Figuring out an axle

[dockmasterdave]

OK, Not camping related, but I still want your opinions.
I have a 4x8 flatbed trailer that was homemade.
The seller told me it was made from the drop axle out of an old pick up.
I need to replace the lug studs with longer ones to make a wheel spacer work safely, or replace the whole hub.
Of course the studs are thoroughly rusted in place.
Catch is, I have no idea what truck the axle would have come out of.
I am hoping one of you will recognize it.
Here is some info I have:
It seems to be a 5 x 5.5" spacing.
It uses a timkin 1216 bearing for the outer.
I can't get a number off the inner, but I suspect a timkin,if I remember correctly I think I was looking at 1201.
Seems like it would be pre 1970 or so with front drum brakes.
I'm not sure how I can find out where this axle came from, but right now the trailer is out of commission.
I'll gladly accept any ideas you might have, and will try to get any dimensions that might help.
Thanks for any help you can offer.

[eHoefler]

You can order a new axle with the spring pads and face to face the dimensions you need. Usually at no additional cost. I get all my axles through Redneck Trailer.

[RLS7201]

All I could afford wrote:
I'm just curious how the original builder secured the tie rods in a theoretically perfectly straight ahead position. It seems like a lot of potential for play between worn tie rods, ball joints/kingpins. I'm no stranger to using the things I have around the yard to save money on a project, but if I was building a trailer, new axle, electric brakes or no brakes if light, and keep it light and simple.

Securing the spindles is not a big deal. I built a bike trailer on a Ford front axle. Got out the tape measure, a square and some string to get the spindles perpendicular to the axle. Set the toe in and welded the spindles to the axle. DIYers do it all the time.

Richard

[Bob_Olallawa]

SolidAxleDurango wrote:

Jim-Linda wrote:
FWIW, WD-40 is NOT a product to use to free up frozen fasteners. Kroil, PB Blaster, etc., is what you use.

Jim

PB Blaster wins in my book!

And the Kroil wins in mine

[SolidAxleDurang]

Jim-Linda wrote:
FWIW, WD-40 is NOT a product to use to free up frozen fasteners. Kroil, PB Blaster, etc., is what you use.

Jim

PB Blaster wins in my book!

[All_I_could_aff]

I'm just curious how the original builder secured the tie rods in a theoretically perfectly straight ahead position. It seems like a lot of potential for play between worn tie rods, ball joints/kingpins. I'm no stranger to using the things I have around the yard to save money on a project, but if I was building a trailer, new axle, electric brakes or no brakes if light, and keep it light and simple.

[TNGW1500SE]

Ivylog wrote:
For less than .......$200 you can have a 3500 lb Dexter axle that you can bolt to your springs. Granted you will probably have to cut it to shorten the axle and reverse the camber as you are going to bolt it under the springs.

But,,, I bet you have to get new wheels and have your tires switched over.

[Jim-Linda]

FWIW, WD-40 is NOT a product to use to free up frozen fasteners. Kroil, PB Blaster, etc., is what you use.

Jim

[Goostoff]

Heat with a torch and that 10 pound BFH should knock them out. I would get a new axle as well but it will be a lot cheaper for new studs.

[BarneyS]

I would bet Southwest Wheel & Axle would have what you need in a new axle at a very reasonable price.
I concur that trying to work around that old rusty piece of iron is a lost cause. 🙂
Barney

[dockmasterdave]

WOW thanks ivylog:
I didn't know it was that reasonably priced.
I bookmarked the page. I need to pretend I'm doing some work now, but I'll definitely check in to that.

[SolidAxleDurang]

Ivylog wrote:
For less than .......$200 you can have a 3500 lb Dexter axle that you can bolt to your springs. Granted you will probably have to cut it to shorten the axle and reverse the camber as you are going to bolt it under the springs.

This is what I would do ^^^^

Rather than jack around with an old rusted experiment.

[Ivylog]

For less than .......$200 you can have a 3500 lb Dexter axle that you can bolt to your springs. Granted you will probably have to cut it to shorten the axle and reverse the camber as you are going to bolt it under the springs.

[dockmasterdave]

Thanks Donn:
I sprayed WD 40 on the studs of one hub, threaded the nut on, till flush with the stud, beat it with a 10lb sledgehammer.
It laughed at me.
I went to a trusted mechanic to see about heating them with a torch. He recommended getting a new hub.
He said I would have a lot of trouble finding new studs of this type.
I was also wondering about having them pressed out.
I knew I could get some good advice here.

[eHoefler]

Early Dodge or International front axle, around the 60's early 70's.