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HOW TO SELECT AN AXLE:

When selecting an axle for your
application remember to consider the following important
specifications:
- LOAD
CAPACITY: the load rating of the axle must
support the maximum gross vehicle weight rating. For
multiple axle trailers divide the GVW by the number of
axles to determine the minimum load capacity of each
axle.
- TRACK
LENGTH: measure your axle track length by
determining the distance between the center of one
tire to the center of the other tire. A more precise
measurement can be made by measuring the distance from
one 'HUB FACE' to the other. The hub face is also
known as the mounting surface.
- SPRING CENTERS:
measure the distance from the center of one spring to
the center of the other.
NOTE: not required
for replacement torsion axles
- OVERALL
LENGTH: measure the distance from the very
end of an axle's spindle to the very end of the
opposite spindle.
- AXLE STYLE:
important when reusing old mounting hardware and also
for proper tire clearance. Includes straight axles
(round or square), drop axles with offset spindles,
and torsion axles. Also consider spindle size when
reusing existing hubs or drums.
HOW TO MEASURE
AN AXLE:
MOUNTING AN AXLE:
CAMBER: Axles are cambered or 'road
set' so there is a bow until weight is put on the axle.
All cambered axles should be mounted with the center bow
up.
SPRING MOUNTING: When replacing an
axle try to determine how it was previously mounted. Under
slung mounts have the spring mounted below the axle and
over slung mounts have the spring mounted on top. Round
axles are shipped with un-mounted spring seats. Spring
seats can be mounted over or under the axle (requires
welding) at the desired location.
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| ROUND
STRAIGHT AXLE |
ROUND
TAPERED AXLE |
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| ROUND
DROP AXLE |
SQUARE
STRAIGHT AXLE |
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| SQUARE
DROP AXLE |
TORSION
AXLE |
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