that's what i tried to show - i put a level on the axle, and put that wooden yard stick over the spindle. it's bent enough for anyone to notice that tire is cocked in


come on, humidity is getting high....bitin' bugs are hatching & testing their new teeth....

i don't any have buddies like you around here, makes it a pain.

being military & moving alot, i am used to having to rebuild your circle of "mechanical friends" every time you move, but have not found any here, i am the guy everyone calls for car problems,

just another reason to buy some welding stuff....

FWIW, i do have a "dirt" trailer with a old Truck axle on it.
i have been wanting to put a used trailer axle on it, i may just pull this one, and put on it, and put a new one on here.

 

Yeah, I'm for swapping out with a new replacement axle(not my money, eh?). That reallly would ensure correct tire alignment and eliminate any concerns with welding/heating, right? On a side note, my 26ft Terry Resort trailer had both rear wheels tilting very much NEGATIVE camber(the top of the tire leaned waaaay in, both sides, opposite of your pics) on the rear axle when I bought it. Inspection showed the rear axle was bowed way the heck DOWN in the center. As mentioned earlier, all new axles(well most anyway) have a preset bow UP in the center, to allow for some bend/flex when weight is added. Well, a reputable trailer builder in Kansas City told me this commonly happens when someone overloads the rear of the trailer, then does some tight turns, like a U-turn or maybe circling around in a small cul-de-sac or backing too far 'jacked'. That would cause the rear axle to drag sideways, pulling the tires outward at the bottom, ok? Anyways, he suggested simply sticking in a new axle(and they were like $75-100) or, just putting a floor jack under the center and doing a process of lifting/lowering/lifting a little higher until the bend comes out. It worked! The rear tires seem to have the appropriate pos camber now, and I lucked out not creating a toe-in or toe-out effect enough to wear/pull on the new tires. Have about 6,000mi on them now and don't show any funny wear. But I got lucky; I wouldn't suggest it on your bent axle end. Re-bending the welded spindle(unlike my bent axle tube story) could create tiny fractures you may not see at the 4 bump welded spots. Wouldn't be worth the risk, no? Be safe and go with the new axle for my money! Oh wait it's NOT my money! ;-)