Availability Of 5 On 5-1/2 Hubs For A 5.2K Or 6K Axle

Question:

I have an older model WW Trailer. Tandem axle, two-horse, about 16 feet long, bumper hitch. It has 6X5-1/2 wheels on it and I want to switch it over to 5X5-1/2 wheels. I would guess that the axles are 3500-lb axles. Looking at your hubs, the description says they fit a #84 spindle. I dont know what a #84 spindle is. So here are the dimensions from the current spindle: A Mounting Dimension: 2-1/2 in. B Seal Dimension: 2-1/4 in. no name or number on the seal - its outer dimension is 3-3/8 in. C Inner Bearing Surface: 1-3/4 in. also 1-1/16 in. wide D Outer Bearing Surface: 1-1/4 in. also 7/8 in. wide E Thread Diameter: 1-14NC. The inner bearing part number is NSK 25580 and the outer bearing is NSK LM67048. The center to center distance between the inner and outer bearings is 2-3/8 in. The spindle length from the back plate to the end of the threads is 7-1/2 in. And, just in case it matters, the axle tube is 3 inches in diameter and there is a 4 inch center to center rise from the axle tube to the spindle. I probably just overloaded you with a lot of numbers, but I hope that what you need is in there. All I need are four hubs. No drums, no brakes. Im only using this trailer for light cargo. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Michael J

Expert Reply:

A #84 spindle is the standard 3,500 lb axle spindle. It uses an inner bearing L68149 (1.378" inner diameter), and an outer bearing L44649 (1.063" inner diameter). These days this is basically universal for 3,500 lb axles.

What you have with your 25580 outer and LM67048 Inner bearings is either a 5,200 lb or 6,000 lb axle. The 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern and the 3" round tube also indicate a 5.2K or 6K axle.

With your axle and bearing combination, there are not any hubs with a 5 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern. All we have is 6 on 5-1/2" hubs available like the # 8-213-5UC1 for an idler hub or the # 8-201-5UC3 for a hub and drum.

All of the 5 on 5-1/2" hubs we carry are made to fit the # 84 spindle like the # TRU87FR. So if you want to use those hubs you would either have to change the spindles, or swap out the entire axle. Replacing spindles is tricky, and you would need to take your trailer to a professional welder or axle shop for that kind of work. It is usually easier and more cost effective to replace your axles. We would need to confirm the hub face length and spring seat length of the current axle in order to recommend a replacement. For example we have the # e68GR which is 95" long from hub face to hub face. You would also need new u-bolts like the # CE23002, since this is a 2-3/8" axle.