New Axle for a '59 Tradewind

[steveirving]

Hi,

I'm looking to replace the axle, hubs, and drums on my '59 Tradewind. I'm in the Quantico, VA (DC area). Can anyone recommend how to go about getting an axle assembly and having it installed in this area?

[Silver Hawk]

Are they sprung or torsion?

contact:
Colin Hyde
colinhydeairstream@gmail.com

or Andy @ Inland RV

[Melody Ranch]

It ain't magic. You have a spring axle. Why not go to any trailer shop...does not have to be an RV type...and get brakes and hubs. Less than 75 each and put 'em on. Buy 'em on line too.

[markdoane]

If it has the original axle it should be replaced. The original axle was only good for about 3500#, and had obsolete hubs and brakes.

I replaced mine with a 5200# 4" drop axle from Dexter, and Nevr-adjust 12x2 brakes.

I also added one more leaf to the spring pack, but I was doing a total rebuild and added about 800# to the gross weight. You won't need that unless you have added tanks, A/C, new floor, and other upgrades.

Now anytime I need bearings, seals, or other brakes I can buy them off the shelf anywhere.

[steveirving]

Originally Posted by markdoane

If it has the original axle it should be replaced. The original axle was only good for about 3500#, and had obsolete hubs and brakes.

I replaced mine with a 5200# 4" drop axle from Dexter, and Nevr-adjust 12x2 brakes.

I also added one more leaf to the spring pack, but I was doing a total rebuild and added about 800# to the gross weight. You won't need that unless you have added tanks, A/C, new floor, and other upgrades.

Now anytime I need bearings, seals, or other brakes I can buy them off the shelf anywhere.

Yes. We also have added about 800lbs to the original 1959 empty weight. My concern is the metal fatigue in the spindles and it is near impossible to find new bearing seals and hub parts. I wNt to keep my leaf springs but improve the axle and drums. Ive contacted both andy and colin. Waiting for replies.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by steveirving

Yes. We also have added about 800lbs to the original 1959 empty weight. My concern is the metal fatigue in the spindles and it is near impossible to find new bearing seals and hub parts. I wNt to keep my leaf springs but improve the axle and drums. Ive contacted both andy and colin. Waiting for replies.

No disrespect to Colin or Andy, but you just need to go to a local spring and axle shop. They can rebuild your springs and add a leaf or two. You won't find new springs the right size at your local farm and fleet store.
You can order a new axle, hubs, brakes from any Dexster dealer, or have sthe spring shop order them.