Update
It seems others are giving these trailers a try (because they are so cheap on GL) and I have been getting more questions about my modifications. So, I will update this thread.
The axle was ordered from
ABC Trailer Parts - Trailer Axles - Trailer Axle Kits They have been referenced by other mudders and everything shipped perfect. The axle was a 3" 5200lb axle w/ a 4" drop. To order an axle, you need to provide 3 dimensions.
(1) is the hub pattern. I went w/ 6 lug 5.5" same as Toyota
(2) is the spring center to center width. This is measured on the original springs to be 40"
(3) is the width hub face to hub face. This was a little more complicated and I cant find my notes. I ordered the axle 79 inches hub to hub and If I had to do it again, I would go with 78 inches. This was derived analyzing the fender lip on my 4runner and factory alloy wheels. After installation, there was room to make it an inch narrower. Again this depends on tire size, wheel offset etc.
The axle has brackets for brakes, but I have not installed them yet since the law in NH only requires trailer brakes if over 3000 pounds.
With the trailer now lowered I still use the front landing gear okay. On level ground it would still park nose up due to the landing gear, so I park it in my yard with a small hole dug for the landing gear to ease hitchup. With the hole, the lunette is at same height as pintle when I back up. Without the hole, I would have to use a hi-lift to manipulate the hitch for connection.
The rear landing gear was stuck in the raised postion, so I haven't needed, used or modified that, but it looks easy to cut/modify it to be shorter.
Lighting was changed to 12V LED boat trailer lights
Future mods are to install trailer brakes, trailer tongue box, and a heavy duty 12vdc tongue jack.
Looked to me like the cop could have let him coast back down the bridge, then into the emergency lane.
