Dexter Axles INSTALLED...

[TN-TUNDRA]

I did get the new Dexters installed this weekend. It went pretty good. I decided to use a RotoZip with a metal tip for the elongation of the bolt holes. I used my 4.5" angle grinder for the "C" channel wideing. The hardest part was MOVING the axles. The Dexters did weigh more than the Henschens. Thanks to my dads help. (He did ok for an old guy) Also thanks to PizzaChop for the help on what and how to order! The only problem was the new Dexters had the Nev-R-Lube hubs and these are over 4" the stock AS wheels are 3.?". SO if you are going to get the Nev-R-lube option remember the wheels WILL NOT FIT... I forgot my camera so I didn't any pics sorry. Now on to the reefer and awning.

[GreatPumpkin]

My wheels fit great with the Nev-R-Lube, but I had already replaced the original split rims.

Enjoy the ride!

JB

[Stefrobrts]

Congrats, I'll bet you're going to be happy with them. I sure have been happy with my Dexter, which we put on in 2004. Mine had a different hub - EZ Lube or Qwik-Lube or something like that. The old wheels fit fine.

[Ganglin]

Congrats on the new axles. Did you gain any clearance height with the new install.

[TN-TUNDRA]

A LOT higher now. Looks like I put on a lift kit!

[87MH]

Originally Posted by TN-TUNDRA

I did get the new Dexters installed this weekend....thanks to PizzaChop for the help on what and how to order! The only problem was the new Dexters had the Nev-R-Lube hubs and these are over 4" the stock AS wheels are 3.?". SO if you are going to get the Nev-R-lube option remember the wheels WILL NOT FIT....

Congrats on completing a major upgrade!

PizzaChop has been a HUGE help to many here on the Forums...

On your center hole problem - I installed the AS wheels over the #11 Nev-R-Lube hubs/drums with no problem...I might suggest you check out the actual weight rating stamped on your wheels.

Auto/Truck rims were sometimes substituted for trailer type wheels, and the auto/light truck version are typically rated for 1860 lbs or so. The lighter (auto) rated rims center hole are 3.19". The AS rims should be 3.65" ID on the pilot hole.

It's best not to run with an under rated wheel.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by TN-TUNDRA

I did get the new Dexters installed this weekend. It went pretty good. I decided to use a RotoZip with a metal tip for the elongation of the bolt holes

This is a project I need to tackle in the not to distant future on my 71.

What is a RotoZip?

Now that it's all said and done if you had to do it over again would you still go with the Dexters rather than Henschens?

[TN-TUNDRA]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

This is a project I need to tackle in the not to distant future on my 71.

What is a RotoZip?

Now that it's all said and done if you had to do it over again would you still go with the Dexters rather than Henschens?

A RotoZip is like a bigger Dremal tool.

I would do it again with the Dexters. The hardest parts was moving the axles they both weight a lot. The bolt hole and "c" channel was easy and I still have pleanty of $$$ for new wheels and tires. Cost was $480 per axle and I ordered them through TruckPro here locally.

[TN-TUNDRA]

Auto/Truck rims were sometimes substituted for trailer type wheels, and the auto/light truck version are typically rated for 1860 lbs or so. The lighter (auto) rated rims center hole are 3.19". The AS rims should be 3.65" ID on the pilot hole.

The center bore on the AS wheels were 3.65" but the hubs were 4" so no way they were going to fit. What size are your hubs? Maybe they have made them larger now?

[Chuck]

didn't know you could cut anything that thick (especially, "metal") with the rotozip.
what is this "c-channel widening" of which you speak?

so that price: includes brakes?

[TN-TUNDRA]

Originally Posted by Chuck

didn't know you could cut anything that thick (especially, "metal") with the rotozip.
what is this "c-channel widening" of which you speak?

so that price: includes brakes?

I purchased a "tile" bit at HomeDepot for the rotozip. They are powerfull little tools. I could have used and air die grinder but was having a hard time finding a burr on time. It worked good.

The "c" channel is the "slot" in which the axles go up into. The Dexter axles are 3" wide and the Henschens are 2.75 so about 1/8th" needs to be ground off both sides. It wasn't bad with with a fresh 4.5" angle grinder.

Complete with brakes and even the shock brackets. Shipping was another $100 and taxes on top of that.

Took us about 6 hours from start (jacking trailer) to finish (putting up tools).

[Chuck]

Oh, ok, I get it. "C" channel. But it only looks like a "C" if you turn your head 90-degrees to the right. Maybe it should be called an 'n' channel?

Those roto-zips are great. The masonry bit makes sense...that's pretty hard. I have the right-angle attachment for it, too, but I don't think they have anything that could actually make it into a real "grinder"...almost. I've used the cutoff wheel, but otherwise, it just has "sanding disk" attachments. Unless they've come out with something new, which they do all the time. I should check.

anyway...

go take some pictures!

[TN-TUNDRA]

Originally Posted by Chuck

Oh, ok, I get it. "C" channel. But it only looks like a "C" if you turn your head 90-degrees to the right. Maybe it should be called an 'n' channel?

Those roto-zips are great. The masonry bit makes sense...that's pretty hard. I have the right-angle attachment for it, too, but I don't think they have anything that could actually make it into a real "grinder"...almost. I've used the cutoff wheel, but otherwise, it just has "sanding disk" attachments. Unless they've come out with something new, which they do all the time. I should check.

anyway...

go take some pictures!

It is 90 miles from me now. I just used the roto for the bolt holes. I used a Dewalt angle grinder for the "n" channel.

[smead42]

TN-T, did you spec the axles on the Dexter work sheet or did they look at your axle and copy; also, who did the shock mounts?
Smead

[TN-TUNDRA]

Originally Posted by smead42

TN-T, did you spec the axles on the Dexter work sheet or did they look at your axle and copy; also, who did the shock mounts?
Smead

Speced the axels, I got some help from another member. He had already done his and mine measured the same. I had the shock mounts installed at Dexter and ordered them already welded on. If you want more info just shoot me a PM or e-mail I'll send you all the info I have.

[Safari Tim]

Cool. I love my Dexters too!

I put them on the Ambassador.

Here is some info I blogged about the specs...

1960 Airstream Ambassador Project! » Blog Archive » Axle order

and the install...

1960 Airstream Ambassador Project! » Blog Archive » Axles Installed!

TN-TUNDRA, the wheels shown on my blog are from trailertiresandwheels.com and fit great. I went with the quick lube not the never lubes.

[TN-TUNDRA]

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

Cool. I love my Dexters too!

I put them on the Ambassador.

Here is some info I blogged about the specs...

1960 Airstream Ambassador Project! » Blog Archive » Axle order

and the install...

1960 Airstream Ambassador Project! » Blog Archive » Axles Installed!

TN-TUNDRA, the wheels shown on my blog are from trailertiresandwheels.com and fit great. I went with the quick lube not the never lubes.

Looks great! That is where I got my new wheels from also. I'll have to take some pics when I get back down there to install. For ref the shock option is
top shock mount option E-1492..

[fotochop]

great blog Tim (I"m a vap fan too). getting ready to edgerkate myself on ordering the dexter for my '69 Safari and need all the help I can get. if any '69 Safari (23foot) owners who have happened to already have ordered a dexter (single) for this trailer can send me their specs...well, your place in heaven will be assured ;-)