Axle replacement part II

[drag'nwagon]

Originally Posted by Gloria Pace

Hey,

Forget the axles, what an adorable little girl.

Good luck with your new axles.

Gloria Pace
72 Sovereign
WBCCI 7287
Greenville, Tx

Thank you that is Rebekah, she is almost 2 now and loves to lend a hand.

[airedale]

these men look a couple happy campers LOL! Beer, tools, and campers, what more could a guy ask for? More beer?

[airedale]

Originally Posted by drag'nwagon

Labatts!!!!

NASTY!!

[airedale]

Originally Posted by Airboss

Yes but there was 2 of us...

thats what scares me, 2 men, beer, and tools, have you ever seen Tool Time?

[drag'nwagon]

Loved that show, still can't figure out why they cancelled it!

[airedale]

Originally Posted by drag'nwagon

Loved that show, still can't figure out why they cancelled it!

I know, me too, when they had the Men's Kitchen and the Men's Bathroom, those were the best!

[Gkiesel]

Wow that looks great. May I inquire what the total cost of the job was? Including the brakes.? Thanks

[drag'nwagon]

Originally Posted by Gkiesel

Wow that looks great. May I inquire what the total cost of the job was? Including the brakes.? Thanks

I got the axles complete from Inland Andy for $800.00ea that includes bearings and brakes. the shocks were $27.00 x 4 and the drum balance job came from a friend for $10.00 x 4. I live about an hour and 20 min. from JC so we picked up the axles from Henschen (GKN) and avoided shipping charges. Throw in the beer and lunch and your in the neighborhood of $1800.00 to $1900.00.

[airedale]

Axel ..........$1600.00
Shocks........ $108.00
Drum Balance Job......$40.00
Lunch and Beer......$50.00


Getting Drunk while changing the axel and having great time.........PRICELESS!!

[1963gt]

I recently had my axles replaced by a local reputable shop.
they ordered a custom axle from dexter per their measurements.
i supplied the "napa" shocks.
when i got my trailer back i noticed that the axle was not bolted on, as i would have expected, but welded to the frame.
I have towed it over a thousand miles since, with no problems. the brakes work well.
I am not sure how i feel about the welding versus bolting.
it seems like i should have been consulted and perhaps the future value may be reduced by this..
i would like to approach the shop with my concern, but what would i get out of it?? the "damage" is done.. unless it is not a big deal..
i don't know, that's why i am putting it out here.
I probably should have gotten the henshen product..

any thoughts?

[drag'nwagon]

1963gt

I suppose that it is OK to weld it to the frame it is certainly easier to do it that way in a shop setting. While it will take some doing to get it off if ever needed it can be done without damaging the trailor. I assume you went with Dexter because of the price? I do feel that the shop should have given you the option to bolt or weld, since they had to unbolt or cut the old bolts off and drop the old axle out. I would think that if the axle is correct for your trailor it should last 20 or so years, so I do not think you have to worry about anything for quite some time. It is fairly common for other trailors to have the axle welded to the frame, and perhaps they just were noy familiar with Airstreams. I hope it does well for you and gives you and your family years of adventure.

[1963gt]

i talked to the guy who installed my axle, and he assured me that the installation was solid and he has welded axles many times.
i have towed it approximately 1500 mile with no incident.
i suggested that he bolt it on. since the holes don't match new holes would have to be drilled and the 1/2 in #8 bolts installed. he did mention an extra charge for that.
but i may insist the he complete the job to my satisfaction, since i should have been consulted regarding the welding..
i'm not sure why i chose the dexters.. cost was definitely a factor.

[Airboss]

Dave (DragNwagon) and I put a new axel on my 65 Caravel the weekend after we did his and we had to drill the 1/2 holes on it. It was very easy to do. In fact we started about 9:30 AM and the Caravel was back ready to tow at 1:15 PM. Not bad for a couple rookies...We feel like pros now.. Ralph

[drag'nwagon]

Originally Posted by Airboss

Dave (DragNwagon) and I put a new axel on my 65 Caravel the weekend after we did his and we had to drill the 1/2 holes on it. It was very easy to do. In fact we started about 9:30 AM and the Caravel was back ready to tow at 1:15 PM. Not bad for a couple rookies...We feel like pros now.. Ralph

Ralphie...we are pros now!

[airedale]

hey, i would agree, you did a great job with the Caravel!

[Airboss]

Originally Posted by drag'nwagon

Ralphie...we are pros now!

Thats right,, I forgot,,We are PROS AT IT!!!!!

[BarryIowa]

Informative and HILARIOUS thread. Thanks.

[Airboss]

Glad u liked it.. Hope u read part 1 as well...