Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX General Discussion => Topic started by: Sage Bromax on March 04, 2017, 05:03:26 PM
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Last weekend my youngest and I started rebuilding the trailer we have had for nearly 30 years. I wanted to use Xterra rims and tires, but their bolt pattern is 6 on 4.5 in. Normal trailer axle pattern is 6 on 5.5 in., so I got adapters. After mounting the adapters and one wheel, we discovered that it moved the tire out too far and it locked into the fender. So we took the old drop-axle off and flipped it, re-drilling the spring indexing holes on the other side. This effectively raised the trailer up seven inches, giving us plenty of tire clearance. Of course, the 50+ year old bearings were totally shot. Much to my chagrin, those bearings are no longer available. So it was time for a new axle. Since I was upgrading, I went to 3500# spindles and electric brakes. I also went with a straight axle tube (2-inch square, 1/4 inch wall). We welded it all together today and got it all mounted. Next on the list is to install all new electrical. I am going with LED tail, turn, and backup lights, as well as side running lights.
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Ground clearance under the axle is 14.5 inches using the stock 265/70R-16s. And we built the axle using the 285/70R-16s currently on my Xterra, so the clearance will be even more once these tires wear out and we upgrade to 285s.
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More pictures once we do electrical. Shakedown run is in two weeks to Corn Springs campground for our annual geology alumni trip.
Once that is all done, then we will sandblast it. I am going to Herculiner the roof and down past the roof seam to waterproof the whole top at once. Still a family debate as to the color. I want to match the X, the kids like the "antique patina". :o
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Here are some shots from our first trip after the new axle and lights.
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Place saver for updates
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Place saver for updates
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Place saver for updates
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Place saver for updates
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That is starting to look really nice, I really like those old school rear hatch doors on it.
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Wow! This thing is awesome! Can't wait to see all the progress you make.
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Awesome stuff! Looks like you have enough room for about 1600 lbs of tools in a box on that tongue :D
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Awesome stuff! Looks like you have enough room for about 1600 lbs of tools in a box on that tongue :D
D'oh!.........................
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Awesome stuff! Looks like you have enough room for about 1600 lbs of tools in a box on that tongue :D
Well, it will fit two spare tires if I decide to take a trip to the Arctic Circle.
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Well, it will fit two spare tires if I decide to take a trip to the Arctic Circle.
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But where is the anti-bear .45/70 rack? Oh wait, if you go through Canada maybe you can get Jay to write you a letter to approve it eh?
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Awesome trailer. I'm with the kids. Through some red oxide primer on a spots and you got yourself a rat rod trailer.
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Awesome trailer. I'm with the kids. Through some red oxide primer on a spots and you got yourself a rat rod trailer.
"Rat Rod Trailer" HAHHAHAHAHHA, that's awesome! He can change his screen name to Rat Fink!
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Looks great Tony...where did you source the new axle?
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Looks great Tony...where did you source the new axle?
Not to jump in on Tony, but, I've had great luck getting stuff at a good price from etrailers.com. Good pricing and quick shipping.
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Looks great Tony...where did you source the new axle?
I got everything but the axle tube at San Diego Trailer Supply on El Cajon boulevard just west of 70th Street in San Diego. The spindles, brakes (10-inch electric), drums, brake controller, bearings, and new u-bolts/plates came to about $450. I got the axle tube (2-inch square, 1.4" wall thickness, five feet long) at Industrial Metal Supply in Kearny Mesa for under $25. After notching one of the spindles so it would slide into the tube, I welded it in place. Then my son and I assembled one side and put it under the trailer. After a little trial and error with the tire mounted, we figured out where to put the indexing holes of the spring pads. We used the larger 285s for measurement so we can upgrade to that size once we wear out the 265s. Then we completed the other side and mounted it all up. Not bad for five hours of quality time with my son, including pizza and beer for lunch!
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Thanks Tony & Tim...sources noted.
Tony...what vehicle is peeking around the corner with the ARB front bumper...looks like a LR, maybe a Disco?
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Thanks Tony & Tim...sources noted.
Tony...what vehicle is peeking around the corner with the ARB front bumper...looks like a LR, maybe a Disco?
That is my '95 Disco. Motor needs rebuild, plus a load of other annoyances.
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More photos added on page 1.
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That's lookin really good. Are you going to do a battery bank/solar/water tank set up with it?
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It's a possibility. Right now I'm using the plastic jerry cans for water and I have a Goal Zero battery/inverter that would be easy to just plug a panel into.