Can a torsion axle be narrowed

[hans2]

My father in law bought a gooseneck trailer at auction that I want share the cost and use of...but it is more than 102" wide. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Is there any possibility of narrowing torsion axles by removing several inches from the center and then sliding both ends into larger dimensioned square tube. I know these axles can't be welded on due to the rubber. Does the rubber run the full length of each axle?

Is it crazy to mess with any kind of axle tube, even non-torsion ones? I understand new axles may be the only alternative but always interested in saving money as long as it's safe.

Thank you for any feed back or experience
Bill

 

[wroughtn_harv]

The rubbers are at the ends so you can cut the middle and weld them back together.