M100 Trailer Build (1 Viewer)

[MNGEO]

Hello from MN,
I recently purchased an old M100 and am planning the build. Never did one, don't know much about trailers... but I can read and the internet is wonderful thing to cruise. Should be an interesting experience. I'm turning the trailer into a combination utility/canoe carrying camper. Plans already include a 3500 lb SOA installation with electric breaks and parking break that connects to the existing actuator; sliding 3-axis coupler; collapsable or foldable vertical double canoe racks that rotate and convert to and awning frame, with awning; tailgate with a chuck-box; LED light plant; rear receiver hitch for bicycles or extra cargo basket; and a hard top.

I have available the full coupler assembly (lunette/casting/landing leg) together and ready to be bolted onto either an M100 or M416 (I think it's the same bolt pattern). When I replace the axle, I'll also the axle/springs/hubs and two wheels available. I'm trying to decide whether to sell each of these as two assembled packages or part it all out.

Any thoughts/interest?

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

Watch your weight, a lot of these guys over weigh their rigs and though they look good. On the trail they are a nightmare. Be safe. Enjoy the build.

 

[MNGEO]

Thanks Rubicruiser for the advice. I do wonder about loading these things up too high. Most of my extra weight that I'd ever take on-trail will be in the sliding tongue. I only plan to use the canoe carrying capacity on reasonably maintained forest roads. Haven't done the measurements or math yet to understand the shift in the center of gravity (empty of course). I only want the 3500 axle because there's no simple fix to get my 5x5 but pattern, unless I want to have the tires poking out a couple of inches. If you have any thoughts on a way to change my hub pattern without changing the axle I'd like to hear it. Best to you.

 

[MNGEO]

....that would be 5x5 bolt pattern, not but pattern...

 

[MNGEO]

I'm on several forums related to this project. There's a lot of conflicting information regarding M100/BantamT3C/M416 part compatibilities. I've done a little internet research including various forums, supplier websites, ebay, craigslist, et al. Parted out to private parties, the assembly pictured here would bring around $585. I'm asking $450 cash, you pick it up and part out what you don't need. That way, you can confirm it's the right unit before paying and that's best for everyone. You get what you expect and my reputation as an honest person remains intact. If you want it shipped without personally inspecting it, we can talk, but the risk is all yours.


Once the coupler is sold and I use that money to change my axle, I'll be dumping the complete axle w/wheels and suspension (drums/brakes/rims tires/springs). Parted out it would draw about $750-$1000 ( depending on where you're located; these things are scarce to come by), I'll be looking to get $600.


For whatever it's worth, when I purchased this trailer in the fall, I pulled it about 90 miles at 65-75 mph on the interstate with several turns in residential areas before getting it home. Didn't even know it was back there, pulled like a dream, no noise, no sway, no bounce and hubs/axle were nice and cool when I parked it. It was empty except for the coupler assembly.


If you want it all (axle and lunette assembly), I'll take $900 for both; but, I'll need to get the new axle on, before giving up the old.


Anyone who's interested should PM me.

 

[jcj_78FJ40]

Thanks Rubicruiser for the advice. I only want the 3500 axle because there's no simple fix to get my 5x5 but pattern, unless I want to have the tires poking out a couple of inches. If you have any thoughts on a way to change my hub pattern without changing the axle I'd like to hear it. Best to you.

I used Timken's website to size and cross reference bearings for early FJ40 hubs that I have adapted to the M100 drums.

Not that I'm recommending this unless you happen to have a stash of 40 parts (like me) but you probably could do the same thing for a set of Dexter hubs.

Another thing to consider is the wheel and tire that you want to run. If you want to run wider tires or rims then you might want swap the axle out with a longer one.

 

[MNGEO]

Good point on the wider tires. I'm leaning toward an axle swap for several reasons at this point. Not the least of which is those split rims. I don't want to be somewhere where I need to change out tires and have to find a specialty shop to do it.

 

[jcj_78FJ40]

I have a couple of pics here;
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/need-a-rim-for-my-tc3-trailer.807088/

post 9 is the stock spare from my FJ40 and it fit fine.

Post 13 is what I'm using now. They are freebie rims and tires from a Buddy's Tacoma. The rims have a lot of back space so I had to install 2" spacers.

 

[MNGEO]

Man-o-man I wish I had my 96 4Runner back. I miss the quality of my older Toyota products. I'm trying to match to a 2013 JKU (sometimes life just doesn't want to cooperate).