Trailer Axle Question

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I have this trailer that I have stripped, reinforced, sandblasted and painted.  I am currently building a BBQ pit to go on it, out of a 250 gal propane tank.  Question is: It utilizes 5 x 4.5 hubs and has these tiny wheels on it.  I have removed the wheels and have a set of wheels and tires from a Ford Explorer (15") that I have placed on it.  The axle drops down 4-5" on each side and jacks the trailer up too far in the air.  I was thinking I could cut the stubs out of the current axle and re-weld them to a straight pipe for an axle.  What kind of pipe or tubing, and what thickness do I need to make an axle with?
Reply:Not sure from the picture but it looks like the axle is under the springs. You might be able to just put a spring pad on what is the bottom of the axle now and put it inside the springs. that would drop you it looks like 2 or 3 inches, or the thickness of the springs plus 1/2 the axle.
Reply:Looks to me you could just unclamp the springs, spin the axle so the drop points up, then rebolt the springs (after you put in a new spring seat on the axle.  If that doesn't drop the axle enough, drop the spring to the bottom side of the axle.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:whats the current capacity of the trailer? have you determined your total weight of the tanks and added metal? if its right around the limit of the tires/axle, then you could upgrade to a drop axle, the axle would be mounted the same but the hub height would be adjustable.i like those tanks in the back. how are you planning on cutting them?I break things for a living...
Reply:AH! my post didn't go through.The jist of it was... Don't cut the stubs, buy new ones and save this axle for the next project.You might be able to flip the axle, you might not. Closer pics would help.New axles can be had under $100 if you rob the hubs off the axle you've got.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by smokin_dodgewhats the current capacity of the trailer? have you determined your total weight of the tanks and added metal? if its right around the limit of the tires/axle, then you could upgrade to a drop axle, the axle would be mounted the same but the hub height would be adjustable.i like those tanks in the back. how are you planning on cutting them?
Reply:Originally Posted by Pookie  I am just unsure of the material to use for a straight axle.
Reply:Thanks for all the answers.I just flipped it over, and did a spring-under.  Perfect height.The U section of the channel will now trap water, but I think that can be alleviated by drilling a couple of holes