I am scratching my head...

I had intended to post about how easy it is to install axles. "Intended" is the operative word there. Words are being chosen very carefully as I describe my utter frustration with it all. Yesterday I went out and bought a transmission lift to make putting them in easier. I work alone on just about everything, so another set of hands, even if they are mechanical, is a welcomed addition. I carry the axle out and put it on the lift and slide it into place. It goes up into the notches in the hanging plate like it was made to fit exactly. I am elated to see this happen. I am talking perfect fit side to side and the bracket is up tight to the frame rails when it is in the notch in the bracket. But then I hear screeching tires on pavement, metal to metal grinding, and the distinctive sound of a car, no a bus. A bus full of children(okay sorry getting too graphic, it was test dummy children in a test crash scenario) tumbling end for end in my head as I looked up at the bolt holes to see this.

Why is there light between the hole? I knew they were not going to be lining up with the existing holes, but not even on the bracket... Common' man you have got to be kidding me here... And then I look to the other side of the axle tube and that bus starts to slide on some rocks... the rocks break free, and the bus begins to tumble over and over down the side of the mountain.

For this is what I see there. Now one thing I can do is read a tape measure. I have made my living reading one for many years now. If... yes "IF" (little word with huge implications) I can center a new hole just right, there will be 1/16" of bracket left between the edge and 1/16" left between the two factory holes. This is of course relying on me not allowing the drill bit to wander at all. I just do not understand why the holes are there in the first place. If the bracket had not been pre drilled, I could just drill new ones into solid meat instead of creating swiss cheese out of it. You may also notice the old hole forward or the bracket. That is there because the bracket was installed backward even though I ordered it forward. Somewhere between the distributor and producer, someone decided to reverse it. I choose to accept it anyway, for it was still firmly on the hanging plate. So far, I not very pleased with my experience. I think next time I might try a different brand. Once the sun comes up in Indiana, I plan on calling the factory where these were made and asking them why it is done like this. I would call the dealer that I bought them from, but he is on a three week vacation. In six weeks, one day I will be camping and cannot wait for someone else to find the proper solution.