Replacement Hubs For A 1960s Military Trailer

Updated 03/12/2026 | Published 02/07/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1854)

$186.37

4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper

(26)

$12.24

Question:

Hello I have an old 1960s military trailer and Id like to swap the hubs out so that I can use wheels that match my 2023 Toyota tacoma. Can you confirm these the correct ones based on these photos?

asked by: Karl

1960s Military Trailer
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hi Karl! Sweet trailer! Is that an M1101?

Anyways, there is a chance the etrailer Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K, but without bearing numbers and/or measurements, I can't say it will fit with 100% certainty. There were a lot of oddball things used in the 60s, and even more so with military trailers.

With that said, we need to figure out which bearings and grease seal you have and the capacity of your axle. It didn't look like the hub had anything stamped into it, but even if it did, I don't think I would be able to pull anything up if there was a number stamped on it (sometimes we can, but with this being from the 60s, the chances were already very slim).

So this will be a bummer, but you are going to have to pull one of the hubs off to get to the bearings and seal. There should be numbers stamped into them, but if the bearings and seals no longer have part numbers stamped into them (they can wear off over time), you'll need to measure the spindle at points A, B, and C with a caliper (like the # PTW80157) to get the inner diameters. Since this is an older trailer, also check measurement D. (see included picture)

With the inner diameter measurements, axle capacity, and spindle length, I can definitely check the compatibility or find a better option for you.

expert reply by: Lazer S

Needed Spindle Measurements
(click to enlarge)

Karl

3/1/2026

Hello, I was able to pull off the hub. Here are the measurements you requested: A-Seal: 71mm B-Inner Bearing 57mm C-Outer Bearing 46mm D-Spindle Lenghth 120mm The Hub had the following numbers cast around the rim: 228 832 BUDD 46406 I would send a couple more photos, but dont see how to do that here... KR Karl

Lazer S.

3/6/2026

@Karl Ok so those are odd sizes. Unfortunately, we don't have any bearings that match those specifications, which therein means we do not have a hub that will work either. This is going to be a bummer, but the only way we could proceed would be to get you a replacement axle that uses more common bearings and seals. If you would like to proceed in this fashion, check out the article I have linked and let me know what measurements you get. We may have an axle that will work for you.

Helpful Links

faq-how-to-measure-trailer-axle.aspx

Karl

3/7/2026

@LazerS Hub face to hub face is 69.5 and axle diameter is 3" Trailer axle spring to spring 43.5. Tire center to tire center 63

Lazer S.

3/12/2026

@Karl Well dang. I just keep striking out with this one. We do not have an axle that will match your needs, so to get one that will you will need to contact a local trailer supply place that can have an axle built to your specifications. That said, if you are open to a somewhat out of the box idea, you could go with the following option: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - 4" Lift Spindle - Wide Off-Road Tires- 5,200 lbs # T99GR You would need to also add the etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Free Backing - E-Coat - 12" - Left/Right - 5.2K to 7K # AKFBBRK-7 and two of the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assemblies # K08-201-98 (which use the same 6 on 5.5" bolt pattern as a 2023 Tacoma) to complete everything, but it wouldn't be a bad way to go. It is likely a lot more expensive than having an axle made though. But on the plus side, you would have independent suspension! Oh and if you wanted to switch to electric brakes (pretty sure what you have is hydraulic brakes), you could also go with the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K # AKEBRK-7-SA instead of the # AKFBBRK-7 hydraulic ones. The drums will work with either option.