Horizontal or Vertical

[Action]

This may be known to many and it may not. The q I have is what units have vertical shocks and which one had horizontal ones.

Since I am starting this thread and I know what I have I will throw out what I have.

My '66 Overlander has vertical shocks.

If I get enough response, then I may create something that has a listing of units with shock type. - It's just a thought to see if I can create data that will help.

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

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Action

My '66 Overlander has vertical shocks.

Our 63 also has vertical shocks. AFAIK they were vertical through at least 66, maybe someone with a slightly newer coach can chime in on their orientation.

[47WeeWind]

Originally Posted by Action

The q I have is what units have vertical shocks and which one had horizontal ones. ... My '66 Overlander has vertical shocks.

Hi Action:

Airstream changed from vertical to horizontal shock absorbers with the 1967 model year. Shocks were introduced in 1949. So, 1949 to 1966 Airstreams have vertical shocks and 1967 and later Airstreams have horizontal shocks. Horizontal shocks take up less interior space.

Axles from 1961 to 1966 were called Dura Torques, and those from 1967 and later were called Super Dura Torques. Super Dura Torques were advertised as providing "50% more shock absorbtion capacity resulting in a cloud-nine ride!"

[Action]

Awesome Fred!

Does this apply to all models regarding the year cut off for shocks?

I knew the horizontal arrangement resulted in space savings. IS the only difference in Dura Torque and Super Dura Torque axle the shock arrangement?

With this claim, "50% more shock absorbtion capacity resulting in a cloud-nine ride!" is there really a ride diff or is this marketing for a space saving change? (I realize this may be a subjective q)

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

[47WeeWind]

Originally Posted by Action

Awesome Fred! Does this apply to all models regarding the year cut off for shocks? IS the only difference in Dura Torque and Super Dura Torque axle the shock arrangement? With this claim, "50% more shock absorbtion capacity resulting in a cloud-nine ride!" is there really a ride diff or is this marketing for a space saving change? (I realize this may be a subjective q)

Hi Action:

All my information came from the 1967 (and 1966 for comparison) full line Airstream sales catalogs. The change should apply to all model Airstream travel trailers effective beginning in the 1967 model year, at least for a while (I did not review all subsequent years catalogs to 2007).

The shock position was the only difference mentioned in the sales catalog, which doesn't mean much except that it was obvious and so perhaps an easy sales point. There may be more differences, but if so they weren't listed in the sales catalog. They might be listed in the service bulletins, service manuals, parts lists or similar types of documents which I don't have.

Finally, I doubt if the copywriters of the sales catalog were scientists or engineers, so I'd take their remarks with a grain of salt. I have no personal experience with the ride qualities of '66 vs. '67 trailers, so will leave that to others to answer for you.

[Barkingdogg]

Originally Posted by 47WeeWind

Hi Action:

Airstream changed from vertical to horizontal shock absorbers with the 1967 model year. Shocks were introduced in 1949. So, 1949 to 1966 Airstreams have vertical shocks and 1967 and later Airstreams have horizontal shocks. Horizontal shocks take up less interior space.

Axles from 1961 to 1966 were called Dura Torques, and those from 1967 and later were called Super Dura Torques. Super Dura Torques were advertised as providing "50% more shock absorbtion capacity resulting in a cloud-nine ride!"

I have a 67 Caravel that has vertical shocks and the original axle.

[yukionna]

In line with what Fred said, our '61 Ambassador has vertical shocks.

[mustang]

mine are horizontal but angled not flat

[flyfshr]

I have a '59 TradeWind without any shocks.

Brad
FF