Can a utility trailer axle be narrowed and welded?

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I have a smaller (54") utility trailer axle (1000lb.cap) that I would like to shorten to about 44". It is a straight U channel piece with a spindle on both ends.  My question is could a certified welder cut, narrow and safely weld the shortened pieces back together to make a shorter axle or would that be impossible?
Reply:I did exactly what you're talking about one time. I cut the axle to the length I wanted, welded it together then layed a 3/4" hollow pipe inside the U from spindle to spindle and welded that to the axle. Durn thing was stronger than when new. I cut the axle near the middle. Don't know how advisable that was as opposed to cutting off center. Never had any problem with it.
Reply:for some one who knows what there doing no problem. we shorten trailer house axles all the time. I dont know about the legal issues if there is an accident though.
Reply:If your U channel beam axle is like one I have and you need to shorten it 10" you could cut the beam 10" from one existing end, cut the excess beam away from the spindle and weld it back on the beam the way it was originally.  Just be sure it's properly seated and aligned in the beam before welding it in.  No one would be the wiser as that's how it was built in the first place.  However, if you're not that experienced and/or confident in your welding skills then you should have it done by a shop or pro willing to do so if they don't sight liability as the reason they wouldn't.As for cutting the 10" out of the center, that area of the beam is considered the neutral region and has the least amount of overall stress and if done correctly would be satisfactory.Last edited by duaneb55; 09-06-2008 at 08:38 PM.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:If you take it outa da center, it will keep the wheels straight.  Clamp it to a piece of angle to get it straight.  If you can weld both sides, that might be all it needs.  If yer gonna load the heck out of it, add some re enforcement. If you are not confident, just add some plate, pipe or angle across the joint.  If you add plate, only weld the same direction as the U chanel.  The other way just makes a stress point.SURE you can do it  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:My suggestion would be to cut your 10 inches off of one end as was mentioned in duaneb55"s post. less hassle of keeping it in line and when your done it will still look like factory instead of something scabbed together. It would also probably be cheaper (not to mention safer) to buy a new axle than it would be to pay a certified welder. I pay under a hundred for complete axle assemblies, what is the cost of the guy your gonna have weld it for you? DaveI am what I am, Deal with it!If necessity is the Mother of Invention, I must be the Father of Desperation!