AmanoutWest
New member
Hi Everyone,
I just bought a donor 5x8 trailer for my squaredrop build. I am in the process of swapping the old drop axle for a straight axle. Also, I will install the new axle in an overslung configuration, as opposed to the current underslung configuration. I have run into an unexpected issue removing the old square tube drop axle and I am seeking guidance from those with more trailer experience than me.
I removed all of the old u-bolts, but the axle is still firmly attached to the springs. I was expecting the axle to come free after the U-bolts were gone. There is no spring seat between the square axle and the leaf springs. There is the typical leaf spring bolt, which can be seen from the bottom of the leaf spring. So either 1) the head of this bolt is recessed into a hole in the bottom of the square axle tube, or 2) this bolt is integral with the axle tube. I can't tell if the axle is rusted to the springs or bolted to the springs. I have beat the hell out of it and nothing will move.
So now I am contemplating cutting the nut off the bottom of the bolt, which will cause the springs to separate. I was wanting to reuse the leaf springs because they produced a pretty good ride that was not too stiff. They are an odd 31.25 inch eye center length and I have not been able to find replacements. Of course, if I can get them apart, I can reassemble them with a new bolt.
Is my head in the right place on this?
I just bought a donor 5x8 trailer for my squaredrop build. I am in the process of swapping the old drop axle for a straight axle. Also, I will install the new axle in an overslung configuration, as opposed to the current underslung configuration. I have run into an unexpected issue removing the old square tube drop axle and I am seeking guidance from those with more trailer experience than me.
I removed all of the old u-bolts, but the axle is still firmly attached to the springs. I was expecting the axle to come free after the U-bolts were gone. There is no spring seat between the square axle and the leaf springs. There is the typical leaf spring bolt, which can be seen from the bottom of the leaf spring. So either 1) the head of this bolt is recessed into a hole in the bottom of the square axle tube, or 2) this bolt is integral with the axle tube. I can't tell if the axle is rusted to the springs or bolted to the springs. I have beat the hell out of it and nothing will move.
So now I am contemplating cutting the nut off the bottom of the bolt, which will cause the springs to separate. I was wanting to reuse the leaf springs because they produced a pretty good ride that was not too stiff. They are an odd 31.25 inch eye center length and I have not been able to find replacements. Of course, if I can get them apart, I can reassemble them with a new bolt.
Is my head in the right place on this?
