Trailer axle lock pin clevis

[Frank S]

About the same as birds**t welding then?

Pretty much. The thing that got me was not so much the welding but the fact that someone would actually think to do it. I mean if all they were trying to accomplish was to get the locks to release so they could slide the axle the "S" hook of a tarp strap would have sufficed or how hard would it have been to just put in a 3/8" bolt and nut since the pin was missing, but to tack weld 2 parts together when one of them must articulate through about 30° of motion at the pivot REALLY?
Let's forget that at the factory when the trailer was made they used cheap galvanized rod ends welded to the pins in the first place was ludicrous enough. the clevis pins in those things have the hardness and durability lower than a bubble pack grade 2 bolt you might buy at a convenience store and held in place with a 1/16" cotter pin
Rant over, I'm glad my bud decided spread the axles while he was at my place instead of after he had a load on it and then needed to spread them, because it gave me a chance to inspect the underside for cracks and other possible things that may need tending sooner or later. Like the bad air bag that was virtually at the point of rupturing and already had a small air leak in it We replaced it but bought 2 so we could change out both on the same axle, and the next time he passes through we will probably change out the ones on the other axle just so every thing will be matching age they are not cheap at $250.00 each but neither is being put out of service on the side of the road