Are my axles shot?

[yukionna]

I've done some research on axles and from what I can gather, it seems I will need to replace both the axles on my '61 Ambassador. With the trailer now completely empty, I took a look at the torsion arms and it isn't a pretty sight. The torsion arms on one axle are at a zero degree angle and, on the other axle, the torsion arms have an upward or positive angle (see attached photo).

What do you axle experts out there think?

[C Johnson]

I'd say they are shot. However, they are 46 years old. I would replace them even if the angles looked ok. The rubber rods in those axles has more than likely taken a set. Meaning no more flexibilty. The useful life of those axles is just about over.

[Silvertwinkie]

Yea, I agree, new axles are in your future.

Was this the one used for mobile storage/junk that you posted about earlier, or was that you?!

[azflycaster]

The axels look like the trailer has been sitting for years in a field with about 2000 pounds of trash inside of the trailer.

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

The axels look like the trailer has been sitting for years in a field with about 2000 pounds of trash inside of the trailer.

You got it! That's the situation!

I figured they were shot but I thought I would ask!

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

Yea, I agree, new axles are in your future.

Was this the one used for mobile storage/junk that you posted about earlier, or was that you?!

Yes, that was me posting about the "mobile storage/junk" and it is the same trailer!

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by yukionna

You got it! That's the situation!

I figured they were shot but I thought I would ask!

Lucky guess!

From the looks of things I would go with the axels and new brakes. How far did you tow it like that and how did it travel?

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

From the looks of things I would go with the axels and new brakes. How far did you tow it like that and how did it travel?

We towed it about 150 miles. It pulled ok but it felt heavy. I guess it would be heavy with a dry weight of about 3500 pounds + 2000 pounds of trash!

[yukionna]

Here's another view of the torsion arm. You can see the tail end of and it has a slightly upward angle.