Axle specs for '74 27' Overlander

[2Rhinos]

Frame is completely rebuilt and time for new axles.
Have a local source but need exact specs/dimensions for axles.
Anyone have drawing or manufacturers specs for above?

[mccrosti]

Reach out to Colin Hyde - he'll help you out.


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[2Rhinos]

Originally Posted by mccrosti

Reach out to Colin Hyde - he'll help you out.


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I understand that Colin Hyde is an excellent vendor, but I was asking if anyone has the dimensions/specifications for the axles.

[mccrosti]

2 Rhinos, I don't have specs and since these are handbuilt, I'd want very close specs. You can call Colin and he'd tell you how to acquire them without and high pressure nonsense.


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[Jim & Susan]

Here's how I did it: Axles

YMMV. Just so you know, if you don't, axles are a frequent form of free-for-all here abouts. I don't wish to get caught up in that. This method worked for me. May work for you too. Good luck, good hunting.

Jim

[Seabloom]

Hi 2Rhinos

I recently as in this week received my new Dexter axles with EZ lube and 12" brakes via Six Robblees. Rather than mess up a dimension I just pulled off one axle, and took it into the store. Glad I did because the first axles made and shipped to the branch were made wrong. No arguments as they had the old one to use as the template. Tubing is bigger now by about 3/8" and the forward hole is 1" closer to the hitch. Install coming this weekend.

My trailer a 76 Overlander had 2800 lbs axles. On scales my rear axles combined were carrying 5200 lbs ready to camp so I went up in capacity. OEM brakes were 12", lots of suppliers will want to get you into a 10" brake so keep an eye out for that. I had to weld on the shock brackets, did the same thing took both old and new axles to a shop and said "make the dimensions the same as the OEM one". My cross measurement was 61-7/16" bracket to bracket, basically the same as Jim & Susan in his post #734 above. Word of caution the new axles are too heavy for one person to man handle, make sure you get someone to help move them around.

Kristien

[Jacob D]

Originally Posted by 2Rhinos

Frame is completely rebuilt and time for new axles.
Have a local source but need exact specs/dimensions for axles.
Anyone have drawing or manufacturers specs for above?

Google Dexter Axles and you can find at least ten distributors in Texas any of which should be able to give you that info.

There is also a distributor in Cookeville, TN named Nuera transport who have a catalog with all the detail you can imagine about Dexter axles. You might try www.nuera-transport.com or 931 739-4055. Info is from my 2010 catalog.

Last December I purchased 3,500 lb Dexter axles from Inland RV and installed on my '67 Overlander. My main reason for purchasing from Inland was time and Andy keeps them in stock, apparently at Dexter. The only hitch for mine was the holes did not match up with the instructions issued by Inland and the weld bead on the axle brackets is on the outside of the bracket which interfered slightly with the notch in the frame side plates but these weren't major problems to deal with. Hope this helps. Good luck

[The Twinkie]

Absolutely GREAT SERVICE.
Give him your Serial Number, model specs and he does the rest.
We have a 1974 Tradewind. We contacted Colin last fall, they arrived and bolted right in.....no stress.

Hook the trailer to your truck, set the e-brake.
Jack the trailer up, remove the wheels from 1 axle, set it back down on the other....chock as needed.
Sawzall off the 2 bolts on each side (careful here, it will fall out), remove the axle and wire brush that area. Prime and paint with Rust Oleum...let dry between coats.
Jack up the new axle and bolt it in...same process for the other axle.

All the welds were good, plates were where they were supposed to be. I have read that some axle vendors do not weld on the plates or have the holes in the correct location....Colin knows what to do. Price is very competitive.
Upgrade to 33.5 degrees, 3200 lbs., get your shocks from Google ($85.00 for all 4)

Thanks again Colin if you read this.

[comtnbyk]

get your shocks from Google ($85.00 for all 4)

What shocks did you buy? I am needing to buy theses shocks and can't find them available from NAPA. Please help with a link if you could please!

I am in the process of changing out my axles this week on my overlander and hope to be on the road again next week! Thanks for all the info and how to do it from all the veteran members here on the forum

[Seabloom]

I bought my shocks from Vintage Trailer supply along with some of the airstream specific sealant. Shocks were cheap about $25 / each. They are made by Gabriel. Something to do with being mounted horizontally made them unique to that manufacturer.

Attached are photos of my recent axle install.

Basically took me 5-6 hours by myself to install them. It took about 3 hrs to get the old ones out and 10 weeks to get the right axles delivered to my door.

Note that my one photo showed where I was going to enlarge to accept the new axles. I ended up doing the entire width but did not increase the depth.

Whole project raised my trailer 4.5".

The brackets the axle would come with are the 003-277-00 and 003-278-000, so make sure they will fit. For me it was just adjusting the front hole 1" closer to the hitch.