Need advice on bolt-on axles, new

[albert]

Originally Posted by featherbedder

I am 79 yrs. old. Pur axles for my 76 31 ft A.S. from Colin installed my self w/out any help, it is not a hard job, just remember to put shocks on before lifting in place, there was'nt any mods to do , very simple job. Trailer can be lifted by pulling one axle at a time onto stack of boards, just get high enuf to slide new under then lift with floor jack, if you break shock bolts on frame gind off pur. grade 8 bolt, space out with washers. Bill

What do you mean by... If you break off shock bolts, grind off pur grade 8 bolt, space out with washers?
I have three bolts that were shaved off and now I need to replace them. Tips?

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by albert

What do you mean by... If you break off shock bolts, grind off pur grade 8 bolt, space out with washers?
I have three bolts that were shaved off and now I need to replace them. Tips?

Bolts on frame end. I ground off flush from inside frame then nocked off, put in lathe sq. up broken thread end and gound end, then drilled thru for grade 8 bolt reinserted this part then used bolt with washer inside frame to keep in place, this mod. part is hole size of shock then washers to space properly to lign up shock w/axle. If prob. pm me with ph. # then I can talk you thru how to do it. Bill

[perryg114]

My axles have bolts on the frame and on the axle mounting plates. Are these what you guys are talking about? I expect the bolts on the frame will break before they come off. Are both sets needed.

Perry

[putback]

Yep, bolts holding the axle mounting plate to the frame. Probably won't twist off, you'll have to turmum all the way. I cut mine off w/a torch. Either way replace them w/ grade 8s, torque, drive and re-torque. Then forget about them! Shock mounting bolts are a different beast. You can make them as stated above, or in my area you can still buy them off the shelf at the local auto parts store. Many sizes and styles used in the last 60+ yrs on most any vehicle. Easyest way is to save an original to compare.

[perryg114]

Putback I think you mean the plate on the axel. I am talking about the plate welded to the trailer that has holes to mount to the bracket welded to the axel. My axle bolts to the plate and the frame members. Most axles just bolt to the plate.

Perry

[putback]

I'll be darned. I never happened to see that. Never seen a single bolt hole in a main frame rail, but I play with the older ones. Is your attachment original?

[perryg114]

As far as I know it is. I can take some photos.

Perry

[albert]

I have a couple quick questions...
I'm welding my shock mounts to the torsion bars on Monday, so
Do I weld them onto the inside of the torsion arm or outside, nearest the street?
Secondly, where is the best place to jack up the whole trailer? Is it ok to put jack stands under the axles or should it be on the frame?
Thanks for your quick replies!

[perryg114]

Don't put jacks under the axles. Put a jack on the axle mounting plate only or on the frame on the front and back of the axle mounting plate. The frame is just behind the axle mounting plate. Weld new shock mounts where the ones were for your old axle. It might even be possible to hack saw off the old pins and weld them to the new torsion arm.

Perry

[albert]

Thanks for the jacking advise.
On the shocks mounts though, I don't have my old ones to compare, and I have photos from diff people showing it being welded onto the street side of the torsion arm AND on the inside of the arm.... Ugh!

[perryg114]

I am not sure of the exact position. I do know you don't want to get the part that goes into the square axle tube real hot when welding. You could damage the rubber springs.

Perry

[albert]

Ok , thanks for that advise

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by albert

I have a couple quick questions...
I'm welding my shock mounts to the torsion bars on Monday, so
Do I weld them onto the inside of the torsion arm or outside, nearest the street?
Secondly, where is the best place to jack up the whole trailer? Is it ok to put jack stands under the axles or should it be on the frame?
Thanks for your quick replies!

Why jack up trailer if tandem axle? Stack 2/6 each side pull 1 axle on to stack high enough to change 1 axle then do other same way, no chance to slip off jack or stands, remmember to block so tr. does't roll off stack., as for welding shock bolts, axles fron Colin friction fit no need to weld. Bill

[albert]

I could understand that advise if I were replacing the axles, but I'm ONLY welding shock mounts to the axle, the axles are new, installed and bolted,, welded to the frame already.
I am welding the shock mounts and pins to the torsion arms and to the frame, since the idiot, Mr&r polishing, Victorville, ca did not think I needed shocks.