How do the shocks come off?

[kooblekidz]

It was getting dark just as I removed the top bolt from a shock on my '78 tradewind and was unable to slide the shock past the bolt. I'll approach it tomorrow morning with a little daylight on my side, but some feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[munimula]

i had to use a crowbar to bend the shock mount out. don't forget to bang the post back to it's original position.

[Buttercup]

Might be just as easy to pop the rotors (or drums) off, remove the guards, repack the bearings and then remove the shocks. Kill 3 birds with one stone...
The shocks are easy to remove with all that stuff out of the way.

[Inland RV Center, In]

kooblekidz

Bend the shock bracket out enough to remove the shock.

DO NOT bend it back. It will not harm anything by leaving it bent.

Andy

[JPAIRSTREAM]

Do as Andy has suggested if you bend just enough no need in bending back in place,

[72 tradewind]

I removed the top bushing and cut them in two, just as the originals were. Makes it easy.

[CaptainJones]

I just bought a 51 flying cloud. It looks like the shocks might be original they are so rusty and of course have nothing left to them. Anyone know what kind and where to buy?

[Inland RV Center, In]

CaptainJones.

In 1951, Airstream sometimes altered what they did in production, just to get the job done.

However, your shocks are standard automotive shocks. You should be able to find replacements at most any NAPA store.

Take an old one with you, so that they can measure it in order to find a substitute or replacement.

Andy

[CaptainJones]

Thanks Andy. I am so new to this forum I don't know all the threads and where to ask different questions... but I've got a million of them. If I keep shooting them out there I am bound to learn a little bit eventually.

[kooblekidz]

I'm still planning on replacing those shocks! I did a trip up to Estes Park after I adjusted the brakes and repacked the bearings and found a big difference in gas mileage and braking, but stuff still bounced around inside. I read on Andy from Inland RV's reply to the fellow with the '51 that his shocks are regular automotive shocks. Is that true with a '78 also?

[Inland RV Center, In]

kooblekidz

From about 67 or 68 you must use "horizontal" shocks.

They always have been an OEM item.

Originally they were made by Delco.

They are now made by Gabriell.

They are only available from Airstream dealers.

Anyd

[Action]

Originally Posted by kooblekidz

..... but stuff still bounced around inside.

Look at your axles too!

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