Trailer spring-over-axle flip - Diesel Forum

mike1000001 · 08-02-2008, 05:15 PM

On a 3000 or 3500 pound axle (single axle trailer) that is NOT cambered, to do a spring-over flip can I simply remove the axle and flip it over then install it under the springs? The locating holes in the spring perches and the U-bolt plates are the same size so there won't be any problem there, I'm just not sure if there is any top or bottom to a non-cambered round tube axle.

SmokeyWren · 08-02-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike1000001

On a 3000 or 3500 pound axle (single axle trailer) that is NOT cambered, to do a spring-over flip can I simply remove the axle and flip it over then install it under the springs?

The proper way to "flip" the axle is to cut the spring perches off the bottom of the axle tube and re-weld them on top of the axle tube. You don't literally turn over the axle. If there are brakes on the axle, they won't work right if you turn them upside down.

RatherBNtheWoods · 08-02-2008, 07:56 PM

If they are straight, as you state, then yes you can flip them over. You may have to dissemble the spring pack and turn the bolt over because sometimes the nut won't fit in the hole on the pad. And if you have brakes you'll need to rotate the backing plates.
I did it on my tandem axle utility trailer except I went the other way. They were on top, and I moved them to the bottom to lower the trailer. Of course there is always the exception. If it doesn't work you'll have to weld on new pads.

mike1000001 · 08-03-2008, 01:43 PM

Yeah the axle is straight. I put a 60" level on it all around and its not even cambered the slightest bit in the middle. No brakes either.

LMJD · 08-04-2008, 10:06 AM

Using a level isn't going to get it. The only accurate way to tell is with it sitting on an alignment machine. Like Smokey posted, weld on new perches. When I did mine, I was able to leave the old perches on without interference.

RatherBNtheWoods · 08-04-2008, 10:31 AM

On utility trailers, RV's etc...You can look and see if the axle is bent or straight. It is quite obvious. You don't need to put it on an alignment machine. The bend is there if the tube is thin wall pipe. That way when it's loaded and the axle tube bends/flexes the wheels aren't bow-legged(neg camber). When double strength pipe, it doesn't flex and the tubes are straight.

mike1000001 · 08-06-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMJD

Using a level isn't going to get it. The only accurate way to tell is with it sitting on an alignment machine.

I would think it would be a fine way to check. I mean if the axle is straight its straight, right? If its cambered its very obvious by just looking down the tube.
If the level (or straight edge tool) is true it would show even 1/16" of camber in the middle of it. If any camber is not detectable with doing that I'd think it wouldn't be enoufgh to make any difference if its up side down or right side up. Am I wrong with that?

Oh and thats assuming its being checked with no weight on the axle.