KCStudly wrote:I think Angib hit the nail on the head when he suggested that spring wrap will be an issue. IMO it doesn’t really matter what the axle rate vs. load is when you are looking at a dynamic situation like hitting a pot hole.
Look at it another way. When the drop is installed as intended gravity is always trying to stabilize the axle’s rotation and therefore the spring will remain stable. If you flip the axle gravity will always be trying to torque the spring one way or the other, back and forth with every little, and not so little undulation in the road, resulting in many more cycles of fatigue. Depending on the dynamics of this effect it is quite possible that one end of the axle will be attempting to do the opposite of the other end, more so than in the standard configuration, and that could also result in a whole lot of cyclic loading on the axle tube itself...or could set up some wonky side to side oscillations based on minor wheel base changes (as the spring wraps it will change the relative location of the axle).
Don’t take offense, but the fact that you did not realize that the axle spring perches are welded to the axle tube shows that you are not especially knowledgeable on this subject. You may want to reconsider your confidence level at making critical decisions that might affect your and other’s well being.
Take the hubs and brakes off of your old axle(s); buy compatible bare straight axle(s) (gaining 3 inches) with spring perches factory welded in a “spring over” configuration (gaining another 3+ inches); install your existing brakes and hubs on the new axles, and stuff them under your trailer. It’s what I would do in your situation. (I’m a professional mechanical engineer and designer, if that makes any difference to you.)
As to whether the the spring wrap is an issue... It is and it isn't. Millions upon millions of pickup tricks are driving around with anywhere from no to 6 inch blocks between the spring and axle. Yes, axle wrap is an issue, it has its effects on handling, drive shaft geometry, and other matters, but the springs control it, and the number of springs that bust up because of there being blocks is minimal - after all, my truck has 3 inch blocks from the factory.
As to whether the saddles are welded to the round axle... I said I didn't see any welding. I can't imagine they aren't, but I DID NOT SEE ANY. This is not a matter of me being ignorant of how it should be done. It's a matter of looking, but not seeing any evidence of them being welded. Yes, I could have missed it. I have my doubts. I suspect that they actually were not, based on the idea that the axle would be ok without it and gravity would return it to upright if it slipped. It isn't parked at my house it's a few miles away, so I haven't been back to look again, this time up close and in detail.
