Topic: Running a toy rear axle without a third

[KDXSR5]

This may be a dumb question, but can I run my 85 rear axle without a third? I was thinking about using it as a trailer axle, but I need the third. Thanks.

[jimbo74]

not if you want to mount wheels on it. even as a trailer axle, its going to need axle shafts.... those bearings supporting it need oil...

you could get away with mounting a spool in it to tie the shafts together and then making a big plate to cover the third.......


but its a lot easier to just run a third

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

so as long as the axleshafts are supported in the diff I am all right? And cut a plate to fit it to keep diff fluid in it?

[joey0712]

I have done it just connect the axle shafts with A piece of pipe that will slide over them.Weld both ends. Then make a cover plate for the front weld a bung in it fill with oil and go.. Mine works great Just my

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Oh i like your idea! we will see what happens.

[jimbo74]

i was going to say yes, but what i put above wasn't 100% right, i just thought about something


if you dont have a third, and lets say you do weld the shafts together..... you will still have play and blow seals..... the third is really needed to locate the bearings the axles ride on and locate the carrier gears

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

hmm...

[jimbo74]

i had forgotten there are bearings held in the third that the axle rides on....

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

but if the shafts are sleeved and turned into basically one long bar with wheel flanges at both ends, then wouldn't the two bearings on the ends of the shaft be enough? or do i really need 4 bearings holding the one bar up?

[joey0712]

ya maybe i tow mine around mostly at low speeds its a wood trailer but it doest leak at all. Think about it what do ya have to lose??

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

well, it will be hauling my dirtbike and ATV...

[joey0712]

If u ask me your good to go...

[79coyotefrg]

but if the shafts are sleeved and turned into basically one long bar with wheel flanges at both ends, then wouldn't the two bearings on the ends of the shaft be enough? or do i really need 4 bearings holding the one bar up?

only weld the pipe to one axle,  actually if its long enough to keep it from sliding over to one side  then it doesnt need to be welded at all,  just pull one shaft out,  slide the pipe in over the  side thats still in the housing then slide the  shaft thats left  into the end of the pipe  sliding it  down onto it  and bolt it up

the bearings on the  drum housing are pre lubed they DO NOT get or need oil from the differential

then  just  build a plate to cover the hole

[DTB]

keep the diff so then u have a spare third?

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

keep the diff so then u have a spare third?

Actually I was going to build the diff and put it in my truck

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

only weld the pipe to one axle,  actually if its long enough to keep it from sliding over to one side  then it doesnt need to be welded at all,  just pull one shaft out,  slide the pipe in over the  side thats still in the housing then slide the  shaft thats left  into the end of the pipe  sliding it  down onto it  and bolt it up

the bearings on the  drum housing are pre lubed they DO NOT get or need oil from the differential

then  just  build a plate to cover the hole

Thanks for the info Glen. Maybe I will probably weld it on both ends to limit the amount of movement the shafts have independent of each other

[Tallchevy]

I would run a third in it if your going to be using the trailer for your bikes. I would rather spend $100 buck on another third to build than have a problem with a funky setup & have to possibly replace some part or a whole bike or two or three

[joey0712]

i think it will make a bunch of noise if u only weld one side. Because the unwelded side will spin whenever u make a turn.

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

I would run a third in it if your going to be using the trailer for your bikes. I would rather spend $100 buck on another third to build than have a problem with a funky setup & have to possibly replace some part or a whole bike or two or three

That is a good point too. Maybe it is smarter to not risk it at all. I will probably end up running it with a diff, but probably not the one that is in it right now.

i think it will make a bunch of noise if u only weld one side. Because the unwelded side will spin whenever u make a turn.

Another valid point! With the shafts welded together, the trailer will hop around turns though, right? It will be like having a welded 3rd.

[joey0712]

well im just tellin u what i have done mine is welded on both sides. I have hauled alot more weight then a few motorcycles and my trailer is still fine... just my 

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

so yours doesn't noticablely hop around turns then?

[joey0712]

nope its not like a truck with a spool..... it weighs nothin

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

I see

[jimbo74]

nope its not like a truck with a spool..... it weighs nothin

yeah, it jsut hops around and wanders like an empty trailer.....

[Volcom]

Might be cheaper to buy a regular trailer axle rather than hacking up a Toyota axle.

I know Scotty at Addicted Off Road built his trailer using a rear housing but also welded splindles to it so he could have an extra set of hubs as well. 

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106946

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Thats nifty! The only reason I want to use the toy axle is because it is the perfect width and has the bolt pattern I need to use some wheels I have laying around. Plus I have no other use for the narrow housing. The object to this whole thing is to fit larger tires on my trailer and get it up in the air a little more. Its kind of short right now.

[4runner freak]

Might be cheaper to buy a regular trailer axle rather than hacking up a Toyota axle.

I know Scotty at Addicted Off Road built his trailer using a rear housing but also welded splindles to it so he could have an extra set of hubs as well. 

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106946

Scotty's trailer is nice.
He brought it up to CO4RJ in Buena Vista a couple weeks ago.
I'm thinking of doing the same thing, now.