New Dexter Axle Installation Questions

[100ProofDera]

I just received new axles for my 1968 Overlander, which I ordered through Island RV. I got the shock mounts welded on and got the first axle off. I thought the new axles where supposed to be an easy swap, but it doesn't appear that the new upgraded axles will slide into the cutout on the axle mounting plates. The old axles are 2.5 inches wide and the new ones are 3 inches. Do I cut the opening bigger?

[100ProofDera]

[100ProofDera]

[HiHoAgRV]

Yup, ya gotta open the hole. If your Dexters are like the ones I installed in the 'Epiphany gets new axles' thread, you need to open the back and top side. I also slotted the rear bolt holes in the axle so they would line up. Most folks slot the trailer but to me I'd rather modify the axle than the trailer.

[100ProofDera]

Well consider me intimidated. What do you use to open it up? A grinder? What do you use to slot the bolt holes?

[100ProofDera]

Who lives in south jersey and wants to help?

[HiHoAgRV]

It's not too bad. Here is the photos that I took/method I used...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...tml#post558525

[perryg114]

I would use an angle grinder with a grinding wheel on it. How much bigger does the hole need to be? If it needs to be alot bigger use a thinner cutoff wheel to make a slot then cut and grind the tab off. A saws all might work for the rough cut then a grinder to smooth the edges. A cutting torch would work but kinda messy.

I would POR 15 that frame before installing the axles.

Perry

[reinergirl]

This thread was almost a year ago, I'm sure the OP has finished. Or at least mostly sure