Wolfrequiem wrote:
I'm not sure why everyone is ignoring my caveat: Such measures are too expensive for me to afford, especially if you look at the photos and see what all would be involved in pulling the old hardware off, e.g., I don't weld or have access to a cutting torch without having to pay the premium for that, too. It's not just a matter of swapping something out, as on a newer model. The hubs I'm probably in for, but the axles I'm stuck with. Too, given that this thing won't be on the road probably but twice or maybe three times as long as I have it, the benefit-cost analysis makes doing anything more than necessary a waste. Thanks for the advice, though.
You are not listening to GOOD advice.
Dayton Fayette axle parts are made of "Unobtainium", they are obsolete and out of production.
The bolts you seek are rarer then "hens Teeth" and if I remember correctly one side uses LEFT HAND THREADS and those bolts pretty much are non existent the last time I tried searching for a poster on this forum..
You can find the rims, but they are costing $150 each now days USED WHEN YOU CAN FIND THEM FOR SALE and you will need 5 of them so you have a spare..
IF it was a DEXTER axle with the star rims you may have had some luck in calling Dexter to get a cross reference to a modern axle (which is what I was able to do) in order to cross to modern Ford 5 on 4.5 drum pattern (3500 lb axle).
Now, if you REALLY insist on doing it the hard way, you could buy the newer 5 bolt drums, then take the bearings from you old drum and go to a bearing shop and see if they can match a bearing with proper sizes..
BUT, you still have one more hurdle to deal with..
The axle stub length..
This one will have to be carefully measured and will need to MATCH EXACTLY but you have no real way to do this without either another axle stub or using the new drum with a test fit to see if it will come close..
Now, perhaps if you have the energy left you might be able to build your "tiny house"..
But I will toss an additional bomb into your idea..
Your trailer does not have SPRINGS..
It uses a "teeter totter" design and shocks to stabilize the teeter totter..
That is a less than ideal setup and most likely will cause a lot of grief in towing stability and comfort..
Listen to folks, scrap the axles and I would suggest the teeter totter suspension. New axles plus new springs and if you want shocks you could add them in also.
Do it right the first time rather than half way then regret the half way and then try to fix after the fact.
Scrapping the old axles and replacing with new will get you new brakes and new drums..
A pair of drums now days will cost you about $150 and you will need two pairs..
If you don't have the rims they will cost you $750 IF you are lucky to find them..
New Ford 5 on 4.5 pattern rims can be bought new starting at $40 each..
