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retrocar66 · 08-27-2013, 01:54 PM

Based on my reading in the forums here, I think my axles are shot. I have started to look for replacements, but before I move on anything, since I'm new to this, I have some questions....

1. I raised one side of the trailer, and the wheels came right off the ground before I'd lifted the frame even an inch. The trailing arms are about "level" and didn't move at all. I understand that this means the rubber that provides the torsion has stiffened with age and axle replacement is the only possible repair. --> is this correct, or do I need to raise both sides at once to get a proper read? I assume the two halves of each axle operate independently.

2. I'm planning to replace the axles myself as it seems a fairly simple job. Is there any reason, aside from possible clearance issues, that I can't just pull the trailer up onto a set of trailer buddies and change one axle while the other (old or new) one holds the trailer up? Has anyone tried this? It seems like the easiest method, rather than trying to raise the whole trailer on jack stands.

P.S., I noticed while planning out this work that my gas line to the water heater runs outside of the belly pan and *underneath* the axles, meaning that I'm going to have to remove it to get the axles off. Is this normal? Or is it some kind of hack repair... the water heater is original.

Thanks!

garthbf · 08-27-2013, 02:03 PM

I had to do the samething on my '75.
yes, each side it independent.
yes, the best way is to roll it up on block on one axle, replace then do the other.
yes, the propane line is outside of everything. the coupling joints should just unscrew to remove. when putting it back check for leaks with soapy water.

here is the thread for my axle replacement.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...nt-108505.html