straight axel for 1973 hunter 1

[keysday]

we are new to the forum looking to raise up the hunter 1 thinking of going with straight axel, any suggestions would be appreciated! thanks It is 98% complete will have pictures soon! it will be one of a kind

[Eddie Longest]

Lester
Great way to gain a little height. You will also end up with more common seals and bearings. Also when you swap things out check your spring and shackle bushings. I usually find them worn out and they contribute to a lot of slop.
Remember when you raise the trailer 4" your hitch will also be raised unless you lower the coupler. If towing with a Jeep or pick up it may be a non issue. But if towing with a compact car raising the hitch/ ball may create issues.
Eddie
Eddie

[keysday]

I have replaced springs and shackels and opened up the wheel wells to accept a 15 inch wheel, I will be towing with a 2003 jeep sahara. Im having a 5 lug hub and axel made for it thanks for your input

[Donna D.]

Frederick is rebuilding a Compact Jr. (kissin' cousin), here's a link with pictures of the axle you're talking about: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post413552

[SouthwestOregon201]

I've removed the drop axle and replaced it with a straight axle, new springs, new hubs, and bearings.
I measured the position of the springs on the old axle and placed the springs on the new axle in the same spot. I only went up to 14" wheels and kept the wheel wells the same. The net result was a 4 1/2" increase in height.
Check out my two trailers under SouthwestOregon201.

[keysday]

southwestoregon201 - what was the measurments from hub to hub? do you use a sway bar? how does it pull?

[SouthwestOregon201]

One of the things that made the build of my axle possible was that I modeled every measurement from my original drop axle. I don't remember the exact measurement from hub to hub, probably around 58 inches. I didn't cut the axle itself until I welded one spindle in and then layed the other spindle next to the axle and checked my length measurement and then cut the axle off at the exact spot to allow me to weld on the second spindle.
Next the spring mounts had to be placed at the same distance the original axle had, and also placed to center the axle.
I chose to use a round axle that fit the spindles very close.

I didn't use any shock mount system or sway bars. The trailer tracks behind the Tundra just fine. With my first trailer I reversed the spring mounts to put the axle below the springs and kept the 13" wheels. I really didn't like the looks of the reversed axle and small wheels.

Good luck with the project. I'm anxious to see the wheel wells with 15" wheels.

[keysday]

thanks for the information Im planning on making the axel longer to bring the wheels out further for tracking purposes. I will be using 14 inch keystone mags, the paint job is complete will be posting pictures when all done.

[SouthwestOregon201]

Hi Lester,

I thought I would check in with you about the axle build. More than anything, let's see the wheel and wheel well picture.

Someday I plan to build a new frame with added length to the tongue area. I hope to add some additional weight to the tongue area and strengthen the overall structure. But, I can't imagine changing the wheel well position.

Dave H
SouthwestOregon201