Axle replacement and ride height

[dabdoo]

I am in the process to replace my axles on a '68 Overlander. When replacing the axles, I was hoping to get some additional trailer/ground clearance as well. Most suggest changing the torsion arm angle from 22.5 deg to 32.5 deg but that only yields .875" and I was hoping for more clearance than that. Has anyone out there ever used axles with a 2" or 3" high bracket profile in lieu of the pricey Torflex Lift Kit?

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by nrgtrakr

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The best I can tell from the data plates on my axles is they are original (75). The torsion arms however are slightly positive (down). I measured wheel to wheel well before lifting, then again once it was up in the air, 1-7/8", so they don't meet the 3" guideline.
...

As with the Pirate's Code, the 3" thing is "more of a guideline...." The Dexter axle specifications say that the difference in the distance between the spindle center and the frame (should be the same as the difference in the distance from the wheel to the wheel well) from no load to full load is right at 2.25 inches. My axles were more like 1.75 inches when I replaced them. It made a difference in the ride that I could feel from the truck.


Al

[featherbedder]

A competent welder that can fabricate can make more ground clearance. My son has 22 ft. tandem axle toy hauler, did his as he wanted larger wheels and that needed more more clearance. When he did his at my shop made brackets and welded spacers on frame. Biggest critical factor is measuring axles so were aligned and spaced equally.

[putback]

As of 3 months ago dexter still offered the "high" mounting bracket. 1 inch extra height no extra charge. They did offer 45 degree down angle, have one on my safari. If you try to go much over an inch additional height with the mounting bracket you may find the original side plates to short to bolt up. resonable to expect new 32 down, high mount brackets on new x's will give you 4 inches more than you have now. Just gave me almost 5"s on a '63 ambassador over the worn out originals.