Here's a copy of a post to Yahoo Scampers regarding replacing a leading-arm
axle with a trailing-arm
axle and also using a bolt-on bracket. The link to his album only works if you are a member of Yahoo (free):
http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Sca...tos/browse/550f
QUOTE
rkarmes wrote:
> I've created an album entitled "Axle Replacement 1983
Scamp 13".
> I've included the quote used to buy the
axle from Dexter.
>
> Points of Interest:
> 1) Direct replacement axles are not available, at least from Dexter.
> Original axles are leading arm, and all current production is
> trailing arm.
> 2) Dexter does not authorize installing a trailing arm axle backwards
> (as a leading arm axle).
> 3) Changing to a trailing arm configuration is in effect a new
> installation.
> 4) A trailing arm installation needs 4" brackets to lower the axle
> mount point enough to miss the floor box of the trailer. I used two
> pieces of 2" by 4" C section steel, 14" long. Dexter's installation
> instructions specify adding braces on the open part of the C section.
> 5) The work took about ten hours. Specifying the axle also took
> about ten hours.
> 6) I removed the old axle with a reciprocating saw. A cutting torch
> would be quicker, but I did not have someone to stand by with a hose.
> 7) The C section brackets are welded to the frame rails and the floor
> box. The axle brackets are bolted to the C section with 1/2-20 bolts
> and wedge washers, and torqued to 80 ft-lb.
> 8) It was quite a bit of work, but I'd do it again.
>
> Roger A Karmes
END QUOTE