Ohh Well there goes an axle

**Powerplay25** · 09-16-2008, 04:03 PM

I was all ready to go out Sunday. Topped off my oil tanks, changed my gear oil, then I noticed one of the wheels on the trailer was a bit tilted. I moved the trailer up in the yard but the wheel still looked off. I checked the lugs hoping they were loose, they weren't.

Jacked her up and pulled the wheel and sure enough there was a crack at the end of the axle right by the spindle.

Luckily I caught it before I went out, this could have been ugly.

Anyway now I have a decision to make. I currently have a leaf spring setup with tandem axles. The manufacturer told me I can convert the trailer over to a torsion setup. He said it will last longer and the trailer will ride better. It's basically like having independent suspension.

The downside is the $$$$. To do it I would have to replace both axles and transfer the brakes over to the new axle.

**Ziemer** · 09-16-2008, 04:07 PM

I just did it on my Pantera trailer this past winter. Went from leaf to torsion, 3500 lbs each axle, moved the brakes (drums) and upgraded all of the hardware to stainless. I also had a few other things done too. I was into it for around $1500.

**Hottrucks** · 09-16-2008, 04:14 PM

Do it !!!!!!!!!! if the brakes and backing plates are good on your axle it's VERY good odds that you can flop them onto your new axles with min. BS and not even having to unhook them.....it will tow smoother ride better and if you ever have a wheel / bearing / axle or flat you can just pull the wheel off and get to some place to fix it...even a 100 mile shot is nothing if you can just be smart about it and take the bad wheel off and run on 3

**Powerplay25** · 09-16-2008, 04:15 PM

Went from leaf to torsion

Was there a noticeable difference?

I'm breaking the bank this season. This spring I overhauled the trailer, new stainless steel disc break setup with new stainless brake lines, new master cylinder, wheel bearings etc.

Plus rerigged to a pair of 2005 motors.

Now I'm looking at about $1,100 to do these axles. I'm most likely going to do it (torsion setup) because sooner or later the other axle is going to go anyway.

Salt water is a killer. No matter how much you wash and flush.

**Powerplay25** · 09-16-2008, 04:20 PM

if the brakes and backing plates are good on your axle it's VERY good odds that you can flop them onto your new axles with min. BS and not even having to unhook them

It's all new. The manufacturer told me I would not have to unhook the brakes and I could just transfer them over to the new setup.

He said they do the conversion (from leaf to torsion) all the time for their customers.

**Ziemer** · 09-16-2008, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by Powerplay25

Was there a noticeable difference?

Yeah, I think so. It does sit the trailer down a little lower too.

I also use the boat in salt water and my old leaf springs were damn near rusted out, and figured the torsions were a better way to go rather than putting leafs back on it.

**Ziemer** · 09-16-2008, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Powerplay25

He said they do the conversion (from leaf to torsion) all the time for their customers.

Did he give you a price on just replacing both asles with leaf spring setups? I can't imagine it's more than a few hundred less than the torsions??? Maybe $300-400 difference?

**Powerplay25** · 09-16-2008, 04:25 PM

These new axles sure look purdy.

http://www.floridatrailersinc.com/pr...sh-7000-2b.htm

**Powerplay25** · 09-16-2008, 04:29 PM

Did he give you a price on just replacing both asles with leaf spring setups? I can't imagine it's more than a few hundred less than the torsions??? Maybe $300-400 difference?

Actually it's less than $200. I know it's a no-brainer, it's just the fact of spending $500 now for a one new axle leaf spring style or about $1,100 for both axles (torsion) and get it over with.

**Ziemer** · 09-16-2008, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Powerplay25

These new axles sure look purdy.

http://www.floridatrailersinc.com/pr...sh-7000-2b.htm

That's essentially my exact setup. (minus the disc brakes)

Mine is a South Florida Trailer, and it's original to my 95' Pantera.

**Powerplay25** · 09-16-2008, 04:34 PM

Mine is a South Florida Trailer, and it's original to my 95' Pantera.

I figured you probably had the same trailer owning a Pantera.

My South Florida trailer came originally with the Powerplay.

They make a nice trailer and Alex (the owner) is extremely helpful.

**Powerplay25** · 09-16-2008, 04:36 PM

Ziemer,

Did you change the axles yourself or did South Florida do it?

**flabum1017** · 09-16-2008, 04:40 PM

Some of those axles have removable spindles and you can get a spare tire holder that incorporates a spare spindle and hub kit as well. Swapping out a spindle is pretty easy if you ever have to.