replacement shocks for ’64 Safari

[Safari64]

Does anyone have current part numbers I can take to NAPA store for correct replacement shocks for ’64 Safari?

My shocks are vertical mounted, and no idea if they are even the correct ones.
I do not know the proper shock specs for my AS.
There is no Airstream dealer in Alaska and I have only a NAPA store to deal with.
They have unknowledgeable store clerk. They will order shocks if I know what to order.

I found good info on forum about gas vs non gas shocks, and found posts stating:
Gabriel shock part number 0220003 as correct for Minuet,
Gabriel shock T40301SA, 610816 for 1987 29' Sovereign and
Monroe 33033 for “older AS”.

I need to know specifically what shocks to ask for, mfg, and part number.
Thanks, Safari64

[overlander63]

If you can wait a week, I can give you the Monroe numbers off the shocks on our Overlander. PM me next Saturday, so I can post them for you (the memory is the second thing to go).

[uwe]

The 33033 should work with small modifications. They have a 5/8 bottom and a 12mm mount on top. The 12mm mount is a little smaller than 1/2in, so it might need to be reamed out a bit to fit over the 5/8 stud.

[axleman]

I think Lou Patterson (pattersontoo) could help you.

I believe he made a similar change. Perhaps you want to PM him. He used to be very active on the forums but I have not heard from him in a while.

Regards,
Henry

[65glbtrotter]

If you can take one off and do some measuring of it try here for model numbers for monroe. ckick on the shock asborber "dimension chart" link then go to page 5 and look under Gas Magnum RV shock absorbers.
http://www.monroe.com/catalog_lookup...iscappinfo.asp
and then order from here,
http://www.stengelbros.com/catalog/s...3_products.htm
my '65 GT used I think the model #555002 not positive though. NAPA does not carry the Gas Magnum RV shocks though.

[uwe]

Keep in mind that the torsion suspension will work just fine without shocks. It has a strong self dampening tendency. I towed a few hundred miles without shocks, and could not detect a difference. Dexter engineering confirmed this a while back.
If you are going to use shocks, then they should be dampers only, without any lift or active properties, like many gas shocks have. The shock bracketry in an Airstream is not strong enough to support a shock that has a lot of built in "lift", or very high resistance, such as HD truck shocks often have.

[SilverToy]

Uwe -

LOVE the name - my father is also an Uwe.

Does anyone even still make a basic, ie 'stupid', shock anymore? Guess that they do.

Surely with all the 'newfangled' everything these days, there is not really a market for old/ non technology. Or?

Heck even shavers seem engineered to go to the moon anymore....

Funning here, but other than as parts for older machinery and TT's and the like, is there any market for this stuff? Guess the machining and engineering is done, paid for - so whatever they do bring in $ wise is probably all gravy....

Just thinking.

Peace

Axel

[Safari64]

Thanks all for the help. I haven't pulled the old ones off yet, it’s snowing today, again. Just figuring they are probably shot. Looking for proper dampening, not trying to raise it or beef it up. Headed for the AlCan highway and frost heaves are always a thrill even with new shocks.

I suppose I’ll pull the old ones and measure them. No telling if they were correct ones when they were installed, whenever.

Are the new shocks sold by Airstream dealers correct for 1964?
Is the Gabriel number 0220003 correct for 1964?

[axleman]

[
I sold axles for years. 1500 different customers and many different applications - from ground support gear to portable light towers and Airstream was the only one that employed a shock on a torsion axle. Kind of a cool feature but I would have to agree - not required!

Regards,
Henry

[uwe]

The shock that Airstream sells works well for a 63, should also fit under a 1964. Those are what I used.
Much more important than shocks though, what condition is your axle in? If he axle is marginal, then you're wasting your time searching out shocks. The rubber inside the xle tube will have very little suspension capability left, which means the traielr will already be very stiff riding.

[Safari64]

Thanks Uwe, good point. The previous owner told me he "had the axle rebuilt at Camping World". I have NO idea if that's fact, when it was done, or what they would have done.

I'm not sure how the dura torque axle functions.

How can I check the axle condition?
Safari64

[uwe]

You can check the axle by looking at the position of the torsion arms. The torsion arms are connected to the axle tub on the inside, and have the splindle with teh brake assembly on the outside.
There should be a slight down angle of the arms, from axle tube to spindle.
However, some older axles do have a down angle, but have age-hardened rubber inside, which means the suspension is very stiff.
If you bounce around inside the trailer, there should be a perceived "softness" to the suspension. If there is no or only very little "give", then chances are teh axle is shot.
If you do a search on torsion axle in this forums, you will find a bunch more information.

[Action]

Also when you are towing in the cold, remove the snow. That stuff weighs a lot. It will just put more stress on the axle and running gear. And more stress is not likely what you want.

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

[Coloradobus]

Just brought home a 1959 Caravanner. We are the fourth owner and seems this trailer has scene very little road use.The skin is almost perfect. It is the original (couch fabric et al). Needs some TLC and Scrubbing Bubbles on the Zolatone.We may take it to the VAC rally in Creede. I see one of the shocks has leaked. Anyone with experience know if the "Monroe" # 33033 listed above wil work on this vertically mounted shock position with leaf springs????