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mlang905 · 03-05-2007, 03:41 PM

I have a '73 Overlander on it's original axels.

Can you give me a rough estimate of how much new axels would cost, so I can budget for them?

Do I need to replace the whole axel and drums?

Michael

**Action** · 03-05-2007, 03:53 PM

The axle or axles in your case are one piece assembly each. The brakes would be seperate or in addtion to the axles. You can obtain the axles with out drums and braking pieces. And after 35 years of use you might want to reconsider that line of thinking. IE if the axles need replacement the braking assembly may need to be replaced too. Unless the brake assemblies have been replaced not too long ago.

I am going to defer the pricing answer to some one that has actually done this.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

kneal · 03-05-2007, 04:25 PM

I am about to go with new axles on a Tandem 73 Safari with 12 Inch Brakes, Shock Mounts, ETC...and it coming in at $1200 for both installed. Good luck.

Silvertwinkie · 03-05-2007, 04:37 PM

That seems really reasonable...mind me askin' who's doin' it?

kneal · 03-05-2007, 08:47 PM

American Trailer Parts in Knoxville, TN. They recently did another members - Trevor Gardner - and it turned out great. http://www.airforums.com/forum...visgardne.html

mlang905 · 03-07-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kneal

I am about to go with new axles on a Tandem 73 Safari with 12 Inch Brakes, Shock Mounts, ETC...and it coming in at $1200 for both installed. Good luck.

What axels are they replacing with?

kneal · 03-07-2007, 08:31 PM

Dexter - 5200# cut down to 3000# with the 12 Inch Brakes and Shock Mounts....

AYRSTRM2 · 03-08-2007, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kneal

Dexter - 5200# cut down to 3000# with the 12 Inch Brakes and Shock Mounts....

Does this include new hubs, I'm guessing? And what type of lube option did you go with? Also, what sort of conversation did you have with the dealer on specifying your axles? I'm about to take mine in and am wondering if you worked with them on the mounting configuration, since it is backwards of the Henschens (though I know they will make them however you need them).

LI Pets · 03-08-2007, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AYRSTRM2

the mounting configuration, since it is backwards of the Henschens .

Can you explain how you mean they are backwards?

smead42 · 03-12-2007, 11:03 PM

The Dexter axles that I have seen have the brackets turned to the outside where the Airstreams (at least mine) are turned to the inside. Their order form shows that you can order reversed brackets. Also, mine will require the high mount. Their quote was $319 each plus state tax.

uwe · 03-12-2007, 11:16 PM

Dexter will make your axle (s) pretty close to the way you want them. Teh bolt holes might not line up with the axle mounting bracket, but drilling some new holes is not a big problem.
The key is to find a dealer that wants to do a good job for you, and is familiar with the DEXTER product line.
If in doubt, call Dexter's engineering department, and have them spec the product for you. Complete ( loaded) Dexter torsion axles run about $ 600.00 each. ( perhaps a little less than that.)
Or, buy Henschen axles for a closer fit.

smead42 · 03-12-2007, 11:24 PM

Dexter quoted me their #10 Torkflex 3200 lb. axles with electric brakes, high mounts, reversed brackets, and EZ grease hubs for $319. They emailed me the order form. Said they would take 10-14 days to supply. Did you get a $600 quote?

uwe · 03-12-2007, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smead42

Dexter quoted me their #10 Torkflex 3200 lb. axles with electric brakes, high mounts, reversed brackets, and EZ grease hubs for $319. They emailed me the order form. Said they would take 10-14 days to supply. Did you get a $600 quote?

I spec'd a downrated #11 axle, because of the 6 on5.5 wheel bolt pattern and the 12in brakes.
I believe their #10 axle has 10in brakes and 5-bolt wheel pattern. It is substantially cheaper.

smead42 · 03-12-2007, 11:41 PM

Um, I did spec. the 6 lug 5.5 hub; and, I thought the original dia. brake drums. I will take another look at the drums.

SM

3Ms75Argosy · 03-13-2007, 05:47 AM

I've been doing the mulling and head scratching too...

#10 Dexters WITH #11 spindles (need the smaller 2.5" square axle tube for my Argosy) BARE without the shock bracket (I called Dexter engineering regarding the shock bracket "we no longer sell them with airstream brackets.." was what I was told...) is about $430.... no shipping cost. Only one dealer in the Seattle area, so no shopping around possible.

Henschen BARE is $500.00 + shipping (figure around +/- $120.00 per axle for me in the NW) with the shock bracket.. no drilling required. I can't weld, and don't feel like shlepping my old axles around to find someone to take the old brackets off and weld the new ones on.

I'm going with disk brakes... I wish Andy was closer, as the difference in axle price would almost pay for 2/3 of the disks....

I think I'm going with the Henschens, but my mind changes daily.

Oh yeah, Andy can get them out to me right away, Dexter is a 6 week wait.
Marc

smead42 · 03-13-2007, 10:35 AM

Marc, What is difference in #11 vs #10, other than drums. As far as I can tell the #10 a pretty good fit for my trailer. I've drug this thing around for 30 years with no problem except that my axles are now beginning to droop. The Dexter people don't seem to think that the shocks are needed with this type axle. I replaced mine in 1982 and then it seemed to not change anything. If there is anyway to support Andy, I want to do it; however, sacrificing the old SS check for two axles is just too big for me to bite-off.

SM

overlander63 · 03-13-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Ms75Argosy

Oh yeah, Andy can get them out to me right away, Dexter is a 6 week wait.
Marc

FYI, at least in my case, is "right away" meant I still had to wait 3-4 weeks to get them shipped to me.

Safari Tim · 03-13-2007, 11:33 AM

I've been researching Dexter axles for several weeks now. With help from Uwe, Colin, and Dexter engineering, I've learned a lot.

I'm switching from my leaf springs to torsion axles with disc brakes.

I'm also going with a #10 axle with 5200# spindles, Dexter calls these "A" spindles. The difference in the #11, is the number 11 is a larger tube and can only be de-rated to 3500# according to the guy in engineering I talked with. That is why I had to go with the #10 to get the 3000lb rating I wanted. BUT, like Marc, I used the 5200# spindles with the 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern.

The rest of my specs are:

disc brakes
EZ lube
32 degree down trail
3000lb RC
Low profile - reverse mount brackets
side mount hangers

**Action** · 03-13-2007, 11:38 AM

SM,

You are correct in that Dexter does not feel shocks are necessary. The smaller axle will have the capacity to carry the weight of most units and will have the smaller drums and bearings/spindles. They will also have a smaller wheel because of the bolt pattern of the drums. All in all it is a lighter axle than the larger one.

For me I would want the stopping ability of the larger brakes and the mass of the larger spindle and bearings. This is how A/S built my unit. It may be over done and I am willing to over do it again. (And I want a little more capacity for my replacements)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

Safari Tim · 03-13-2007, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action

SM,
...
For me I would want the stopping ability of the larger brakes and the mass of the larger spindle and bearings. This is how A/S built my unit. It may be over done and I am willing to over do it again. (And I want a little more capacity for my replacements)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

All you do is spec the Type "A" 5200lb spindle and you get the bigger brakes and 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern so you can use the original wheels....