Will Standard Axle Give Trailer 4" Lift if Trailer Currently Has 4" Drop Axles
Published 04/11/2024 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a dual-axle cargo trailer with 4inch drop axles currently installed, springs under. Ive considered the Dexter over/under conversion kit as I have double-eye springs thus it is compatible, but it would appear that if I replaced the axles with straight axles and moved the brake and hub kits over Id get roughly the same 4inch change in ride height upward without changing the spring mounting configuration and, at the same time, the axle beam itself would also gain 4inch of clearance against potential obstructions which using the conversion kit does not change. As the axles themselves are currently the low point under the trailer raising that appears to be of benefit. Am I missing something other than the fact that buying two axles is more money than buying two Dexter conversion kits, of course?
asked by: Karl
Expert Reply:
Hey Karl, you are correct with your line of thinking.
The Over-Under Conversion Kits like part # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8" diameter axle is normally my go-to for increasing trailer height when the axle is above the leaf springs, but since you have a 4" drop axle the lower part of the axle will still be hanging pretty low.
By changing to a standard axle like the 3.5K Dexter Axle # 7359765 you were looking at will naturally life your trailer 4" as well as increase the clearance for your axles - although there is a bit more cost involved in this option. Since it sounds like a main concern of yours is ground clearance I recommend swapping out the axles. To do this you'll want to make sure the weight rating, hub-face, and spring-center dimensions all match what you currently have (see attached for dimensions). The Axle I referenced above is rated for 3,500 lbs and has 95" hub-face and 80" spring-center dimensions so if that matches what you have this is a great option for you.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 95" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Standard Grade
- No Hubs
- 3500 lbs
- Spindles Only
- 80 Inch Spring Center
- 95 Inch Hub Face
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: propane accessories
- Search Results: lippert 3500 axle
- Search Results: trailer leaf springs
- Search Results: bed cover
- Shop: Trailer Valet JX Trailer Jack - Welded Pipe Mount - Sidewind - Drill Powered - 1,800lb Lift Capacity
- Video: A Look at the Trailer Valet JXS Drill Powered Drop Leg Trailer Jack with Footplate
- Shop: Loadstar ST235/75R15 Radial Off-Road Tire w/ 15" Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Camco Brass Propane Tee w/ 4 Ports
- Shop: JR Products Horizontal 2-Stage Propane Regulator
- Shop: Trailer Valet Adjustable Drill Powered Square Jack - 3,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Valet JXS Drill Powered Drop Leg Trailer Jack w/ Footplate - Sidewind - Side Mount - 1.8K
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Deka Battery Isolator
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 5,000-lb Trailer Axles
- Video: A Closer Look at the Lippert Flow Max Full-Timer RV Toilet
- Shop: Blue Ox Adjustable Drop Hitch Receiver Adapter - 2" Hitches - 4" Rise/Drop - 10,000 lbs
- Video: BAKFlip MX4 Hard Tonneau Cover Feature Review
- Video: Setting Up Your etrailer Hard Tonneau Cover - 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Video: Does the Truck Trolley Truck Bed Slide Out Tray Suit Your 2020 Ford F-150
- Shop: Tonneau Cover
- Shop: Truck Bed Sliding Tray
- Search Results: grease seal 010 036 00
- Search Results: dexter 010 036 00
- Search Results: dexter axle seal
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
- Article: How to Adjust Your Trailer Brakes | The Ultimate Guide
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Will Switching From a Drop Axle to a Straight Axle Increase Tire Clearance
- Q&A: How Far do Trailer Springs Typically Compress
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement Straight Axle for a Carry-On Trailer
- Article: Electric Trailer Brakes: How They Work & What to Buy


