Dexter 8K Axle Beam, 79" Hub Face, 3.5" Straight Tube, w Loose Perches
Curated 8000 lb trailer axle beam kit with a 79" hub face measurement, 3.5" straight cambered tube, EZ Lube spindle setup, 4-bolt brake flange configuration, and loose spring perches included for installation after spring center verification.
Overview
This 8K axle beam kit is built around a bare 8000 lb straight cambered axle beam with a 79" hub face and 3.5" axle tube. It is commonly used when replacing a trailer or camper axle where the existing measurements, brake flange layout, bearing set, seal size, and spring center requirements match the trailer.
R&P Service Insight
Axle beam listings are measurement-sensitive. Before ordering, match the hub face, brake flange spacing, spindle shoulder dimensions, bearing set, seal size, tube diameter, and spring center requirement to the axle being replaced.
- Loose Perch Kit: This kit includes two SS-350 spring perches for a 3.5" axle beam. They ship loose unless welding is requested and confirmed.
- Cambered Beam: The axle is straight in style but has camber. The arch faces upward when installed.
- Brake Setup: Designed around a 4-bolt brake flange configuration for compatible 8K trailer brake applications.
R&P Knowledge Hub
Compatibility: Common replacement axle for trailers or campers that typically use true 8000 lb Dexter-style 008-285 drums or LCI 12.25" x 3.375" brake applications where measurements match.
Vehicle / System Fit: Trailer suspension and running gear applications using a 79" hub face, 3.5" tube, 4-bolt brake flange, and compatible 8K bearing and seal configuration.
Installation Notes: Spring perches are included loose and must be measured, positioned, squared, and welded before the axle is placed into service.
Performance Insight: Camber is the slight upward bend built into the axle beam to help the axle settle correctly under trailer load.
Brand & Fitment Note
Selling Brand: R&P Carriages curated axle beam kit.
Application Reference: Dexter, LCI, and other OEM-style names in this listing describe compatibility, fitment target, or application style only where supported by verified measurements, mounting points, and configuration details.
What This Means: This listing is for an R&P Carriages curated axle beam kit with a bare 8K axle beam and loose spring perches, not a guaranteed OEM-branded assembly unless specifically stated and verified.
Before Ordering: Verify hub face, brake flange spacing, bearing shoulder measurement, spindle end measurement, tube diameter, brake flange count, bearing set, seal size, spring center, and included components before installation.
R&P Repair Insight
Do not choose an axle beam by weight rating alone. Axle replacement requires measurement matching. A small difference in hub face, brake flange spacing, bearing shoulder location, or spring center can create fitment problems during installation.
- Hub Face Check: Confirm the 79" hub face measurement against the existing axle or required trailer layout.
- Bearing / Seal Check: This axle uses standard 25580 / 02475 bearings and 2.25" seals, with some older trailers using 2.125" seals. Bearings and seals are not included.
- Perch Welding Check: Loose perches are not ready for towing. The spring center must be measured and the perches must be welded before use.
Features
8000 lb Axle Beam Kit
Built around an 8K bare axle beam for compatible heavy trailer and camper running gear applications.
79" Hub Face
Designed for axle replacement where the required hub face measurement is 79".
3.5" Straight Cambered Tube
Standard 3.5" straight tube axle with camber. The camber arch faces upward when installed.
