hypothetical M101 mods

[p71]

Let assume here that I have more money than sense, and I purchase an M101 and decide to mod it. Would it be possible to;

1) Do an axle flip so that it rides 3 or 4 inches lower? ( I assume yes and that I could tune ride height with slightly longer shackles.)

2)(And this is where the money more than sense thing comes in) Convert it to an electric over hydraulic setup by simply removin the master cylinder and actuator mechanism, putting on a fixed pintle ring, adding an electric over hydraulic pump and control unit and switching the electricals to 12 v. Basically keep the stock axle (bolt pattern matched my tow vehicle, weight is not a problem) and brakes and run aftermarket EOH with stock drums and lines?

Forgive my silliness. I am a trucker not a mechanic.

 

[gimpyrobb]

So you plan on getting a M101a3? No you cannot flip the axle for a lower deck height.
The surge brake system works wonderfully, I would not mess with it, but some folks feel the need. When you remove the surge brake master from the "A" arm, let me know, I might buy it.

 

[p71]

Thanks...
What prevents axle flip?

I assume that your answer to the rest of that is "it will work but is not worth it"?

 

[gimpyrobb]

Let me see if I can find a pic. That would show you more easily than I could explain.

Yes on the 2nd part.

 

[gimpyrobb]

See where the wood is in the stack? Thats where they attach. The hump that would "drop" the axle, is inside the spring perch.

 

[KsM715]

If your thinking of flipping the springs from the top of the axle to the bottom of the axle you will lose almost all of the up travel in the suspension. (on a1-a2models, the spring over reversal will not work on the a3 because of what gimpy showed in the pic)

 

[quickfarms]

I run A2 tires on an A3 trailer. Lower ride height and wider bed without a lot of work

 

[CARNAC]

That's what I did also, right up until the day I sold it.

 

[harleyhouse]

Don't need the suurge brake system?
Take it off and fab up a channel hitch like I did on my trailers.
Use a ball mount or lunette.

I would go the shorter tire route. to lower the trailer.
If you go with a new axle "they make drop spindle axles with electric brakes" get a dexter made.

I run 235-85-16 tires that is 31" tall you can go shorter just use a D or E rated truck tire.


My rebuild : http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?82301-Rebuilding-MY-m101a2-BY-harleyhouse&highlight=

 

[p71]

I have actually reviewed your build. Awesome work. It is not so much that I do not want brakes, I was asking if the brakes on the trailer could be adapted to EoH, which I feel is an intrinsically better system, especially if you are offroading with a heavy trailer and have to back up.