On to axles

[lahrfarm]

I believe you, but I dont think I've ever purchased a "bad" shock of any brand. Gabriel and Monroe are making most of the different brands with different paint and boxes. They are like alternators, I toured a local place called Unit Parts in Edmond. Unit parts boxes alternators for ten or so brands. They put the same alternators in different boxes, and everyone says one is better than the other at the parts house. There just are'nt the many manufacturers.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by lahrfarm

I don't believe I've ever heard of a functioning shock being so stiff it could shear a bolt that is the correct size for that shocks collar.

The only time I've seen that happen is when someone put air shocks on a car, and inflated the shocks to the max. Both upper shock bolts got torn out of their housing, and it was no wonder, since there was essentially zero "give" with that much pressure. Regular Monroe Matic or Gas Matic RV should be fine. I have put Monroe shocks on several Airstream and Argosy trailers over the years, and have yet to see a mounting bolt broken off by one.

[Lance M]

I looked at my old shocks this afternoon. They were the original shocks installed when the trailer was built. Three were seeping fluid. The one that wasn't seeping fluid was nearly impossible to move. Here is what is stamped on them;

Pliacell 341-71 V BOTTOM V
4975425
Delco Products Dayton, Ohio USA

Since it is clearly stamped with V BOTTOM V I doubt it to be a horizontal shock. I guess I'll stop by the Airstream dealer next week and have a look at a new one. I wonder how much Penske racing would charge to put one Airstream shock and one Monroe on the shock dyno and do some side by side comparison....

[lahrfarm]

That I can agree with!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Top

I wonder how much Penske racing would charge to put one Airstream shock and one Monroe on the shock dyno and do some side by side comparison....

Hmmm... Terry Labonte owns an RV dealership just down the street from my apartment. Maybe they'll do the same--if they have a shock dyno laying around... It would be interesting to get two sets of independent results.

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by lahrfarm

That I can agree with!

What can you agree with?

[lahrfarm]

I was agreeing with the air shock pumped up to max. I guess I'd have to talk to an engineer on the rest of it. The way I see a shock, it is a sealed unit. If you turn it on its side or upside down it will not spill. When a shock of any kind leaks it has failed. I cant grasp that the position of the shock has anything to do with this. That would be like saying a hydraulic cylinder will leak if you use it on its side. I dont know, but I think trailer shocks are just trailer shocks.

[Lance M]

Ok I see.

[Action]

A non-gas non-air shock is designed to use gravity for the fluid internally. Position a vertical shock in a non-verticle or inverted position and it will not operate corectly. Like putting a verticle shock in a mostly horizontal position. It will look pretty and not do much movement dampening. (A shock absorber's only function)

And with new torsion axles not sure you will notice much difference with or with out a shock. So I have been told.

>>>>>>>>>Action

[Beaker63]

Lahrfarm,
I took an original shock (while replacing the axle) measured both the compressed length and the extended length. I took this info to NAPA,they have a book with all these specs and purchased two.
Tim

[Action]

Originally Posted by Beaker63

Lahrfarm,
I took an original shock (while replacing the axle) measured both the compressed length and the extended length. I took this info to NAPA,they have a book with all these specs and purchased two.
Tim

That works well for pre-'67 units.

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

[lahrfarm]

OK so the non gas shock will not work correctly horizontal. The Monroe gasmatic is a gas shock, I would guess by the name, so would'nt it likely work? Are any modern shocks "non gas"?

[Action]

You have a horizontal shock for your trailer. The internal valving is different to accomodate the unique mounting of this shock.The only source that I am aware of for that shock is an Airstream dealer. This design was created by Airstream to save interior space.

1966 and older units (like Tim's) have a vertical mounted shock. Get the dimensions and mounting correct and most traditional shocks will work. I used NAPA as well as a source for my '66 Overlander.

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

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by lahrfarm

OK so the non gas shock will not work correctly horizontal. The Monroe gasmatic is a gas shock, I would guess by the name, so would'nt it likely work? Are any modern shocks "non gas"?

Why take a risk with a product that your not sure of?

Certainly, the OEM shocks are cheap enough from several dealers below $30.00 each.

Andy

[lahrfarm]

I admit my brain does'nt completely understand the engeneering or buy it. I will however go with the experience represented on this forum and buy OEM shocks. They're all the same price. My dad always said dont ask the question if you wont accept an answere.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by lahrfarm

I admit my brain does'nt completely understand the engeneering or buy it. I will however go with the experience represented on this forum and buy OEM shocks. They're all the same price. My dad always said dont ask the question if you wont accept an answere.

Great choice.

Andy

[JKnight]

What angle did you order your axles 22.5 or 35 and how many lbs as well?

Thanks

[lahrfarm]

3500# 22.5

[JKnight]

Thanks, I am having my made at north Texas running gear in Rockwall TX.

[JKnight]

Andy just curious, what purpose do the shocks serve on a torsion axle?