Vehicle donors for trailer axle (5 x 4.5" BP & 60-65"W)

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I'm still at a loss as to what I'm going to use for an axle for my trailer. As a variation on this "Sourcing axles from common vehicles" thread, I'm hoping to get a listing of vehicles that may provide a donor axle for my trailer project (link in my signature).

I'm looking specifically for vehicles (and year ranges for them) that have:

• 5 x 4.5" wheel bolt pattern so I can use my OEM Jeep Ravine wheels (which have 5.25" of backspacing) and 31" x 10.5" tires
• 60-65" (ish) WMS-to-WMS width

I know people have mentioned Dodge/Chrysler minivans, but I'm not sure about what years to look for.

The trailer will be used 95% of the time on the road, and the balance on very mild offroad. I don't foresee any hardcore offroad use for it at this point, and if I do, it would be an exception rather than the norm. Suspension should be functional, and I don't have any requirements as to the suspension design.

So, suggestions???

Craig

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Why not just buy an actual trailer axle? You can get it to your specs both in width and hub variations for $120-150. I can't imagine harvesting a non-live beam axle out of an auto application would be worth the effort?

Such as these:
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog&categoryID=165
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=7351&categoryID=454
http://abctrailerparts.com/2kaxles.html

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Why not just buy an actual trailer axle? You can get it to your specs both in width and hub variations for $120-150. I can't imagine harvesting a non-live beam axle out of an auto application would be worth the effort?

Such as these:
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog&categoryID=165
http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=7351&categoryID=454
http://abctrailerparts.com/2kaxles.html

That's inexpensive relative to the Dexter stuff I was seeing. My perception is that Dexter is somewhat of an industry leader with axles, but I mentioned in another post that I wasn't at all impressed with their customer service when I talked with them.

I'm completely open to a standard trailer axle, but most people here have indicated that 2K axles aren't strong enough for use with oversize tires. Granted, my trailer will see mostly road use. If the soindle nut/cap on the 2000-2200-lb. axles will fit through my Jeep wheels (the 3500-lb. ones won't), I'm completely open to looking at those if they'll be strong enough.

Opinions on strength of this axle for my intended use?

(still looking for vehicle axle/suspension donor suggestions, as well...)


Craig

 

[Token]

You might also wanna check your local DOT regs on trailers.. Of all places, Tennessee will not allow auto axles to be used on a trailer..

 

[StumpXJ]

ABC has very good pricing on Axles. They also have 3500 pound axles, just go to the home page. He linked to the 2k page, but they have much more than that. They will work just fine, and be a lot easier that adapting a car axle. I was going to get my axle from them before the Dexter popped up on Craigslist.

You can easily have a non brake axle for under 150 bucks, any size you want, any bolt pattern you want. They all come with brake flanges, so you can add them at any time.

~ James

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

You might also wanna check your local DOT regs on trailers.. Of all places, Tennessee will not allow auto axles to be used on a trailer..

Good point. I'll have to check into that. Typically, though, Michigan is one of the most lax states in regards to DOT requirements. :sombrero: Good in some cases, but scary as hell when you see some of the "cobble-job" Jeep projects people are driving down the road.

ABC has very good pricing on Axles. They also have 3500 pound axles, just go to the home page. He linked to the 2k page, but they have much more than that. They will work just fine, and be a lot easier that adapting a car axle. I was going to get my axle from them before the Dexter popped up on Craigslist.

You can easily have a non brake axle for under 150 bucks, any size you want, any bolt pattern you want. They all come with brake flanges, so you can add them at any time.

~ James

Again, the issue is more compatibility with the Jeep wheels I already own. I don't want to run expensive spacers (I'm not a fan of wheel spacers, regardless of price). I did see what appears to be a workable solution in this thread, but it's still requiring spacers.

Craig

 

[StumpXJ]

What was the opening size in your wheels again? Any machine shop worth their salt can easily open them up for a few bucks, another option.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

What was the opening size in your wheels again? Any machine shop worth their salt can easily open them up for a few bucks, another option.

A quick measurement was around 2 1/8". I have heard of people opening up the center hole, but the (w)hole idea was to be able to use my factory Jeep spare as a spare for the trailer, as well. That means I'd have to modify that wheel, as well (which I don't want to do).

Seriously, I had no idea that running Jeep wheels on the trailer would be this problematic. I didn't think of the spindle nut/cap diameter before.

Craig

 

[lamontagne]

I've heard of someone using the trailing arm rear suspention from a Subaru on a trailer.

It made perfect sence, 4.5in bolt pattern matches Jeeps, independent gives a great ride, and you cant beat the center ground clearance!

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I've heard of someone using the trailing arm rear suspention from a Subaru on a trailer.

It made perfect sence, 4.5in bolt pattern matches Jeeps, independent gives a great ride, and you cant beat the center ground clearance!

This Subaru trailer project only has 4 lugs. Are some Subarus 5 x 4.5"?

 

[lamontagne]

I may be wrong about the lug pattern. I'll do some more digging.

 

[lamontagne]

SCORE!

http://www.roadkillcustoms.com/hot-rods-rat-rods/Wheel-Bolt-Pattern-Cross-Reference-Database.asp

Enter the wheel stud count and diameter and get a list of all vehicles with that pattern!

Subaru Tribeca, SVX, and Imprezas are on the list of 5-4.5 (or 114.3 metric).

Other possiblities include;
most Nissan's
most Mazda's
Honda CR-V
Acura Legend
Chrysler Town&Country
Ford Aerostar

 

[UK4X4]

I posted the search for a quick swap vehicle axle simply because there are no trailer manufacturers in Oman.
In the US you can pop into Northern tool, or you local farm supply store and find what your looking for at less cost and less hassle.

ABC is also a one stop shop.

both northern tool and the local farm store axles fit jeep wheels directly.

Dexter axles do have a larger hub center than jeep wheels and won't fit without a quick run on a lathe or adapters

 

[ntsqd]

The only solution that I'm seeing to enable using the unmodified Jeep Wheels without spacers is to build the axle yourself. Build it to use the unit bearings used on the front of the Jeep and then get some of the outer front axle assemblies.

 

[highlandercj-7]

Jeep Dana 35 rears are a dime a dozen and fit that profile. 60" wm to wm and available in leaf and 4 link configurations. They are also 5 on 4.5"