Selecting New 5-Bolt Hubs to Replace Original 4-Bolt Hubs on 1970's Dexter 3500-lb Axles

Question:

I have an old set of dayton 3500lbs axles that came off a travel trailer and have the big 4 bolt wheel hub. I think these are from the 70s but are still in good shape. I want to up date the hubs to a 5 lug and was wanting to know if the hubs you have will work on my axles. I have not taken the hub off and taken any reads as the shaft size of the axle but if needed I can. Thanks.

asked by: Ron E

Helpful Expert Reply:

You can install different hubs with your preferred 5-on-4-1/2-inch bolt pattern on your existing Dexter axles so long as the new hubs use the same bearing set as the originals. This will ensure that the new hubs, such as Dexter # 84545UC1-EZ that you referenced, will fit your axle's spindles.

The easiest way to confirm compatibility is to remove the hub and check the part numbers on the existing bearings and seals. The linked photo shows the typical appearance of these part numbers. (If you cannot find numbers on the parts then you can use a precision digital caliper to measure the spindles at the points noted in the photo; these measurement will let you find the bearings that match those spindle dimensions. That will in turn tell you what hubs you can use.)

Once you have your bearing numbers you can use the included link to identify new hubs. As it happens, all 5-on-4-1/2-inch bolt pattern idler hubs and hub/drum assemblies we offer for 3500-lb axles use the same bearing set: inner bearing L68149 and outer bearing L44649. Chances are good that your spindles may take these same bearings.

I have also linked several articles and videos to help you through the process of replacing your hubs.

expert reply by: Adam R