Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

10point

Seaman
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
57
I figured out I need a new spindle. Is it possible to remove a spindle from the axle. I am considering buying an axle but I can't find any like mine that have the brackets that attach to the spring built into them. Do you have to get brackets and have them welded?
 

Go Aweigh2452

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 30, 2010
Messages
116
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

I'm sure you can but you will require a spindle and a really really good welder... then spray the weld with cold galvanize to slow down the rusting...
What make is the trailer?
I happen to have an EZ Loader axle that is brand new, never installed, sitting in my garage the past 5 or 6 years...
I don't own that trailer anymore...
PM me if you want photos and measurements...
 

10point

Seaman
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Jul 24, 2006
Messages
57
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

I happen to have an EZ Loader axle that is brand new, never installed, sitting in my garage the past 5 or 6 years...

It's not an ez loader. I want to say gator which isn't made anymore. It's 60 inches long.
 

sublauxation

Lieutenant
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Oct 13, 2008
Messages
1,317
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

Check out Northern Tool or abctrailerparts.com for a new axle, They're pretty cheap, usually cheaper than welding work. For just over $100 you'll get new spindles, bearings, and hubs.

I'm guessing the brackets you're talking about are the spring perches, most axles should come with them. The website I gave above has a good diagram to help get the right measurements, just click on the axle weight you need then scroll down to find it.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

Champion Trailer has a detailed instruction section on how to measure an existing axle and will build one for you including the spring perches.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,088
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

Ayuh,... It's Way Easier to weld on the spring perches, 'n get 'em Right,....

Than it is to weld on a new spindle, 'n get it square, 'n True....
 

10point

Seaman
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
57
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

I have been looking on line but it seems I have an odd size. My axle is 60 inches long with the springs 46 inches apart.
 

10point

Seaman
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Jul 24, 2006
Messages
57

Bondo

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Staff member
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71,088
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

I was acutally in tractor supply last night. I think all there are 5 instead of 4 lugnut thingys (don't remember what there called).

Ayuh,... So buy the Right axle,... Without Hubs....
 

sublauxation

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Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

ABCTrailerParts.com has 2 different 2000lb axles with 46 inch spring perches, one is 57 inches long and the other is 61 inches long. Not sure of pricing by you but by me they want about $75 to weld on the perches. I only throw this out there a second time because they seem to have exactly what you want, right down to the 4 lug nuts. I've bought from them before and they are good to work with.
 

10point

Seaman
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
57
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

ABCTrailerParts.com has 2 different 2000lb axles with 46 inch spring perches, one is 57 inches long and the other is 61 inches long. Not sure of pricing by you but by me they want about $75 to weld on the perches. I only throw this out there a second time because they seem to have exactly what you want, right down to the 4 lug nuts. I've bought from them before and they are good to work with.

I actually just called them before I saw this and talked to a Randy. He was very helpful and I think I will be buying from them. Just need to get some more precise measurements for them.
 

sublauxation

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Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

Randy is a pretty gruff guy but very helpful, he got me out of a jam when nobody had my axle in stock and I needed a new one in 5 days for a week long trip, he stuck around late one night to make sure it got out on time. That and he was a lot cheaper than anybody else around here. Something to consider only because I regret not doing it, adding new springs to the order is pretty cheap. It's nice to put on a whole new axle, no grease to deal with, and a lot cheaper than you'd think. Good luck either way, hope it works out.
 

PopsRacer

Seaman
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
62
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

Yes it can but you'll need to be precise... I just had an axle rebuilt... Basically, I called around and found a guy who repairs and custom fabs trailers... He had some steel axle tubing so he cut off my drop spindles and welded them onto the new axle tubing that he cut to length.. The new tubing is much heavier than my OEM axles are so he made and welded little spring brackets onto it, basically just small pieces of 1/4" flat steel with a hole in it.. When he was done with it I took it to a Powdercoating shop to have it powdercoated then i repacked the bearings and reassembled the hubs.. It all only cost me around $96 when all was said and done..

The catch to doing the spindles yourself is getting them straight for alignment... If you don't get them perfect you'll be eating through tires like there's no tomorrow, and that's exactly why I had someone else build it for me.
 

northernmerc

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 6, 2009
Messages
401
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

I've done it and I'm not a professional welder. But I do know the basics of welding and believe in overkill when it comes to safety related matters. About twenty five years ago, I cut the front spindles off of a 1959 Pontiac and welded them onto a piece of pipe. That axle went under a single axle trailer and has gone thousands of miles and carried loads of up to 5,000 lbs or more. It's still good.
 

PopsRacer

Seaman
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
62
Re: Can a spindle be cut off an axle?

I've done it and I'm not a professional welder. But I do know the basics of welding and believe in overkill when it comes to safety related matters. About twenty five years ago, I cut the front spindles off of a 1959 Pontiac and welded them onto a piece of pipe. That axle went under a single axle trailer and has gone thousands of miles and carried loads of up to 5,000 lbs or more. It's still good.

How tough was it to get the spindles aligned straight enough??
 
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