Custom axle--what tube to use, DOM?

[MountainD]

I am constructing my own axle using the hubs cut off a Land Rover. We are going to lathe the hubs to fit a new axle tube--looks like it will be a 3" axle tube and I am looking for advice on what size/type tube to go with. This will go on a modified Fleetwood Neon and used off road, leaf spring suspension, total loaded weight of around 1500lbs. I just want to make sure I use the right material, so I am thinking 3" DOM steel tube with .25" wall thickness. Is that too overkill? Or is .188" suitable? Love the advice--- thanks!

 

[AZ_Ray]

I built my own custom axle similar to this but, I used a sterling 10.5 axle ends. My trailer will be pushing 5k and I used .250 wall tubing, more than enough. As for yours the I would use the .250 wall just to be sure, you don't want to dent the tube or have it bend on the trail. Also don't "butt" weld the hubs to the new tube, slide them inside of the new tube, it will be a lot stronger and less stress on the weld.

Hers a pic of mine


If you look at how much of the original axle tube I slide inside of the new tube....about 5".

 

[awol]

3" .250 wall DOM should work just fine for you on this. It also makes getting spring perches and u bolts super easy.

 

[d110pickup]

Been there, done this. I assume you're using a disc brake axle? If so a 2 5/8 tube is a tight slip fit inside the axle end. If you'd like I'll find the photos.
Mike

I am constructing my own axle using the hubs cut off a Land Rover. We are going to lathe the hubs to fit a new axle tube--looks like it will be a 3" axle tube and I am looking for advice on what size/type tube to go with. This will go on a modified Fleetwood Neon and used off road, leaf spring suspension, total loaded weight of around 1500lbs. I just want to make sure I use the right material, so I am thinking 3" DOM steel tube with .25" wall thickness. Is that too overkill? Or is .188" suitable? Love the advice--- thanks!

 

[MountainD]

Yes, Mike---that is correct. Off the back of a Disco1 from the U-Pull place. Cut off both hubs rather close to the hub, was going to chuck them up on a lathe and cull them out to 3". I'd love to see the photos--thanks! That sounds easier... also sounds like a better fit than the 3". I saw a previous post where you described your process---do you find the 0.120tube to be the better thickness for off road use than the .250? I wouldn't mind saving the weight and cost on the .120 if that is sufficient, but I will be dragging this trailer behind the D90 through places like Colorado and Moab. Just seems like the .120 might be borderline, but that is a total swag for me...

 

[d110pickup]

Hey MtnD,
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you . . . .
I'm glad you found that thread because I couldn't. Here's a few photos.
I don't think you'll hurt a .120 wall tube, if you think about it the tube is just a spacer between the spring pads. I used two short sections of 2 5/8 ID tube split lengthwise and welded around the axle so I could use an off the shelf U-bolt.
Mike

 

[MountainD]

Thanks for the shots. Similar to what I was thinking-- I'll grind my ends this weekend and get the axle ordered. Still figuring out a couple frame options then ordering the rest of the steel. Still have to figure out springs-- looks like final weight will be closer to 1600 lbs or so. Which springs, such as trail gear/OME samurai springs do people us, the front or rear?