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Cutting the front axle.

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Old 04-18-2020 | 01:54 PM
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Ohiocruiser's Avatar
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Cutting the front axle.



So, as you can see from the pictures, the front axles are sticking out too much. And I can't put wheel caps because of it. Can anyone give me a reason, why I cant get couple extra sawzall blades and cut 1/2 of an inch from that end. Thanks.
Old 04-18-2020 | 02:30 PM
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Aftermarket wheels often don't fit the way you were hoping they would.
I wouldn't cut the axles. Just look for some sort of domed type center caps that will fit.
Example:


Last edited by firemangeorge; 04-18-2020 at 02:52 PM. Reason: added picture
Old 04-18-2020 | 03:26 PM
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I have those kind of style wheel caps. Don't like how it looks. I want to install the ones that came with the wheels. So is there any real risk that I am missing, of cutting the end of that axle? It still gonna leave me with about inch of threads to the axle nut. Not that they come loose anyway.
Old 04-18-2020 | 03:42 PM
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Ive seen people shorten them before with no ill effects, just you are eliminating the taper at the end for easy starting of the nut and the dimple to center any pullers if needed later. , can use a grinding wheel to smooth it and a file to take the rough edges off the threads after cutting. Just cover any exposed brakes/bearings...ect.. to keep fine metal dust from contaminating and causing issues down the road.
Old 04-18-2020 | 04:22 PM
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I can drill that center hole little deeper, before cutting, and smooth out the edges after. Thanks for reminding about dust. Didn't think of that.
Old 04-18-2020 | 04:36 PM
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You may not have enough thread left to put the original(or aftermarket, with that same dimension) wheels back on. Probably not an issue, but something to consider.
Old 04-18-2020 | 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by RJ_RS_SS_350
You may not have enough thread left to put the original(or aftermarket, with that same dimension) wheels back on. Probably not an issue, but something to consider.
He is referring to the Axle, not the lug nuts.
Old 04-18-2020 | 04:56 PM
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I knew that, too. Now I feel silly. Sheesh.
Old 04-18-2020 | 05:06 PM
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Lug nuts, you mean wheel studs right?

cutting the axel won’t be a major problem, measure threes times and cut once! Porter Cable makes a nice band saw for the job or a Sawzall will do fine, if you haven’t been to the gym lately even a hacksaw will do.
Old 04-18-2020 | 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldblue
if you haven’t been to the gym lately even a hacksaw will do.
LOL I know the feeling....




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