Tips on Moving Harbor Freight Axle Back

[markhusbands]

Could anyone offer some further details on moving the harbor freight axle back (on the non-folding 4x8) or point me to where this may already exist on the forum?

My searches have turned up a lot of "just drill some holes" stuff, but since the spring hanger piece also provides a connection between front and back halves, AND has square holes for carriage bolts, etc. I wouldn't mind a clearer description and/or some photos or something before I start in to perforating.

[markhusbands]

I found a couple links to pictures and information about moving axle brackets and trailer strength, but the most specific ones were busted. I'm willing to go with 38" but am worried about the frame strength.

[markhusbands]

well, I got impatient (one of my non-virtues) and just went ahead and did it. I moved it back about 3.5 inches, which left some overlap where the two halves meet. My biggest worry was moving back too far so the center got no support from the spring mounts. based on what I took to be the center of the spring mounts I guessed I'd end up with about 38 1/2 inches axle line from trailer rear. But I didn't consider that the springs aren't symmetrical, so I probably ended up with closer to 39 1/2 or 40 inches from the back. Anyway, still probably better than stock, and it looks strong enough to no need more support beams. Plus it's done and I ain't undoing it. Axle is straight anyway.

Next...repack the harbor freight bearings. I'll have no idea what I'm doing at all, whatsoever. There's going to be a lot of that.

[S. Heisley]

well, I got impatient (one of my non-virtues) and just went ahead and did it.

Next...repack the harbor freight bearings. I'll have no idea what I'm doing at all, whatsoever. There's going to be a lot of that.

This reference pdf may help quite a bit with your build: http://www.mikenchell.com/images/GenericBenroyPlans.pdf

For bearings, try looking at:

http://www.automedia.com/servicing_Whee ... 020901wb/2

or:

http://www.ehow.com/video_7226911_repac ... rings.html

There are undoubtedly other websites out there as well.

If your bearings and/or trailer are new, check your bearings very carefully for metal shards/slivers, rolling the bearings lightly with your finger, to be certain they will roll. I found metal shards in between the bearings in mine, which would have frozen the bearings and I cut my hand from them because I hadn't expected to find anything.

[markhusbands]

Repacked and didn't note anything interfering with the bearings. Got them pretty will packed with grease at this point, so hopefully I did everything correctly and won't have an troubles with them for some thousands of miles.

[markhusbands]

If your bearings and/or trailer are new, check your bearings very carefully for metal shards/slivers, rolling the bearings lightly with your finger, to be certain they will roll. I found metal shards in between the bearings in mine, which would have frozen the bearings and I cut my hand from them because I hadn't expected to find anything.

I couldn't detect anything in there. The bearings themselves moved freely and I made an effort to keep out bits of dust and other garage debris. Hopefully good enough.

[NateDogg]

I did some searching, is there a better thread or a link to somewhere I can learn how to move the axle back? I've pulled trailers all my life, but for the balancing and loading, I'd like to move the axle back some but have never done this before.

Thanks from a newbie!

[markhusbands]

http://www.angib.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/t ... tear81.htm

That link has lots of info on where to put your axle IF you know what your intended weights are. Personally I was just guessing.