'79 low profile axle

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Thom,

The shocks get bolted to the brackets.

Bill

Shock studs are supposed to be welded to the shock brackets.

Bolts can get loose. the welding cannot.

Andy

[thomdial]

Very interesting...
So I drove one axle up on blocks(both sides) and found what appeared to be between 2.75 -3.25 inches of play for both axles. (see pics) I'm really thinking at this point that everything is gonna be okay.
But wait- Then I removed the rear wheel (this axle had the most "movement" at 3.25") and placed a floor jack under the drum. I began to jack it up and was astonished to see that there was only about .5" to .75" movement before the frame began to lift. I would have taken pictures of that, but I was too depressed. The problem with the first method I used (that I have read about in several posts) is times two:
First, you have to realize that this is not a true measurement of single arm movement since you are compressing one with most of the weight while completely freeing the other. Under the best circumstances, the true single arm movement would be 50% of what is measured.
Second, I think you have to take into account the tire sidewall flex. Even mine, which are bias ply showed a little compression about .5".
I guess that I can stop talking myself out of new axles.

[thomdial]

Bill,
I just installed my axles today. It took me about 8 hours. None of the holes were close to matching up, so I had to drill 8 holes, 4 of which were through both axle bracket and frame and quite difficult to get to in some cases. One shock stud broke off, so I haven't installed the shocks yet. This has not exactly been a plug and play operation. The brackets were also NOTICEABLY smaller than the originals, and so hole placement is less than optimal.
Have a great day
Thom

[George35]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Shock studs are supposed to be welded to the shock brackets.

Bolts can get loose. the welding cannot.

Andy

the studs that are welded have a nut on one side if your worried about that nut coming off welding the stud is not going to help.
Bolts are fine for shocks.

[wkerfoot]

Thom,

Same problem with the holes, had to drill out all eight. Some easier than others. Trailer is about 1 1/2" higher than before. Installed the disc brakes. Uwe connected the hydraulic lines and actuator. Trip to Buellton for the Vintage Trailer Bash last weekend. Disc brakes are FANTASTIC.

Bill

Originally Posted by thomdial

Bill,
I just installed my axles today. It took me about 8 hours. None of the holes were close to matching up, so I had to drill 8 holes, 4 of which were through both axle bracket and frame and quite difficult to get to in some cases. One shock stud broke off, so I haven't installed the shocks yet. This has not exactly been a plug and play operation. The brackets were also NOTICEABLY smaller than the originals, and so hole placement is less than optimal.
Have a great day
Thom

[thomdial]

Glad to hear everything worked out.