Run flat springs

[Safari64]

I have original run-flat, S shaped springs under the axle of my ’64 Safari.

Is it a good idea to remove them?

I can’t find the thread, but I think Andy once told us it was OK to remove them.

I’m usually not going very fast when I do have flats and feel them before rim/tire are ruined.

Despite good bad road driving skills, I seem to hit them on rocks (drive a lot of “rough roads” here) and I expect they may do more damage than good.

Do they serve a purpose other than to save tire/rim when running flat?

Were they a good idea at the time, bad idea today type of deal?

Thanks,
Safari64

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Safari64

I have original run-flat, S shaped springs under the axle of my ’64 Safari.

Is it a good idea to remove them?

I can’t find the thread, but I think Andy once told us it was OK to remove them.

I’m usually not going very fast when I do have flats and feel them before rim/tire are ruined.

Despite good bad road driving skills, I seem to hit them on rocks (drive a lot of “rough roads” here) and I expect they may do more damage than good.

Do they serve a purpose other than to save tire/rim when running flat?

Were they a good idea at the time, bad idea today type of deal?

Thanks,
Safari64

Those plate were called skid plates.

They were installed so that if you got a flat tire on a single axle trailer, you would not damage the wheel.

Tires have vastly improved in the last 46 years.

You would not harm anything if you removed them.

On the other hand, if you still have the original axle, I would check it out asap. You can read the Dura Torque axle article, below, that teaches you how to check it out.

Dura Torque Axle

Torsion axles don't usually last 46 years, because of the rubber rods that fail, in time.

Andy

[mimiandrews]

Could you post a picture of those springs? Curious to know what they are/were like. We have a single-axle trailer and will be mostly operating on the paved roads. Might be a good idea for us.

Thanks.

[markdoane]

Opus citatum.

[Melody Ranch]

I'll second that.

[Safari64]

Thanks.
Asked and answered...again. I did try the search, you guys know how to use it.

Thanks, Andy.
PO had axle replaced in 2002 and had the skid plates reinstalled.

I'm going to pull them.

I'll try for photos tomorrow, the Safari is 100 miles away right now.