donn0128 wrote:
Probably your best option on a trailer that old, buy new axles. Other than that, check for mobile home axles and seem if the studs are the same size.
Nothing like tossing in the ol towel..
Mobile home axles or parts for mobile home axles will never ever fit.
Yes, I HAVE had drums in which it used BOLTS instead of studs and nuts. It is not a complete loss, the OP does however need to to do some legwork.
If at all possible OP may be able to drill out the broken bolts and remove with an easy out. OP could also try having a nut welded to the top of the broken bolt then back out.
If bolt is extracted then the OP might be able to get some new bolts..
The trick here is SOME of the drums used LEFT HANDED BOLTS, typically on the driver side of the trailer.. The left handed bolts are rather hard to find, right handed bolts are actually available.
If OP can't remove the existing bolt or can't find the bolts they may be able to simply REPLACE the drums..
Replacing the drums would be a bit more costly but it is a easy fix compared to replacing the entire axle.
OP needs to determine the manufacturer of the axle, should be a name and some casting numbers on the drum.. If OP is lucky it will be Dexter..
If Dexter they can simply call Dexter and ask for technical assistance.. Once they have the technical department they should be able to using the casting part number to cross the axle over to current parts..
If it is determined what axle size it is they can tell you iff it is possible to replace the drums.
Depending on what type of rim you have you may only need the drums.. If you have Ford 4.5 on 5 bolt pattern changing drums is all that is needed.. If you have the old "star" 4 bolt pattern (great big open center) you will need to buy rims to match the drum..
