Converting a US stub axle to a Aus ford stub axle on a torsion trailer

[Apollo]

My current trailer is an US import and hence has the stub axle/hub combination that runs the stanard ford bearing on the inner and the larger (than standard ford outer bearing) on the outer. Getting bearings are not an issue with a couple of days lead, but having recently discovered that I need to replace one of the disc braked hubs, I am thinking it might be worth taking the opportunity to replace both stub axles (removable spindles) with ones suited to our standard ford bearing combo, so if ever I have to get replacements (bearings, hubs, seals, etc) quickly, they are freely available at most decent sized auto stores, rather than having to source them from elsewhere and get them posted. The removable spindles that are on the rubber torsion suspension are a tapered fit with a castle nut on the inside and a standard taper spindle on the hub side.

I am wondering if anyone else has done this conversion? Where did you source the removable spindle from? I guess I could get them made up by an engineering shop, but was hoping an off the shelf solution was available.

thanks
Steven

[ranmar850]

Stub axles, as they are commonly referred to, are easily available off the shelf from any trailer parts supplier in your preferred configuration.

[Apollo]

Stub axles, as they are commonly referred to, are easily available off the shelf from any trailer parts supplier in your preferred configuration.

Not with the removable taper setup into the rubber torsion arm. None of the trailer part suppliers I have researched have them. The ones I can get (US) are the same as what I have (ie US bearing setup). The stub axles you are referring to are the weld in type, which are not what I am chasing. The removable spindle type is the one I am after.

[lee8sec]

Can you remove the stubs and have them machined to suit the bearing you want to use and refit them?

[ranmar850]

Sorry, I'd not seen the type with removeable stubs, assumed they were all welded on.

[Apollo]

I am thinking that is my only option Lee

[snatchy]

I have the same style stub axles and US sized bearings. I have bought two spare sets of bearings and seals so I have them for when I need them.

[Darren J]

I think you will find they are Tie Down (made by Tie Down Engineering in the US) Eliminator quick change spindles. I would be more inclined to get spare bearing sets to suit, and a couple of spare spindles. They are readily available in the US and relatively cheap, just order a quantity to make it worthwhile.
The spindles allow an easy replacement on the side of the road (without needing to change a bearing) and also mean if you do damage a stub due to failed bearing, you can replace the stub. I know of torsion axles needing full replacement after a bearing has gone and badly damages the stubbbeyond repair. They are not cheap to replace like a standard solid axle...

[Apollo]

I have the same style stub axles and US sized bearings. I have bought two spare sets of bearings and seals so I have them for when I need them.

Snatchy, I do the same and have a couple of sets of bearings and seals already greased and sealed in a cryvac bag ready to go. This time, it was the hub that cracked leaving me stranded. The bearings are relatively easy to get, be it overnight at our local bearing shop or some larger ones have them in stock. The hub is a 3-5 day wait, whereas I can buy the standard hub off the shelf almost anywhere.

I think you will find they are Tie Down (made by Tie Down Engineering in the US) Eliminator quick change spindles. I would be more inclined to get spare bearing sets to suit, and a couple of spare spindles. They are readily available in the US and relatively cheap, just order a quantity to make it worthwhile.
The spindles allow an easy replacement on the side of the road (without needing to change a bearing) and also mean if you do damage a stub due to failed bearing, you can replace the stub. I know of torsion axles needing full replacement after a bearing has gone and badly damages the stubbbeyond repair. They are not cheap to replace like a standard solid axle...

Have considered this, but I am exploring the conversion as first option due to the wait time if this ever happens again.

[aussiebasser]

Have you tried these guys?
http://www.trailersparesdirect.com.au/default.aspx
They specialise in American trailer parts

[Noelm]

My neighbor had the same problem, he ended up just getting a machine shop to make a few to suit the Aus bearings, I think he said they were "only" about twice the price of buying new from the US, is it possible that the stubs you can buy here can be machined to fit the taper setup of the import?

[ranmar850]

If you already have all the parts bar the hub ready to go, don't you just need to have a hub mounting your spare tyre, as a spare hub? I would venture that cracking a hub is not a really common occurrence, unless there is some issue with these yank hubs have some issues I'm not aware of? Usually , hub problems are confined to snapped studs, which don't require a complete hub change out? Or am I missing something here, having not actually seen one of these setups?

[Apollo]

Have you tried these guys?
http://www.trailersparesdirect.com.au/default.aspx
They specialise in American trailer parts

Yes Dale. I did try them and if I stick to the yank hubs, I will get them from there. Thanks.

My neighbor had the same problem, he ended up just getting a machine shop to make a few to suit the Aus bearings, I think he said they were "only" about twice the price of buying new from the US, is it possible that the stubs you can buy here can be machined to fit the taper setup of the import?

Seems to be the only option Noel.

If you already have all the parts bar the hub ready to go, don't you just need to have a hub mounting your spare tyre, as a spare hub? I would venture that cracking a hub is not a really common occurrence, unless there is some issue with these yank hubs have some issues I'm not aware of? Usually , hub problems are confined to snapped studs, which don't require a complete hub change out? Or am I missing something here, having not actually seen one of these setups?

That is my other option, just buy a spare hub and dont worry about it. Just looking at my options whilst I have a point to do so.