Thread: DIY trailer axle

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  1. #1 DIY trailer axle 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner Ted_Z's Avatar
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    So I need a trailer axle for my half tub build. I can buy a 3500# axle with the 5x5.5 bolt pattern for $150-$250. No brain damage, ready to go.

    Or...

    I have access to a D30 from a CJ. I was thinking I could strip off the spindles and hub/rotors and weld them to a piece of tubing/pipe. Basically making my own m416 type axle.

    I'm trying to keep the budget down to $500 on this build so $200 would be a pretty big hit. At the same time I don't want the freaking wheels falling off.

    Any one ever heard of using front spindles to make their own axle?
    -Ted Z
    '97 Grand Cherokee Laredo w/ stuff
    '02 Grand Cherokee Limited w/ less stuff
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  2. #2 Re: DIY trailer axle 
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    My M416 axle might be 5x5.5, and I'm gonna swap it out for a new one with 5x4.5 and electric brakes.
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  3. #3 Re: DIY trailer axle 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner Ted_Z's Avatar
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    Does that mean you want to give it to me

    The M416's do have the 5x5.5 pattern. What's your time line for the swap?
    -Ted Z
    '97 Grand Cherokee Laredo w/ stuff
    '02 Grand Cherokee Limited w/ less stuff
    Quote Originally Posted by Cody View Post
    everytime someone makes a bumper with a stinger, God kills 6 baby Koala's.
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  4. #4 Re: DIY trailer axle 
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    Sometime in the next 4-6 weeks hopefully. I don't know about GIVING it to you, but if you gave me something in exchange that'd be fair.
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  5. #5 Re: DIY trailer axle 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner Ted_Z's Avatar
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    What's the WMS to WMS dimension?

    The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards just buying a new axle. I'm sure I'll have plenty of other fab work to do with out adding axle work to the list.

    Oh, I found some CJ7 leaf springs on the cheap. Woot.
    -Ted Z
    '97 Grand Cherokee Laredo w/ stuff
    '02 Grand Cherokee Limited w/ less stuff
    Quote Originally Posted by Cody View Post
    everytime someone makes a bumper with a stinger, God kills 6 baby Koala's.
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  6. #6 Re: DIY trailer axle 
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    It's pretty narrow. Another reason I'm planning on a new axle, I want one a little wider to help bigger tires clear.
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  7. #7 Re: DIY trailer axle 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner Ted_Z's Avatar
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    I'd guess its the same as the early CJ's, like 56".
    -Ted Z
    '97 Grand Cherokee Laredo w/ stuff
    '02 Grand Cherokee Limited w/ less stuff
    Quote Originally Posted by Cody View Post
    everytime someone makes a bumper with a stinger, God kills 6 baby Koala's.
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  8. #8 Re: DIY trailer axle 
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    Ted, what is your rear axle? If it is a ford 9 you might consider using a ford 9 in the trailer. That way it will be the source of spare shafts and third member in the event you need them.
    04 Dub -- Longarms, JK44, 9" ARB's etc.
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  9. #9 Re: DIY trailer axle 
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    Quote Originally Posted by jsteves View Post
    Ted, what is your rear axle? If it is a ford 9 you might consider using a ford 9 in the trailer. That way it will be the source of spare shafts and third member in the event you need them.

    A guy on CO4x4 did that with a yota axle behind his yota.
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  10. #10 Re: DIY trailer axle 
    Senior Member Grand Slam West Planner Ted_Z's Avatar
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    That was my first thought. I'm running a 8.8 with adapters and already have spare shafts.

    I just got a quote from ABC trailers, 3500# 62" wide axle, 5x5.5" pattern, with the easy-lube spindles, $160 to my door. Winner, winner, chicken diner.
    -Ted Z
    '97 Grand Cherokee Laredo w/ stuff
    '02 Grand Cherokee Limited w/ less stuff
    Quote Originally Posted by Cody View Post
    everytime someone makes a bumper with a stinger, God kills 6 baby Koala's.
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