Searching for a pair of military toploader 2.5 ton axles (rear and front or two fronts) may be a challenge. These axles seem to be more readily available in the Southern area of the States, and I would include Texas in that section. Outside of these areas though it can be a test of patience. I was able to find two sets here in Eastern Washington with a little Craigslist program call Craigs Pro+ (Not an affiliate for this program but I am an avid user) I started a unique search for whatever it is I am in need of within the distance that I prefer to drive to pick it up and the program sends me an alert whenever a post matching my criteria is listed.
Even here in Washington, I was able to discover two pair of Rockwell axles for $800 a pair. These were the less-desirable bendix style but still were in ok shape. Ok enough to refurbish and give a basic overhaul and plug right into my rig. (more on that later).
You can always uncover a pair from some expensive retailers that specialized in military axles, however, I suggest tracking somebodies project parts via online adds. A word of caution about purchasing axles site unseen and halfway across the country, It is expensive to ship these axles (like any 1 ton or larger axle) and you wish to inspect the axles themselves for the typical axle issues.
Another benefit of buying axles in person is that you can often do like the American Pickers and bundle other things. when I purchased both sets of my axles, I was able to also get a variety of other nice doo-dads that got thrown in with my toploaders. I had the chance to source 20" steel wheels off of a Hemmit, that were later recentered (by me at home in my own shop) for DIY double beadlocks for $100 each. I also picked up some DOM tubing (freebie), and some original 2.5 ton wheels that I re-used the centers of in the modifications for the double beadlocks.
The moral of the story, like anything else wheeling related, put your feelers out there and be prepared for the deal. When the time comes don't hesitate to ask about other rig-related items. You are often doing a service to the person selling the Rockwell Axles and they are inclined to toss in other "heavy stuff" totally free.
Even here in Washington, I was able to discover two pair of Rockwell axles for $800 a pair. These were the less-desirable bendix style but still were in ok shape. Ok enough to refurbish and give a basic overhaul and plug right into my rig. (more on that later).
You can always uncover a pair from some expensive retailers that specialized in military axles, however, I suggest tracking somebodies project parts via online adds. A word of caution about purchasing axles site unseen and halfway across the country, It is expensive to ship these axles (like any 1 ton or larger axle) and you wish to inspect the axles themselves for the typical axle issues.
Another benefit of buying axles in person is that you can often do like the American Pickers and bundle other things. when I purchased both sets of my axles, I was able to also get a variety of other nice doo-dads that got thrown in with my toploaders. I had the chance to source 20" steel wheels off of a Hemmit, that were later recentered (by me at home in my own shop) for DIY double beadlocks for $100 each. I also picked up some DOM tubing (freebie), and some original 2.5 ton wheels that I re-used the centers of in the modifications for the double beadlocks.
The moral of the story, like anything else wheeling related, put your feelers out there and be prepared for the deal. When the time comes don't hesitate to ask about other rig-related items. You are often doing a service to the person selling the Rockwell Axles and they are inclined to toss in other "heavy stuff" totally free.
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I love rockwell axles and rockwell axle based rigs, learn more about them at Rockwell Axle Information and Military Rockwell Axles
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