I wanted to run LC rims and the same size tires for obvious reasons. I also wanted electric helper brakes. And, I think I dropped 200 lbs. of trailer weight in the axle, wheels, and tires by trading out. I could get my new axle in the trailer by myself but could barely lift the old axle off the ground. It was probably a funny site watching me wheel the old axle around the block to the alley.
As any good Idaho redneck would, I rigged the easiest way to do the swap with the tools I have. I set up my van and a pulley off a tree in my front yard to lift the trailer body to pull one axle out and put the new in. Before anyone is worried about safety, no work was done around the winch cable or under the trailer until the new axle was secured in place (note: if your girlfriend hasn't used a winch before, this probably isn't the time for her to try out her skills). It worked great and was easy to raise and lower to line up the new axle. What sucked is I didn't have any air tools so the u-bolt nuts took some time and PB Blaster.
A 6,000 lb axle with e-brakes and 6x5.6 studs went on. I haven't wired it yet which is next on the list.
My question is that it had shocks on it but the bottom studs were welded to the axle. Does anyone know of a bottom plate that has a stud or a hole that will accept a studded shock? Are the shocks even necessary?
Long term plans are to weld cross beams so I can take the racks off and carry inflated rafts, wire wheel and repair the rust (there's plenty), tool box on the tongue, two tire carriers underneath, and roll line-x stuff in the bed. At some point down the road, the raft beams will also accept a RTT. I'm not trying to build an overland expo trailer. I just needed something to replace my pickup bed because that went away when I traded for my LX450.
As any good Idaho redneck would, I rigged the easiest way to do the swap with the tools I have. I set up my van and a pulley off a tree in my front yard to lift the trailer body to pull one axle out and put the new in. Before anyone is worried about safety, no work was done around the winch cable or under the trailer until the new axle was secured in place (note: if your girlfriend hasn't used a winch before, this probably isn't the time for her to try out her skills). It worked great and was easy to raise and lower to line up the new axle. What sucked is I didn't have any air tools so the u-bolt nuts took some time and PB Blaster.
A 6,000 lb axle with e-brakes and 6x5.6 studs went on. I haven't wired it yet which is next on the list.
My question is that it had shocks on it but the bottom studs were welded to the axle. Does anyone know of a bottom plate that has a stud or a hole that will accept a studded shock? Are the shocks even necessary?
Long term plans are to weld cross beams so I can take the racks off and carry inflated rafts, wire wheel and repair the rust (there's plenty), tool box on the tongue, two tire carriers underneath, and roll line-x stuff in the bed. At some point down the road, the raft beams will also accept a RTT. I'm not trying to build an overland expo trailer. I just needed something to replace my pickup bed because that went away when I traded for my LX450.
