Axle installation and hardware instructions

[richard5933]

I got my new axles from Colin Hyde this week and have a few questions. Hoping someone that's done this before can lend a hand, so to speak.

1) The hardware kit which came with the axles only included 8 ea. bolts, flat washers, and nuts. There are no lock washers, but the nuts appear to have some type of depressions in the outer thread which I'm guessing may be in place of lock washers.

Will I need to add lock washers?

My existing axles appear to have washers on both sides - against the bolt end and next to the nuts. Should I get extra flat washers and repeat this?

2) The propane line on my trailer was routed through the axle mounts and is trapped inside them. No way to remove the old axles without first pulling the copper propane line.

Is this the normal routing of the propane line?

Should it go back in the same place or is there another, safer way to route it?

3) The axles were supposed to come with lug nuts. I did receive 24 lug nuts, but only 7 of them actually have the correct thread size (the remainder of them are way too large). Even so, the ones that will thread on the studs are much shorter in length.

Will these shorter lug nuts suffice or do I need to source something else?

[Belegedhel]

Well, it has been a few years since I replaced my axle, but I will try to answer your questions from memory:

1) Try threading a nut onto one of the bolts. If you find that there is resistance from the very start, then these are probably automotive styles nuts that have resistance built into nut to bolt interface. Also note the torque spec. In any condition where you completely flatten a split ring lock washer, it provides little, if any, locking functionality anyway. End of the day, you probably don't need the lock washers. I would not add a washer on the bolt head side, unless the hole is so large that the head is at risk of slipping through.

2) On my trailer, there is plenty of room to route the propane line under the axle, which is where I would route it if you can. I can't see any benefit in having the propane line go over the axle.

3) I don't recall whether my axle came with lug nuts or not, but I doubt if what I have on there was provided as part of the package. The fit of your lug nuts is going to be heavily dependent upon the rims. I might use a very different lug nut for a thin, steel rim, compared to a thick alloy rim. You might end up tossing out all the lug nuts that came with your axles and going to the local auto parts store to get something that matches the threads and provides the maximum thread engagement, and has the look you want. I wouldn't hesitate to point out to Colin the issue, though, as you will probably spend another $40 on lug nuts.

good luck!

[DremStremer]

I also got my axle from Colin Hyde. I received the same hardware as you did, plus the correct lug nuts. The attachment bolts are self locking. I know this because the nuts were extremely difficult to tighten down. I did not need or use a washer on the head side of the bolt.

[richard5933]

Any clue what the proper lug nut thread size is? My thread gauge doesn't go that large?

[Hittenstiehl]

I would email CH and have them send the necessary parts. You paid for it. We were missing a few pieces also.

[richard5933]

Are there different lug nuts for the older steel wheels?

[richard5933]

And, where can I find the torque specs for the axle mounting bolts? Not seeing them in the manual, and the Dexter site isn't cooperating with me trying to find an install manual.

Kind of thought the axles would come with something in the way of information, but nope.

[tjdonahoe]

If 5/8” they should be 120-150 ft lbs..no lock washers..they break and you end up with a loose bolt…wheel studs are 1/2”….if you need washers..use grade 8 washers only

[TR Anderson]

Got my Dexters through Rob at Richfield Trailer Supply in Flint, Michigan. They came with all the bolts and two washers per bolt. If they give me two washers, I'll use them both.



All lug nuts were on the studs when received. I would add, however, that some were only engaged on the first two or three threads and they could have easily come off during shipping.



Rob was great - spent time on the phone and back and forth emails and even sent me pages from the sales and installation manuals he had. Completely painless and was, in fact, almost enjoyable. Almost!

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by richard5933

And, where can I find the torque specs for the axle mounting bolts? Not seeing them in the manual, and the Dexter site isn't cooperating with me trying to find an install manual.

Kind of thought the axles would come with something in the way of information, but nope.

I wouldn't be surprised if the axle install instructions are "for professional installation."

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by richard5933

And, where can I find the torque specs for the axle mounting bolts? Not seeing them in the manual, and the Dexter site isn't cooperating with me trying to find an install manual.

Kind of thought the axles would come with something in the way of information, but nope.

Is this what you're looking for? Instructions at bottom of link.

https://www.crofttrailer.com/k71-724...torflex-axles/

[richard5933]

Great information - thanks all.

[scotinexcile]

I sent him a message via his website but have not heard anything back

Anyone have a direct email for him?

Thank you in advance

[Hittenstiehl]

Scott I sent you a private message regarding the contact information for Colin Hyde. We have used him on three sets of axles to date with good outcomes.

[richard5933]

Finally getting to the installation on the new axles. One issue I'm seeing is that the shock mounts on the new axles put the upper end of the shock about an inch further out from the frame than the lower mount.

The rubber bushings seem able to absorb the misalignment, but I'm not sure about the longevity of mounting shocks like this. I found a number of threads about this with others having the same problem. Many posted that they were going to install at the angle and see what happens.

Haven't yet been able to find anyone reporting back the long-term results of having the shocks mounted with one end further from the frame than the other. Anyone have any insight about this? Just put them on at an angle and move on or is there need to take action now and modify the mounts?

[richard5933]

To finish out this thread, the axles are now installed. Took a while to do, but overall things went well.

Gertie is sitting much taller now and even all around. Can't wait to get the rest of my projects completed so I can get camping.