Loose Spring Perches Included
Includes two SS-350 spring perches for a 3.5" axle beam. Perches ship loose unless welding is requested, measured, and confirmed before shipment.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kit Reference | 8000-79-35-KIT axle beam with SS-350 loose spring perches |
| Selling Brand | Dexter/R&P |
| Product Type | 8000 lb trailer axle beam kit |
| Axle Capacity | 8000 lb axle beam application |
| Hub Face | 79" |
| Tube Style | 3.5" straight tube with camber |
| Brake Flange | 4-bolt flange |
| Spindle Style | EZ Lube |
| Brake Flange to Flange | 69.91" |
| Bearing Shoulder to Shoulder | 76.125" |
| Spindle End to End | 84.875" |
| Bearing Reference | Uses standard 25580 / 02475 bearings; bearings not included |
| Seal Reference | Uses 2.25" seals; some older trailers may use 2.125" seals; seals not included |
Fitment / Application
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle / System | Trailer and camper running gear applications |
| Primary Fit | Common replacement axle for trailers or campers that typically have 60" to 63" floor deck width, where axle measurements match |
| Brake Application Reference | Compatible-style reference for true 8000 lb Dexter 008-285 drums or LCI 12.25" x 3.375" applications where measurements and configuration match |
| Notes | Confirm hub face, brake flange spacing, bearing shoulder measurement, spindle end measurement, bearing set, seal size, spring center, and brake configuration before ordering or installing. |
Included Components
| Quantity | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dexter-style trailer axle beam, 8000 lb bare beam, 79" hub face, 3.5" tube, straight cambered, EZ Lube, 4-bolt brake flange |
| 2 | SS-350 spring perches / spring seats for 3.5" axle beam |
| Not Included | Bearings, seals, hubs, drums, brakes, U-bolts, plates, lug nuts, wheels, tires, and installation hardware unless separately stated |
| Important | Spring perches are included loose by default. They are not welded unless requested, measured, and confirmed before shipment. |
What Comes in the -KIT: Spring Perches Are Included Loose
This -KIT includes the axle beam and loose spring perches / spring seats. The spring perches are included as separate pieces. Included does not mean welded.
Spring perches ship loose by default. They are not welded to the axle tube before shipment unless the customer specifically requests perch welding in the order notes, provides the correct Spring Center measurement, and R&P confirms the weld-on request before the axle ships.
Repetition matters: If the listing says “spring perches included,” that means loose spring perches are included with the kit. It does not mean the spring perches are already installed, welded, or ready for towing.
When Will R&P Weld the Spring Perches?
R&P may weld the spring perches before shipment only when the order clearly gives us the information needed to do it correctly.
- The customer must request welded spring perches in the order notes.
- The customer must provide the Spring Center measurement.
- R&P must confirm the weld-on request before shipment.
How to Find Your Spring Center Measurement
Spring Center is the distance from the center of one leaf spring to the center of the opposite leaf spring. This is the measurement used to locate where the spring perches need to be welded on the axle tube.
- Best method with old axle: Measure from the center of one existing spring perch / spring seat to the center of the opposite spring perch / spring seat.
- Best method from the trailer: Measure from the centerline of the left leaf spring pack to the centerline of the right leaf spring pack where the axle sits.
- Leaf spring center bolt method: Measure from the center of the center bolt / locating pin on one spring pack to the center of the center bolt / locating pin on the other spring pack.
- Do not measure outside-to-outside. Spring Center is a center-to-center measurement.
- Do not guess from deck width. Deck width can be helpful context, but it is not a substitute for the actual Spring Center measurement.
Axle Measurement Diagram
Use the axle measurement diagram below as a visual reference while confirming axle dimensions and installation details. Spring Center must still be measured center-to-center at the trailer’s leaf springs or existing spring perches.
Why Welding the Perches Matters
This image shows a real-world installation problem where loose spring perches were not welded before use and brake wiring was torn out. This is exactly why the axle must not be installed, towed, or placed into service while the spring perches are still loose.
Loose perches can allow the axle to move or rotate out of its intended installed position. That can damage brake wiring, brake components, suspension parts, tires, and the trailer. The perches must be properly welded before road use.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are spring perches included in the -KIT? | Yes. The spring perches / spring seats are included as loose parts. |
| Are the spring perches welded on by default? | No. They ship loose by default. |
| Can R&P weld the perches before shipping? | Only if the customer requests it in the order notes, provides the correct Spring Center measurement, and R&P confirms the request before shipment. |
| What measurement is needed for welding? | Spring Center: center of one leaf spring / spring perch to the center of the opposite leaf spring / spring perch. |
| Can the axle be used with loose perches? | No. Do not install, tow, or place the axle in service until the perches are properly welded. |
| What can happen if perches are not welded? | Loose perches can allow the axle to move or rotate, which can damage brake wiring, brake parts, suspension components, tires, and the trailer. |
| Which way does camber face? | If the axle is cambered, the arch goes up in the middle when installed. |
Order Note Wording Customers Can Use
Customers who want R&P to weld the spring perches should put clear instructions in the order notes before checkout.
