1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
I'll be building a lightweight frame on the plastic bed, then skinning the outside with flat panels. It'll look very "finished off" when I get done.
Craig
Intro & my "Swiss Army" trailer build using '05 Tacoma bed
- Thread starter 1x1_Speed_Craig
- Start date
I'll be building a lightweight frame on the plastic bed, then skinning the outside with flat panels. It'll look very "finished off" when I get done.
Craig
If you knew Craig, you wouldn't have to ask that question :ylsmoke:
Can't wait to see it.
elmo_4_vt
Explorer
Yeah, didn't mean it to sound like I was doubting the end results.. More just thinking out loud and not taking the time to type out the full thought process. It will be nice to see how things progress and are finished off.
Don
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1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
That's bigwalton's suBtle way of saying I'm a bit anal-retentive with things. :sombrero:
Your feedback is always welcome (and I appreciate all that you have given so far, Don).
As an bit of a "downer" update, I did run into a frustrating moment this weekend. I paid a premium price for the bed from a Michigan-based salvage yard, and was told that there was just minor sheet metal damage. This weekend, I found a 3" crack in the front corner of the bed. I'm going to talk with the salvage yard, and see if they'll give me some sort of discount/credit, as it's not in the excellent condition that was advertised. More to follow...
Craig
1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
I am hitting such a "downer" period while trying to build this freakin' thing. I just got my axle from ABC Trailer Parts today, and while the axle looks great, the hubs do not fit through my OEM Jeep Ravine wheels. The dust cover doesn't even clear the center hole on the wheel. SO, I'm looking at ~2" wheel spacers (making the WMS-to-WMS measurement 66"), or ordering a different 2K-lb. axle that would probably work without spacers.
Since I'll be using this mainly on-road (but with bigger 31" tires), what are your thoughts?
It's minor, but the centering holes in the perches are a LOT bigger than the pins on the CJ springs. When you guys have encountered this, what do you do? Do you fill-weld in the hole on the perch, and redrill to a smaller diameter?
This, coupled with the recently-discovered crack in the plastic bed makes me want to just go buy a freakin' utility trailer.
Craig
Since I'll be using this mainly on-road (but with bigger 31" tires), what are your thoughts?
It's minor, but the centering holes in the perches are a LOT bigger than the pins on the CJ springs. When you guys have encountered this, what do you do? Do you fill-weld in the hole on the perch, and redrill to a smaller diameter?
This, coupled with the recently-discovered crack in the plastic bed makes me want to just go buy a freakin' utility trailer.
Craig
Bummer, sorry to hear about the issues Craig, that sucks.
I suppose I was saying your a "bit anal retentive" if that means the same as "you do great work". I'm really just jealous because I don't ever take the time to plan/execute things the right way and then end up with a thousand little regrets over time instead of doing it right up front.
I suppose I was saying your a "bit anal retentive" if that means the same as "you do great work". I'm really just jealous because I don't ever take the time to plan/execute things the right way and then end up with a thousand little regrets over time instead of doing it right up front.
greenhorn
Adventurer
Stay strong brother. I just finished my trailer build. I had quite a few snags and bad days. I took held strong on some ideas, gave in to a few others. In the end, I wish I would have held strong on all of the the ideas to get exactly what I wanted. Check into plastic welding like for kayaks for the bed, have a macine shop enlarge the hole on the wheels or just use the spacers, but stick with that axle whatever you do. Trust me, I've been down that road, you want the 3500 axle. My opinion, you have a great design, stick with it.
Mash5
Adventurer
So is it not possible to get a 3500 axle with the jeep size hub? If not, what is the harvest rating that do come to fit jeep wheels?
greenhorn
Adventurer
Everything from what I found has the larger hub size. I think it is standard, so you can use a standard size bearing buddy. The road I have been down, is trying to make a 2000lb axle work. I never offroaded it, but the weight and leverage of the bigger tires bent the tube in no time.
greenhorn
Adventurer
Here's a great write-up to check out:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30224
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30224
trail-explorer
Adventurer
x2. he has a really good write up on the axle dust cap mod as well as choice of LED lights.
I like the little 3/4" round marker lights - should be really easy to mount... drill a 3/4" hole, install light, DONE.
http://www.ledtrailerlights.com/cm/cm_M09300.htm
1x1_Speed_Craig
Active member
Thanks guys. I need the encouragement! :elkgrin:
Others have mentioned this idea, but I do not want to have the hole enlarged, as I'd also have to do it on my vehicle spare.
Uhh...what?
I talked with Randy at ABC Trailer Parts, and the 2K-lb. axles have the same size outer bearing (and hub diameter) as the 3500-lb. axles.
Yes, I have read it in-detail. It's a great write-up!
I am committed to kicking this project's *****. I'm going to end up ordering wheel spacers, but may actually have to get a narrower axle because of this (I'd have to resell the one I just got locally). I'm going to order some CJ Dana 30 spring perches, which will address the spring centering pin size issue. The biggest variable is the truck bed issue, and this puts project spending completely on hold until I get it resolved. The receipt states a 90-day warranty, and 30-day cash refund timeframe. I bought it 1/18, so I'm outside of the latter. However, I'll find out more once the manager gets back from vacation (next Monday, hopefully).
Craig