M105 build with a 14 bolt axle

[dyogim]

Been reading through a bunch of articles and the TM for the M105. Appreciate all the info from these threads. Have found great info to easily integrate a 4 or 7 pin harness.

Bought the trailer mainly for hauling stuff around, not for any type of overlanding/expedition adventures. Maybe in the future.

First thing I'm working on is replacing the axle with another axle that has a similar load capacity using the 8x6.5 lug pattern. I decided to go with a 14 bolt full float axle. It has an 8k lb capacity and was cheap, $100. I plan on removing the carrier, ring and pinion and welding on new spring perches to match the width of the m105 leafs. The overall weight gutted, is going to be a whole lot less than the Rockwell axle that the trailer was fitted with. Tires will be 35" BFG all terrains wrapped around H2 alloy wheels. These are also a lot lighter than the military wheels and tires, plus helps lower the trailer several inches.

I'll have the axle and wheels up for sale soon. Once I reach the requirement to post in the classifieds.

For now here's a pic of the trailer when I first brought it home.

 

[dyogim]

Made some progress today. Got the leaf spring perches welded onto the 14 bolt axle, painted then bolted to the M105 leafs. Here's a couple of pics of the perches...

 

[juanprado]

Interesting build. Looking forward to your progress.

 

[dyogim]

The bottom of the M105 leaf pack, there's a raised edge that I had to grind down in order for the leaf pack to sit flush on the perches...

 

[dyogim]

Here it is bolted to the leafs/trailer. I purchased the 14 bolt simple swap kit from ruffstuff specialites and requested to have the 13" long ubolts. Rather than the 10" that comes standard with the kit. Again, I wanted to keep the leafs and overload spring to retain the load capacity. Hoping to have it back on the ground with wheels tomorrow. After that, I'll deal with the trailer harness and integrate a 7 pin setup.

 

[dyogim]

Here's the leaf spring kit I purchased with 13" long ubolts: https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/14BSS.html

 

[tobyS]

Why are you putting such a heavy axle with a differential under an m105? The OEM axle on an M105 seems very heavy and there are many different wheel options, like the super singles from an m35A3 to get 20" or 16.5" bolster wheels with HMMWV tires,.....to the Isuzu budds in 19.5".

The OEM axle seems heavier than most semis... I can't imagine needing even heavier on a 105.

 

[dyogim]

Why are you putting such a heavy axle with a differential under an m105? The OEM axle on an M105 seems very heavy and there are many different wheel options, like the super singles from an m35A3 to get 20" or 16.5" bolster wheels with HMMWV tires,.....to the Isuzu budds in 19.5".

The OEM axle seems heavier than most semis... I can't imagine needing even heavier on a 105.

Its cheap and a lot lighter than the m105 axle with a higher weight capacity, 8600 lbs. The overall weight will be lighter. Since, the diff, ring and pinion will be removed and possibly the axle shafts. If I can't find something to cover the wheel hubs securely, I'll cut the axle shafts down to the flange and use them as covers.

Using this axle also allows me to run 8x6.5 wheels. I have an extra set of wheels and 35" tires that I can use as well. They are the same as what's on my truck now. The height of the trailer will also be lowered by several inches.

 

[tobyS]

I used a 7k dexter trailer axle on one and ran the 8x6.5" hmmwv wheels. I use the ford van wheels on my 1101 weld trailer to bring it down too. If I remember, the bearings of a 105 are rated 20k each, so I've never thought of it being light duty. In fact, I'm building a tandem with 2 m105 axles and the budds here. I would not hesitate to dual up a 105 (height 31"). I have not tried the 17.5 Isuzu wheels, but think they will fit. These are 19.5 and there is a 22.5 I think. Tubeless and no o-ring = few flats

 

[dyogim]

I used a 7k dexter trailer axle on one and ran the 8x6.5" hmmwv wheels. I use the ford van wheels on my 1101 weld trailer to bring it down too. If I remember, the bearings of a 105 are rated 20k each, so I've never thought of it being light duty. In fact, I'm building a tandem with 2 m105 axles and the budds here. I would not hesitate to dual up a 105 (height 31"). I have not tried the 17.5 Isuzu wheels, but think they will fit. These are 19.5 and there is a 22.5 I think. Tubeless and no o-ring = few flats

I figured the Rockwell axle was way underrated. I had been looking for a dexter axle as well, but sellers in my area was asking several hundred dollars. I thought about buying new, but the cost added up and it became less cost effective. Which then led me to the 14 bolt.

 

[tobyS]

I figured the Rockwell axle was way underrated. I had been looking for a dexter axle as well, but sellers in my area was asking several hundred dollars. I thought about buying new, but the cost added up and it became less cost effective. Which then led me to the 14 bolt.

What I'm asking is why you thought the 5" M105 axle needed changed?? That is a lot of work.

Sorry, reread the first post and was answered.

 

[dyogim]

Got one side of the axle mounted with a wheel and tire and on its own weight, needed to check for clearance. Going to need either a pair of 1.5 or 2 inch steel wheel spacers or another pair of wheels with a different offset.

Overall, the "new" setup lowered the trailer about 7". Bottom of the trailer is just under 32" and the lunette ring is at about 34" from the ground. Which is about where my receiver hitch is located on my truck.

So far so good., updated pics. Jack in the pic is not bearing any weight from the trailer.

 

[G744]

I just run 6-bolt lowboy wheels & 15" tires when pulling a M104/5 with my M37.

Same weight rating, sits level behind the Dodge.

Change 'em out anytime for the 20's.

Conelrad

 

[dyogim]

I just run 6-bolt lowboy wheels & 15" tires when pulling a M104/5 with my M37.

Same weight rating, sits level behind the Dodge.

Change 'em out anytime for the 20's.

Conelrad

Nice. I unfortunately do not have another mil spec vehicle to pull the m105. Here's my rig that will be pulling it.

 

[dyogim]

Took the trailer out onto the highway today pulling it with my truck for about 200 miles, Truck pulled it well and everything was good. The lunette ring is slightly tilted up after I rotated it to hang lower. Next is to swap the landing gear as that f'n anchor on there now is a PITA. Then I'll look into an electric over hydraulic brake actuator setup.

 

[dyogim]

Replaced the boat anchor of a landing gear for a 3500 lb trailer jack from harbor freight. I'll add a single or dual caster swivel in the next couple of weeks. Which will help move it around when I need to.

***anyone need the trailer axle or the wheels/tires or the landing gear from the M105?*** send me a message.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Do you plan on hooking up the parking brakes?

 

[dyogim]

Do you plan on hooking up the parking brakes?

Yes, I plan on hooking them up to the existing parking brake cables for the 14 bolt axle.