Need help from Dexter Axle Guru's...........

[Pizzaguy]

OK......

Read all the pertinent threads on axles and how to measure them for an order from Dexter (at least I think I have), and thought I'd run my measurements by some of you experts.

A little history, I built on a Northern Tools trailer, the one thats prewelded.
It came with those little skinny 12" tires so I thought I'd upgrade to some nice 14" tires with nice wheels that someone here on this board recommended.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360265589635&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3AOU%3AUS%3A1123

Well I ordered and received the wheels and I really like them. Came to slap them on the trailer and realized that this ain't gonna work. Axle was no where near long enough! It rubs up against the nut holding the springs on.

So I need a new axle, read a million and one threads on the subject causing my mind to go in circles and make my brain throb uncontrollaby. I think I have this fiqured out so I thought I'd run my numbers by you guys.

Refer to this diagram that I've included here......




The Tear is 61" wide, the wheels have a zero offset and measures 4.25" from the hubface to the inside edge of the tires. I'd like to have a clearance of 2" or so between the tire & the wall of the Tear. So tell me if I have my calculations right.......

61"+ 8.5" (4.25"X2) + 4" (2"x2) = 73.5"

So I rounded it up a half inch and fiqured I needed a axle 74" long from hubface to hubface.

I fiqured I could reuse the springs that are already there and order a bare axel w/ brake flange (to be added at a later date, or maybe just add them now if it will be cheaper in the long run) I'd also have it shipped w/ new hubs also. I'd also have them put in the bracket (can't remember whatcha call it) that attaches the axle to the spring.

Hows my calculations?

[teardrop_focus]

61"+ 8.5" (4.25"X2) + 4" (2"x2) = 73.5"

So I rounded it up a half inch and fiqured I needed a axle 74" long from hubface to hubface.

Bingo.

You're there.




What was the existing axle's hubface to hubface dimension?

[Pizzaguy]

I wanna say 70.5" or 71"

Oh and another question..... what lenth of studs do I need? Do they offer different lengths?

[teardrop_focus]

With the wheel in place on the hub (you're sure it sits square and the wheel's centerbore isn't too tight) you want at least three threads exposed on your side of the lugnuts when tight.

Yes, different lengths are offered, but that's not the only measurement you'd need. If you do need longer studs, take the hub to a good parts store like NAPA or a brake machine shop and they'll remove one stud and measure the knurl.

[Pizzaguy]

Thanks Chris, I fiqured I'd give them a measurement of how deep the lug holes are and have them sized accordingly.

[teardrop_focus]

yerwelcome.


We want pics soon.

[angib]

A 74" hubface and a 58.5" spring centers means that you have an overhang per side of:

(74-58.5)/2 = 7.75"

which is fine for any of the Dexter axles.

But it's worth checking in case anyone else looked at this thread and assumed they could have any combination of hubface and spring centers.

Andrew

[dh]

Just my thoughts, but wouldn't wheel adapters be cheaper?

[Pizzaguy]

Just my thoughts, but wouldn't wheel adapters be cheaper?

I has thought of that, done a little research in this forum and was led to believe that I would be better off with a new axle. I also looked at spacers online and was overwelmed by what I came up for results. Are "wheel adapters" the same thing?

Bruce

[Dale M.]

Generally a wheel adapter takes one stud pattern wheel and a different stud pattern on hub and mates them together....

A spacer just is just that.... Using same stud pattern on hub as wheel but puts "space" between hub face and mating face of wheel...

Dale

[dh]

A spacer slips between the wheel and the hub face on the studs and will give minimal spacing. An adapter bolts onto the hub and has it's own studs (with or without pattern conversion) that the wheel bolts to. They typically give 1.25" to 3" of spacing. I'm mobil tonight so no link, but google "wheel adapter" and check out eazy accessory.

EDIT:

Here is a link to 5 bolt adapters with no pattern conversion,

http://www.ezaccessory.com/5_Lug_Adapte ... n_s/44.htm

[teardrop_focus]

Nice save, dh!



Why didn't we think of that? *facepalm*

Much mo bettah than having to replace an axle... at this point, anyway.

[dh]

I'm running a set on my utility trailer that hauls 1500# scrap metal loads regularly. I stand by them for this weight range. I would not put them on heavy equipment haulers.