Another Axle Question

[dartagnan]

We have a 26' 1965 Overlander International. Its been in the family since I was a kid, and we have used it for years, but now it needs restoration. I have read many of your posts and it seems that we should replace the axels. The original specification says they are "Dura Tourque" with Kelsey Hayes electric brakes. It appears that the suspension is within the axels themselves as I do not see the shocks and springs that many of you reference. Although the axels have surface rust they appear to be in reasonable shape. The forward axel seems to have a slight bow. I'm not so gullible as to believe they are internally sound. So, my questions are: Should they be replaced? With what? Where to get them? What kind of suspension? It looks like a simple task (four bolts) to drop the original, will the replacement bolt pattern be the same.

Anyone with experience in the matter? Your input is welcomed.

Thank You!

[TG Twinkie]

The axles are made with a bend in the middle.
Yes, it is time to replace them.
Contact Colin Hyde for the axles you need. The other option is Andy at Inland RV.
The shocks may be there. They are attached to the outside of the frame. Kind of hard to see unless you look in behind the tires.

[Argosy 7728]

Try Inland RV or Colin Hyde Restorations. We bought ours from Colin, so they were a simple unbolt/bolt installation. His suppler bought up Henschen Dura torque. If they are the originals the rubber inside the axles has surely set. Jack one side up and see if there is any movement up and down with the wheel, if not you'll need to replace. The bow in the axles should be there, it is factory done to align the axle. The shocks and mounts should be right behind the wheels.

[Wolfe]

after 25 years the rubber inside tubes is shot,
the bolt holes on mine nearley fit, used air rasp to finish fit.
used 2 floor jacks and 3 people for job, got parts from andy as kit

[Action]

The original axle manufacturer is no longer in business. These axles are torsion spring axles. The "spring" is rubber rods that are internal to the square metal tube. After some time the rubber takes a set and hardens. There is no servicing of this assembly only replacement. And as you have discovered replacement is fairly easy. Unbolt and rebolt the replacement assembly back in. A rust penetrant oil will serve you well in preparing for removal of this assembly.

On a '65 Overlander the shocks will be more or less in a verticle position. They will be mounted at the outside of each axle end. If you do not see shocks they have not been mounted. Some people do not use shocks. You will need 4 and they can be a generic type.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[dartagnan]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'm learning a lot about this trailer and its restoration from those of you who have been there. I found the shocks. I looks up and behind the wheels...and there those buggers were. It appears that there are more than enough replacements for these axels, but the posts only mentioned the Henschen Dura torque. Any one have comments on other selections based on quality and installation ease?

Thanks again

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by dartagnan

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'm learning a lot about this trailer and its restoration from those of you who have been there. I found the shocks. I looks up and behind the wheels...and there those buggers were. It appears that there are more than enough replacements for these axels, but the posts only mentioned the Henschen Dura torque. Any one have comments on other selections based on quality and installation ease?

Thanks again

Fitting a torsion axle on a trailer that is almost 50 years old, will require a little extra work.

The important thing, with torsion axles, is the quality of construction.

Lab tests show that some do not completely weld the torsion arm to the shaft, the shaft is mild steel instead of tempered, the rubber rods are stiffer, and it most cases, the axle is not aligned to specs, and the torsion arm is made with less carbon steel in it's forging.

Then they are available with standard, or self adjusting brakes, which are far superior.

In other word, there is top quality available, as well as knock-offs.

Then, then are shipping costs to consider.

One manufacturer ships from one place, and another ships from 21 places.

As always, the buyer usually gets what they pay for.

Andy