Truck axles

[3wheelerdude]

I have a pick-up truck axle laying around and thought I could use it to make a double trailer for my boats. Has anyone ever used one? If so, pros and cons.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

pros:

you already have it, beefy bearings ( depends on what truck it came from)

cons:

you should remove the guts from the differential to make it easier to pull, doing this is sometimes NOT easy depending on what type of axle it is.

Its way heavier than a typical trailer axle.

 

[3wheelerdude]

It came from an 87 f150 with an open rear diff.
I thought about removing the gears but then the shaft output would not turn anymore....and I kind of thought about bolting an old prop to it. :arms:

As for weight, my truck will have no problem pulling this combo and it might help keep everyting on the ground since I would have my Tigershark on one side and the X2 on the other. The heavy axle might stabilize the weight difference in load.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

thats alot of drag, compared to a typical trailer axle.

Id recommend a front wheel drive mini van's REAR axle, its basically a steel channel with spindles on the ends ( just like a typical trailer axle)

you can cut and change the length to whatever you want in the center tube section.

 

[3wheelerdude]

What do you mean by drag?

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

having to turn the differential and gears, in that bath of 90wt gear oil.

is ALOT of drag compared to a trailer axle with spindle/bearings/hub.

 

[63chevyll]

un sprung weight, the wait not supported by the springs.

you have a 8.8 rear end or a 9 inch ford. you will need to leave the "guts" carrier assemebly inside to hold the axles in place.

pro,

you have it, you can put 15's on it easy with good trailer tires.

 

[63chevyll]

"having to turn the differential and gears, in that bath of 90wt gear oil.

is ALOT of drag compared to a trailer axle with spindle/bearings/hub"


na, it was meant to roll smooth

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

stand the axles on a stand a truck axle, and a trailer axle.

spin the wheels, which one spins longer?

DUH

it was made to roll smooth, while transfering enough power to move a 4000 truck.



my money is on the 8.8

same pros/cons either way though.

 

[3wheelerdude]

Thanks guys, I think Ill go ahead with the build. Like I said I want to keep the gears in anyway because I plan on attaching a prop to the output for BLING.
Im 99% sure its an 8.8. I ahve already removed half the leafsprings and I have 15's with low profile tires from my mustang on there.
So Ill start on the frame tonight.

What gear lube would be the best to use since this diff will be submerged when docking? I am pretty sure Ill have to change it when it gets milky...
I also plan on having an extension on the vent tube that would keep it above the water.

 

[Mark44]

Sounds like the Beverly Hillbillies............

Mark44

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

if the seals behind the axle flanges are good, and the pinion seal is good, and the vent is located above the water line, it shouldnt take any water in.

run synthetic 80/90 though, its expensive, but good.

or just go cheap and change it once a year.

how wide is that axle?

 

[63chevyll]

"stand the axles on a stand a truck axle, and a trailer axle.

spin the wheels, which one spins longer?

DUH"


the axle would run smooth with weight on it, period. Yes a dead axle would run with less resistance, but with that you get smaller bearing.
on the truck axle you get larger bearings and more strenght

the fluid issue, just use cheap 80/90, you will not need to change it every year if you have a long breather hose and it is sealed good

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

thats what I said, more drag from the truck axle.

you said "na"

now you say " Yes a dead axle would run with less resistance,"

so, yeah.

the truck axle has more drag.

the axle would run smooth with weight on it, period. Yes a dead axle would run with less resistance, but with that you get smaller bearing.
on the truck axle you get larger bearings and more strenght

the fluid issue, just use cheap 80/90, you will not need to change it every year if you have a long breather hose and it is sealed good

 

[3wheelerdude]

Alright, thanks for every ones help and opinion.
I really like the fact that its heavy duty compared to a trailer axle. Does matter if there is more drag or not. Both are built to roll, so I can see why my truck would not pull this with ease.
90W gear oil is plentyfull on the farm, so no problem changing it yearly.
And by the way, I am not a Hillbilly, just very ressourceful and handy.

 

[Mouthfulloflake]

yeah, other than the low hanging ( and now SPINNING) driveshaft yoke, the axle will work well.

it will likely be pretty wide.

the drag makes a difference in Highway gas mileage, silly me I worry about that sort of thing, I just drove 1700 miles to S.F.F. and back, so a small difference ads up like that.

also, you DID ask for pros and cons.

rock on, post pics along the process, I love to fab ******** too, come finish my CJ5 project when you are done with your heavy duty trailer.

 

[63chevyll]

mouthfull,

i meant "NA" as if it wont matter either way.
his mind is made up, good luck man,

cheers..

 

[vitaly]

.
And by the way, I am not a Hillbilly, just very ressourceful and handy.

:haha: :haha: :haha:

 

[3wheelerdude]

I just figured that the pros beat the cons in this case.
I will mount the leaf spring under the axle to lower the frame a little bit.
If I flip the axle I can use the lift block that are welded to the axle as lowering blocks.....what do you guys think??
Would running the diff upside down change anything in the lube?? I dont think so....but....

 

[3wheelerdude]

rock on, post pics along the process, I love to fab ******** too, come finish my CJ5 project when you are done with your heavy duty trailer.

Your kinda far from me, otherwise I would. I have many other projects too, including my Mustang. I built a lifted Sidekick 2 years ago. We use it on the farm now for field deliveries. The guys wont use pick ups anymore, they enjoy the Sidekick too much.