Narrowing Axle Tubes, what's the best way?

[leec]

I've got a pair of Short Axle tubes I need to narrow 5 inchs each side.
What is the best method to do them, cut in the middle?

Any help appreciated!
Lee

[Zach Gomulka]

I've never tried, but couldn't you remove the tube from the end casting, shorten it and reinstall?

[Terry Hoogstins]

Remove the lock pin in the casting , press out the tube , shorten the tube and press the casting back on and reinstall the pin. It does require a press ( tight fit ) and install a new boot when the end casting is off

[busgods]

Just adding to Terry's list.

- Measure everything before you remove the old tubing!  It's fairly important that the shortening is exact.
- You might need to remove the brake line clips from the tube and weld them on after you're all done. Unless you have detachable ones already...
- You need a suitable tube to push the old one off the casing. You can use and old short piece of axle tubing, maybe slightly grinded undersize or just use lathe to make a suitbale. Sometimes the axletube requires a bit of heat to come off. Press stand needs to be pretty big and sturdy. Those pipes are built to stay inside that casting...
- I did my cutting with a hand grinder. If you have a good sturdy pipe cutter at hand, use that. Also, cut enough, otherwise you end up pressing the pipe back out and milling it again...
- Old side cover is a great backing plate when pressing the casting back into the tube. Measuring the new desired length is easy when you're pressing the casting back little by little.
- Make sure you drill and put the pin back on!!! 

[leec]

Thanks guys,
Measure twice, cut once