more ? need less ? Let me hear your ideas.

[dhazard]

Scrreimaster, You will probably have to add more than 1” for the inside of wheel and trailer. If I followed you correctly that would be from the inside of the rim to body. Most tires will have some sidewall bulge so you may want to add another 1” or 2” on each side. IMHO Dan

[Steve Frederick]

schrei..
Nice looking frame there!
You'll be done in no time with that pace!
I vote Flexride..I get mine from Southwest wheel. They are great at customer service, the turn around for a custom width axle is pretty quick.
The last two I bought were $230-something, like 'Jack said. I like the idea of adjusting the ride height myself, as I'm not sure what vehicle I'll be building the Tear for. The ride can be adjusted to make the trailer tow well behind your rig.
BTW, Welcome to the madness!!

[madjack]

I'M thinking another 2/4 inches to the measurment you came up with...the measurement you came up with is a theoretical mimium and may well put your tires up against the body...you also need some leeway for aluminum and trim...if you order the Flexiride from Southwest and run your measurments by them they will check it out for you...when I ordered ours, I gave them the frame width, the body width, and the wheel offset/tire size...THEY gave me the hub to hub measurement...I ended up with a fat+ inch of clearance between the TIRE and body with a 1/4" clearance between the swingarms and body...which seems tight, but I have been told that there is virtually no side to side flex in the swing arms...hope that is true
madjack

[schreimaster]

My 4 1/2 measurement included the tire, i already have them mounted. I used a staight edge across the tire and measured to the wheel. So will the 1 " on each side do it? Or do I need to add 2 " to each side?

Thanks for all the input.

[madjack]

seems to me that should doit...make it an even 69 inches and run it by the sales people and see what they say...who/what/which axle brand are you going with...
madjack