reliant axle mounting...

[bandicoot]

Hi folks,
We ( as in me and the boy ) are building a bike based trike for him. We need to flip the axle for the right rotation, but we were wondering what is the best way to mount the axle to the swinging arm as we are keeping to the original spec of twin shocks.
Is there a prefered way to do this or is it a case of whatever takes your fancy?

[Manky Monkey]

Hiya,
Personally, I prefer a removable clamp, rather than a mounting welded to the axle tubes, but other than that, just whatever you think will be strongest & safest really. Reliant axle tubes are quite thin so I wouldn't weld anything too heavy duty to them. Also it's much easier to paint or work on a removable axle. Spread the mounts as wide as you can & incorporate some method of stopping the axle twisting or moving sideways in the clamp.
If you check the Motors, 3 wheels section of the main site, in the frame building chapters, you'll see my own method of fixing is by use of a split 2 piece clamp with a secondary locating tab that bolts to a small tab on the tube. Safety's obviously the main priority.

[los lobo]

Thats a good point about the thickness of the axle tube, as i was going to weld a big old chunk of metal to the axle casing to mount the frame too. A quick rethink is in order. I will applaud you for that gem of wisdom

[TwistedPatience]

My axle is welded in and has been for the last 5 years, no cracks yet.

But it would be nice to be able to change the axle at some point so I may change the mounts in the future.

[Manky Monkey]

I'm sure welded in is fine mate, (knowing how hard you ride "Twisted" & how many miles you cover it's certainly been well road-tested). I just prefer to err on the side of caution & wouldn't want anyone else to take my advice & come a cropper. Safety first, always. 

[col]

My axle was welded in but after 3 year it started to crack round welds I reweld but did not last long new axle and clamps   
 
   col