I'm turning an old "welding" trailer into a little more modern ''off road/utility" trailer. I transformed it from a welding trailer, into a "canoe" trailer about 30 years ago by adding a long tongue and racks to carry two boats. I think it would be better used now as a utility trailer. I want to fix it up to be complimentary of my Jeep. I've cut off the racks and added a couple more treated boards to the bed and have got in the flat bed stage right now, with 2 x 12" sides to be added shortly. I'm going to paint it all black. I'm also going with 5 on 4.5 lug pattern on the spindles so they will be interchangeable with the Jeep wheels (just in case). I have already gotten some 15 x 7 "Jeep" wheels for it, with A/T tires. Going to repaint to dress up the wheels too.
The bearings are completely shot and were shot way back when I did the conversion before but just let them ride. I was thinking about just replacing the whole axle assembly with a new axle kit, which would include everything: the axle, spindles, bearings, leaf springs, mounting hardware such as the u-bolts, etc. That would cost about 150 - 200.00.
I was wondering though, if I replaced only the spindles, how do they mount on the axle? It's got a square axle on it now. I haven't torn that far into the project yet. Do they just slip into the ends of the axles and welded into place or what?
Have you got some experience with this and can give some insight?
BTW... I'll post up some pics of the progess. I wish I had taken some pics of it right after I got it home from the country, but failed to do so. It's still kind of rough right now. I hope my welding is better now than it was 30 years ago.
Refurbishing an old trailer......
