1975 Apache Royal Axle Replacement. Need recommendations

[apophis13]

I have a 75 Royal with a possible bent axle.  I live in Denver and we just got back from RMNP is Estes Park, CO.  In one 200 mile round trip, the drivers side tire wore through, but only in a 4" patch. I put on the spare and spun it, and it looks like I am out of rounds about 2mm.  I cannot be sure until I get home today, cut the bad tire off, and spin a bare rim on it with fixed calipers to see if it truly is out of rounds.  I am nearly positive it is.

Last year I almost replaced the axle due to a broken brake arm, but I was able to dremel and rebolt is keeping me alive another season

If I need to replace the axle, has anyone already done this on a royal and have the order/measurment specs?   I am in colorado so the brakes are a must.  I would like to stay as close to my current ride height and tire size as possible

my best case is someone saying, yes, i just did this on a royal. order a dexter 2500 measurements xx xx xx xx and you'll be good. 

I would prefer to do 7" brakes and stay with the smaller tire setup than go to 10" brakes. however I am open. I have camping trips in August and September. I do not care if I have to go to 5 bolt rims.  I would put all my rims and fayette parts up for sale here anyway to keep someone elses alive.



Extra Info. My 75 is lighter than stock. As built it was #1590.  I removed the twin propane tanks. The entire gas setup. stove. water tank. furnace. sink, fridge. etc due to condition.  All wood counters were replaced with plate aluminum. I believe I removed about 150-200#. I am guessing I am near #1450 with maybe 200# of gear inside. food/water are carried in vehicle.

any help is appreciated.

[79Ramada]

There were a few axle replacements done by members here with a few different brands so the following are links to the archive threads.

Generally speaking hub face to hub face measurement is 60", and spring center is 47". I would recommend measure yours also just to be sure.

http://www.apachepopups.net/smf/index.php?topic=12796.0

http://www.apachepopups.net/smf/index.php?topic=11725.msg113740

also pictures here http://s882.photobucket.com/user/Imnaha_1966/library/1978%20Apache%20Ramada/78%20Ramada%20Axle%20Replacement?sort=3&page=1

If you wish to get extra ride height on the camper, here is my suspension lift and 13" trailer tires project link. http://www.apachepopups.net/smf/index.php?topic=12812.0 The reason I'm including this link is if you are planning on mounting axle under the spring, this will be the time to order your axle with spring perch welded on top. Stock ride hight is way too low for my setup and ruin a pair of rear stabilizer jacks and came closed to ruining the rear gear box many times.

[apophis13]

I will validate the measurements this weekend. So I have terminology correct, are apache's "overslung"

[79Ramada]

I think most trailer suspension setup are "underslung", spring pads are welded under the axle tube.