Looking for Axle help in New england 61 safari

jasoncase · 08-06-2009, 02:16 PM

hey guys,

i was about to re-grease and replace the brake plates but, i feel like i should be looking into a new axle since it's age...

i'm looking for some info on sources in the Rhode Island area. or to hear about some experiences on having it shipped.
i've searched the forum and just wondering if there is new info out there and maybe a dealer in Rhode Island to save on freight charges...
thanks guys
Jay

**silverleeper** · 08-06-2009, 02:58 PM

The only two I can help with.

Dexter Dist within 100 miles Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - FIND A DISTRIBUTOR

Inland RV (Henschen) Dura Torque. I think he ships from the factory in the mid-west.

jasoncase · 08-06-2009, 03:19 PM

great, thanks for the links... your safari looks great, silver. do you know what i'd be looking for for a replacement? i'm not sure how to look it up.

GREG@INLAND · 08-06-2009, 03:25 PM

Your 1961 Safari had a 3600# rated axle as original equipment, Airstream stayed with this rating until 1964 when it went to 4000#, then 5000# in 1965 and subsiquent years. Your's was the first year for the torsion axle so they hadn't yet developed the bolt on method....it's welded on, so some cutting to do to replace it and the new one can also be welded in place.
Greg

53flyingcloud · 08-06-2009, 03:28 PM

Call Andy of Inlandrv..
He will have the part required..and info for you

jasoncase · 08-06-2009, 03:30 PM

hey greg... thanks, maybe i'm not remembering right but, i think there are two bolts on each side holding it to the mount plates. i'll check as soon as i get home.

jasoncase · 08-06-2009, 03:31 PM

i'll contact andy as well, but, afraid shipping will be too steap.

anami · 08-06-2009, 03:36 PM

now that i have new axles, i am not that sure it was necessary after all. But if you do decide to get them i highly reccommend ordering from dexter. $400 shipping aside i had a VERY BAD experience with a vendor and wish that i had ordered from the factory myself. i am not supposed to go into detail here, but i VERY much wish i had skipped the vendor i used and have spend ALL of my resoration money at other places like vintage trailer supply, ppl motorhomes adventure rv and big discount rv. My axles arrived mismatched and missing parts i had paid for. at least if i had ordered from the factory i would have paid half as much and got support for the mismatched problem that i fear could lead me to wear out tires faster as well as opening the potaential for catastrophic damage. The vendor i worked with called me names and refused to address either issue.

my 2 cents

anami

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasoncase

hey guys,

i was about to re-grease and replace the brake plates but, i feel like i should be looking into a new axle since it's age...

i'm looking for some info on sources in the Rhode Island area. or to hear about some experiences on having it shipped.
i've searched the forum and just wondering if there is new info out there and maybe a dealer in Rhode Island to save on freight charges...
thanks guys
Jay

**silverleeper** · 08-06-2009, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasoncase

great, thanks for the links... your safari looks great, silver. do you know what i'd be looking for for a replacement? i'm not sure how to look it up.

Sorry! I don't know what axle you would need. Thanks, the safari was a fun project. Do your homework and ask questions. Prices and experiences will vary.

Look here http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437/.

jasoncase · 08-06-2009, 07:22 PM

does that look like a familiar axle to anyone?

you can see what i was saying about being bolted on with two bolts on either side.

53flyingcloud · 08-07-2009, 06:23 AM

jasoncase,
I just wondered, age aside, how did you arrive at the decision you needed to replace the axle on the Airstream?
Could post a side picture of your unit (to share with us) with the tire on the ground?
Granted, given the unit's age, it woul certainly be a huge step ahead for all future trips to have the running gear replaced and, in top form.
I don't think the cost for shipping will be as steep as you might think.. have you asked yet?

jasoncase · 08-07-2009, 07:26 AM

there was no real reason aside from age and the fact that i was about to do the backing plates and bearings. i just figured it'd make sense to do all at once.
i bought this airstream from a friend and i haven't taken it on the road yet and i'd feel better knowing all the important stuff was solid. the arms still point slightly downward which is a good sign.

i haven't found a good tow vehicle for it yet, going to try and move it the 4 miles home with my v8 land rover but, i'm weary about it.

i'll get a couple good pics today.

are most AS dexter axles, special order, or are they stock sizes?

muddy_hollow · 08-07-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasoncase

hey guys,

i was about to re-grease and replace the brake plates but, i feel like i should be looking into a new axle since it's age...

i'm looking for some info on sources in the Rhode Island area. or to hear about some experiences on having it shipped.
i've searched the forum and just wondering if there is new info out there and maybe a dealer in Rhode Island to save on freight charges...
thanks guys
Jay

Jay,

I used Truck and Trailer world in Mendon recently to replace the axle on my 56 Caravanner. He did a good job and it cost around $500 installed. The dealer is close to the RI border.

PM me if you want to chat.

D

**silverleeper** · 08-07-2009, 08:01 AM

Pulling your trailer 4 miles at low speeds should be OK. Please be careful.

Your axle is possible 48 years old. If it was me a new axle would be on the top of my wish list. Considering the age I'll bet the axle will be special order no matter what company you choose.

Take a look at this thread here Axle Measurements Lots of good info here. Warning! Axle threads get heated sometimes so try to look past that.

P.S. If your taking more pictures, can we see the rest of the trailer?