What Information Do You Need to Order a Correct Replacement Axle?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Russell,

That is a great question and I'm happy to walk you through it.

To get a proper replacement axle you'll want to know the following:
-Axle Weight Capacity, it should be listed on a tag on the current axle. If that tag is missing or damaged you can call the manufacturer with your VIN to confirm or estimate based off the axle tube diameter

-Hub Face to Hub Face (HF to HF) Measurement: the distance from the face of one wheel hub to the face of the opposite hub, this measurement determines the total axle width and tire clearance

-Spring Center to Spring Center (SC to SC): measurement from the center of one leaf spring seat to the center of the other, this makes sure you get the correct alignment for your trailer's leaf springs for the suspension. Spring seat centers can be purchased individually and welded onto the axle if you're unable to find an axle with the correct spring center measurement.

-Wheel Bolt Pattern: Count the number of wheel studs on the hub and measure the diagonal center to center distance to get the bolt pattern so the new hubs will match your existing wheels.

If you're planning on reusing your hub or hub/drum, you'll need to determine what spindle is on your axle in order to get one that can be used with them. Different spindles use different size bearings and races, so the spindle would need to match whatever bearing or race is in the hub for it to work. If you're getting new hub/drum that won't be an issue since you can buy whatever hub/drum matches the spindle on the new axle.

What kind of trailer are you replacing the axle on?

expert reply by: Claire H

0

Russell P.

10/15/2026

It is a 2015 FOREST RIVER wildwood Xlite 261BHXL , WDT261 BHXL VIN./N.I.V. 4X4TWDB24G7352494 GAWR 3500 per axle It is a Lippert axle LCI35-SB-86.5-68.5-NOSP-US-L-545-7242-18P Serial #: 045 - 003600946 I’m looking to find a price on the correct axle and also a price on an axle kit that includes electric brake drum during assembly all attached to the axle. Thank you so much

Claire H.

10/15/2026

@RussellP The correct replacement axle is the Lippert Trailer Axle Beam with Super Lube Spindles part # LC63PK, it is rated for 3.5K and has the same 86.5" hub face and 68.5" spring center measurement as your current axle. This axle is not currently offered as a kit, however, even the axles that we do offer as a kit with the brakes and hub/drum don't come with the hub/drum and brakes already assembled on the axle. They are all still shipped separately as it's not possible to ship the axle with all the components installed. The correct hub/drums are the etrailer Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles part # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K that are 10" x 2 1/4" wide and have a 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern. For brakes, I suggest the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self Adjusting part # AKEBRK-35-SA for 3.5K axles, fit wheels 13" to 15", and are self-adjusting so you won't need to manually tighten them. As for the axle flip, instead of welding on new cradles, I suggest using an over-under kit like the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-384-00 that allows you to move the springs above your axle without needing to do any welding. It comes with all the U-bolts, nuts, tie plates, and spring seats needed; it's helpful too because you won't need to buy a new U-bolt kit like you'd need to if you welded on new spring seats since it's all together. If you do still decide to go the spring seat route, you can use the TruRyde Spring Seat for 3.5K Axles with 2 3/8" diameter part # TRSS238. You'll also need new U-bolts, plates, and nuts which the CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for 3.5K Round Trailer Axles part # CE23002 would be perfect for. In regard to pricing, I'm not able to quote a price because our pricing changes daily, however, it should only vary between a few cents to a few dollars.

Russell P.

10/16/2026

@ClaireH Thank you so much This helps a lot

Claire H.

10/16/2026

@RussellP You're very welcome! I apologize for the delay!