Potentially Incorrect Dexter Axles - requesting assistance

[Tpsun]

Good Afternoon All,


This is my first post on the forum, so please excuse anything I miss. I recently ordered (2) custom axles from Dexter for my 69' Overlander restoration project.



I removed one of the old axles from the frame and discovered that the mounting bracket on the new axle does not line up properly with the frame. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong (which is 99% probably what is going on), however would really appreciate some guidance from the more experienced Airstream community on how to proceed. I may ask a welder to cut off the mounting bracket and re-weld it in the proper orientation, however the distance between hubs is also 2" shorter than the old axles, and the bolt for the shock is situated directly above the mounting bracket which may hit the frame upon mounting.



If the axle was manufactured correctly, what am I missing in terms of actually mounting it to the frame? The original axles (picture included) had the longer portion of the mounting bracket closest to the tire, whereas the Dexter axles have the shorter side of the mounting bracket closest to the tire. I do not have the lift kit, but am not opposed to purchasing it if it would fix the issue.



Thank you!

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by Tpsun

Good Afternoon All,


This is my first post on the forum, so please excuse anything I miss. I recently ordered (2) custom axles from Dexter for my 69' Overlander restoration project.



I removed one of the old axles from the frame and discovered that the mounting bracket on the new axle does not line up properly with the frame. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong (which is 99% probably what is going on), however would really appreciate some guidance from the more experienced Airstream community on how to proceed. I may ask a welder to cut off the mounting bracket and re-weld it in the proper orientation, however the distance between hubs is also 2" shorter than the old axles, and the bolt for the shock is situated directly above the mounting bracket which may hit the frame upon mounting.



If the axle was manufactured correctly, what am I missing in terms of actually mounting it to the frame? The original axles (picture included) had the longer portion of the mounting bracket closest to the tire, whereas the Dexter axles have the shorter side of the mounting bracket closest to the tire. I do not have the lift kit, but am not opposed to purchasing it if it would fix the issue.



Thank you!



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I know you don't want to hear this but you have the wrong axles and they can't be altered to fit. The axle has rubber inside it so it can't be welded on and the brackets are facing the wrong way. The length hub to hub has to be the same as the old one to fit between the frames. Contact Colin Hyde restorations and he can get the right ones for you.

[Tpsun]

Hi Doug and Terry,


Thank you for the response and for the information. Unfortunate to hear, however that did confirm my suspicions. I left a voicemail with Colin, I don't blame him for not picking up a random call so I will shoot him an email as well.



Hopefully High Sky and/or Dexter are understanding about the manufacturing error and can offer a full return, however I am not holding my breathe.

[dbj216]

The key to this problem is the Dexter order form for you serial number axles. With the order form, you can inspect the axles to the order form. Things like hub face to hub face, mounting brackets, shock mounts, brakes, weight ratings, and etc.

I had a situation on my 75 Overlander 27' where the axles shipped were clearly wrong to the order form. There was a shipping error somewhere in the process. Once we clearly identified the axles were not like our order form, the exchange was made and I received the correct axles.

The business you ordered the axles from should support you 100% in getting this straightened out. If Dexter built what you ordered even if they don't fit, they are your axles. Dexter clearly states they do not refund special order axles if they are built to the order.

I hope you get it resolved...

David

[Tpsun]

Thanks for the info, David. I reached out to Dexter and they communicated that I would need to work this through High Sky, who submitted the original order. I've sent them two emails and have yet to hear anything, no answer via phone call either.



I did talk with Colin and he steered me in the right direction - I am going to plan to order the new axles through him. I may need to wait a bit just until more funds are available, as I did not budget for 2 sets of 2 axles each.



Will keep everyone posted with High Sky

[dbj216]

We all expect Ski High to give you their full assistance. There are a lot of Airstream folks here watching and Sky High won't want a black eye. Keep us posted if you will.

David

[Tpsun]

It looks like High Sky has agreed to provide me with no axle beams free of charge. I am not sure what the timeline is on this (likely several months) or the mounting process for the hubs and brakes of the old axles, however, this seems like a step in the right direction.



The shell on my 69' Overlander is currently off right now, so I will likely need to put it back on prior to the axles arriving so I can continue moving forward with the project. I did talk to Colin and am still interested in purchasing the known correct axles from him, however I am going to see if High Sky's replacement axles work before moving forward, solely to ensure I stay within budget.



I will keep everyone updated! Thank you for the support.

[dbj216]

Assembling the bearings and brakes is not difficult. So at least it is a step forward. Many Airstreamers remove the shell so they can complete frame repairs and install new subfloor as well as new waste water and fresh water tanks. It is just easier with the shell off as opposed to laying on your back doing this work. Seems to me the axles can be installed with the shell off or on. I can't think of a place the shell interferes with the axles. But I know nothing about your project, so I better keep my mouth shut.

David