Cutting a Trailer Axle - Shortening a Trailer Axle

Taking a trailer axle and cutting it down to the size I need. Adding sleeves for extra support and welding everything into place. These are a pair of new tandem axles that were too wide for my application but the deal was too good to pass up, so I will shorten them down to the size I need.

[@WatchME_DIY]

Never would have thought of doing this. Awesome job and like Peter said, probably stronger than it was before.

[@peterb5082]

You will have no problem with this, the joint is probably stronger than the original axle. I used to do this sort of thing when I was younger and this was pretty much how we would do it. Sometimes we would sleeve the inside, sometimes the outside, didn't seem to matter.

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

Hey thanks for commenting.

[@pageoanedwards5050]

what is the cheapest option for welding machine to use? like a rental

[@boutrosalkhouri4523]

I think it’s the best idea, I have the same issue, I bought very cheap two axles but longer than the original, ones, I’m going to do the same technique I learned it from you, thank you so much,

[@garymucher4082]

Plug welds are so needed to make such a joint stronger. Not many even thing about plug welds though... Thumbs Up!

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

Thanks for mentioning that.

[@pageoanedwards5050]

​@@iveneverdonethisbefore8390what type of welding machine used? what is the minimum or smallest type good enough.to weld this?

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

@@pageoanedwards5050 sorry, I’m not a welding expert. This was a Lincoln 140 entry level welder.

[@georgesabin7857]

Thank you for this video, I did just like this. But I put DOM tube inside 18 inches long and milled a groove to accept the weld for the seem in the axle tube, the groove lined everything up. Then I did what you did and put a tube over. I would add pictures but I don't know how.

[@thejuanito14]

I’m doing this later this week, thanks for the tutorial.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

I do this type of work as profession slap bracelets work great to mark pipe
The thickness of cutting disk is important but u need a gap in the material for a full penetration weld
And the wobble in full size disks is because of the fact they are not balanced to arbor on grinder
Don't put your plug welds in a straight line do a zig zag pattern

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

Slap bracelets! Good idea, and hilarious.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

@I've Never Done This Before also the better way is to remove the flange from the end of axle and spring perch and cut the axle down and weld the flange back on then the axle perch

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

@@jeremyhanna3852 I considered this but I was worried I’d never get the flange/hub back on perfectly straight. Also don’t trust my welds enough to do it that way, all the weight of the trailer/load is directly on that flange. With the way I did it, the flange, hub, springs, etc all remained untouched from the factory.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Ok well you did a fine job should last years trouble free and your correct getting it right with out a certified flat welding table and proper measuring tool would be hard and tge correct gouging tips for torch or plasma to remove it would be very hard

[@denisurbanczik9057]

Thanks! About to do the same, now much more easier thanks to your video!

[@billkea7224]

I can't believe the axle company signed off on this. But you did do a good job.

[@agustingovin6792]

Great job. 👍👍

[@VR-fn3kv]

I'm in Florida I wish you were closer I've got a whole boat trailer that I need narrowed around 6 inches

[@lrlapua8035]

You should make angled cuts on sleeve, bigger weld area and distributes load on axle better.

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

Interesting idea. I will try it out on the next one.

[@twc9000]

Would that throw the balance of the axle off?

[@roadsideservice2406]

Don’t forget to take out the garbage when you’re done

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

lol

[@ric_gatewood]

I used a pipe cutter.

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

I wanted to use one but one that spreads that big was like 300$.

[@ric_gatewood]

I think you did a great job and it worked great. Thanks for sharing. I just happened to have a pipe cutter.

[@ericneering6357]

Wonder if you can cut it with a 3 inch pipe cutter

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

For sure but they are pricey tools. This is a budget trailer build.

[@darrellwofford3297]

what kind of welder did you use to do this .need to do one my self that why I'm asking about the welder

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

Lincoln 140 - 110v
I highly recommend a 240v and with a longer duty cycle. Having to stop welding for 10 minutes every 2 minutes really slows you down.

[@RobertoHernandez-gq6yu]

​@@iveneverdonethisbefore8390
Is that Flux core or shielded gas

[@lukebray2192]

What size of pipe is the bigger pipe?

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

Hi, sorry I can't remember.