Trailer build axle issue

[Scarecrow]

So I’m building an off road trailer i did the axle flip and moved the spring perch’s and it looks like the passenger side wheel is slightly turned out and the drivers side is turned in. I loosened it back up to see if there might be a little play in it or I could move it and I couldn’t. I’m kinda stumped

 

[MedfordChris]

Could you have accidentally swapped the axle left-to-right while it was off?

 

[Scarecrow]

It is possible, I’m gonna take it back off and turn it around

 

[OtherOrb]

Most trailer axles have a slight bend to them to help accommodate the load. You didn't get the axle flipped exactly 180 degrees so that bend is causing your off-axis turn-in/-out. Instead of flipping the axle, get a relatively cheap over-under swap kit. This may not be the exact kit you need, but it will get your search started.

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit Dexter Axle Accessories and Parts K71-384-00

Call 800-298-8924 to order Dexter Axle accessories and parts part number K71-384-00 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Dexte

www.etrailer.com

 

[ArkansasDon]

The above post by "OtherOrb" is spot on. Dexter offers a axle flip kit for the type "size of axle) that aligns spring seats correctly. I used these on my last trailer build. Some welding is required. The spring seats "need" to welded in place to prevent shifting.

 

[Scarecrow]

Thanks for the help I’m gonna look into the dexter kit hopefully that solves my problem

 

[ArkansasDon]

when you install the spring seats\perches your axle most likely was not perfectly vertical during the install, the slightest tilt forward or backward of the axle will change the geometry of the wheel alignment whether it kicks the wheel inward on one side vs kicking the wheel outward on other side. Turning the axle left to right or 180 degrees will not cure the problem you have. Most trailer axles are cambered\arched for a reason, it compensates the load so the tires are planted evenly on the road & wears evenly when the load is applied. Dexter Flip Kit or over under kit will solve the problem. It does away with miscalculating the seat's in the wrong position.

 

[nhfire]

Great information, I used ordered a new Dexter Axle with the same bold pattern as my Jeep, gives me more options with a spare, when ordering I requested the spring over option and it worked great.

 

[Scarecrow]

Got the axle issue figured out now I have a shackle problem it looks like the shackle is too short and it’s not letting the spring move

 

[old_man]

A pix would be helpful.

 

[Scarecrow]

I didn’t build the trailer the trailer this spring set up was already on here

 

[old_man]

I didn’t build the trailer the trailer this spring set up was already on here

the real problem is your spring mount is too far forward or your leaf is too long. You can help with a longer shackle but I would move the mount.

 

[Scarecrow]

Would it hurt to make it a little longer and move it back

 

[DifferentStrokes]

the real problem is your spring mount is too far forward or your leaf is too long. You can help with a longer shackle but I would move the mount.

Old_man is right here. With the swing shackle bottomed out against the frame the leaf spring can not work like it should.

 

[Billiebob]

Would it hurt to make it a little longer and move it back

Length is not the issue, location is.
A short shackle is more stable.
Sometimes a shackle to short will limit the range of motion, but 1/2" longer might be all it needs.

 

[Scarecrow]

Thanks for all the help. I moved the shackle back and made it a little longer so it could pivot properly and it seems to work