Changing trailer wheel hubs to match my Jeep?

[nwoods]

I have no idea how to do this. I'm looking for info, guidance, advice, wisdom, and perhaps a bit of commentary on the following:

I have a trailer with Jeep CJ hub bolt pattern (5x5.5 I think), and I need to change it to Jeep TJ pattern 5x4.5). The easy solution would be to bolt on a set of adapters....except I cannot find any. The usually go to's like Spidertrax do not make them. It seems no TJ owners prefer to be caught dead with CJ rims on their rigs.

So I may need to swap out the hubs. I have electric brakes, and a torsen axle (pic's below). I have no clue what all is involved in somethign like this. I value your input.

 

[cnynrat]

You may want to give the guys at Adventure Trailers a call. I bought a used Horizon that was built with Jeep hubs, and needed to have it converted to the Toyota bolt pattern. Some sources I looked at before I talked to AT didn't offer the adaptor I needed. AT had a local source (this was before they moved), and it sounded like they could build most anything that was physically possible.

 

[uk trailer guy]

Hi

I'm not sure about your side of the pond, but over here (UK) we swap the drums over if you can't find adapters.

Looking at your pics it looks like you have a Dexter Axle. It looks like you're California based, so I found the link to their dealers in CA for you:

http://www.dexteraxle.com/california

My suggestion would be:

• Find the dealer nearest to you
• Tell them all your axle details; that white sticker should hold most of the info' they require
• Ask for their best price and availability on a pair of brake drums with the PCD you require (was it 5x4.5?) for that axle
• If it's not too horrendous a price, buy them and swap them over (be cheeky and see if they'll part exchange the ones you currently have!... worth an ask!)

Swapping drums is easy, I'm sure you'll have no problem doing it yourself - 10 minutes a side, including removing the wheels, no probs!

 

[nwoods]

Thanks guys for your info (and investigative work!). So now the funny part: I spent two weeks searching online for adapters. Ten minutes after my post, someone linked me to an eBay listing for exactly what I needed. $80 shipped to my door, and I already recieved a UPS notice that they are enroute this afternoon!

 

[gaberelli]

Southwest wheel has good deals on replacement hubs with the bolt pattern you need. If you are running steel wheels or an lug centric wheel you are good to go. If the wheels are hub centric, just use an adapter from Spidertrax.

 

[JeepN95YJ]

I know you already got yours but I got mine here:

http://www.ezaccessory.com/Billet_Wheel_Adapters_s/25.htm

Arrived in a few days. I bought 6 on 5.5 to 5 on 4.5.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Thanks guys for your info (and investigative work!). So now the funny part: I spent two weeks searching online for adapters. Ten minutes after my post, someone linked me to an eBay listing for exactly what I needed. $80 shipped to my door, and I already recieved a UPS notice that they are enroute this afternoon!

That's cool!

I didn't know anyone even made a 5-5.5 to 5-4.5 adapters.

Usually the center is to large to fit a 'reducing' adapter. Looks like your center is pretty small, so it would work.

As far as

"It seems no TJ owners prefer to be caught dead with CJ rims on their rigs."

, those adapters are easy to find, as you're going from a smaller pattern to a larger one, just opposite of what you're wanting to do.

 

[nwoods]

I know you already got yours but I got mine here:

http://www.ezaccessory.com/Billet_Wheel_Adapters_s/25.htm

Arrived in a few days. I bought 6 on 5.5 to 5 on 4.5.

Yeap, that's where mine are coming from. Don't know why they didn't show up on my first dozen search efforts

 

[DrMoab]

I used a set of 5 on 5.5 to 5 on 4.5 adapters on my XJ when I was running a scout axle in the rear. There are several companies that will custom make them any size, any bolt pattern, any adaption as long as its the same lug count...ie 6 lug to six lug or five lug to five lug. They can't make a six lug to five lug.

This is the place I used...I think.
http://www.performancewheel.com/spacers.cfm?category=6&gacid=

It was around $100 bucks for the pair. I know you already got some but I thought others might be interested for different projects.

 

[JeepN95YJ]

There are several companies that will custom make them any size, any bolt pattern, any adaption as long as its the same lug count...ie 6 lug to six lug or five lug to five lug. They can't make a six lug to five lug.

http://www.ezaccessory.com/Wheel_Adapter_6_Lug_5_5_To_5_Lug_4_5_Pair_p/6550-5450.htm

I have these on my trailer. 6 lug on 5.5 to 5 lug on 4.5

 

[TheMike]

Just buy new hubs. Easy and comes with new bearings. Just need to know what weight rating the axle is.

3500lb axles hubs would be THESE.
2000lb axle hubs would be THESE.

Great prices and they ship QUICK!