1960 Airstream leaf spring axles

[Lothlorian]

I am looking with staying with the leaf spring axels. I have researched the brand and they are probably Hadco. I understand the braking system is 1960 and probably needs to be upgraded. What would need to be done. I am asking you folks who understand this type of axel system.

Brian

[wkerfoot]

Brian,

When you purchase the axles, have them install brakes also.

Bill

Originally Posted by Lothlorian

I am looking with staying with the leaf spring axels. I have researched the brand and they are probably Hadco. I understand the braking system is 1960 and probably needs to be upgraded. What would need to be done. I am asking you folks who understand this type of axel system.

Brian

[Lothlorian]

Can't I keep the axels and just have them change parts. That is what I was hoping to do. What is the length of those axels. The person I am buying it off of says it pulls really well, but the brakes is what I am worrying about.

Brian

[Mr. Decent]

I am running my original 1960 axel, springs and drums in good shape, I installed electric brakes in the drums with addition of the all important armiture plate.

[Over59]

Depends on the year of axel and style of brake. I could not get replacements for my 1959. Front was electric and the rear appeared to be hydrolic. I ended up getting a new axel with all the trimmings. Since then the springs had to be replaced. You might want to do the whole thing at once and be done with it. You will likly no be replacing the springs with the same design as the "made to order" price was $600 for the springs.

Then again you may luck out and just need new magnets.

[wkerfoot]

Brian,

I am sorry, I thought your first post said that you were considering new Hadco Axles. If the old spindles are the same size as new spindles, then you can purchase new backing plates, drums, bearings and seals. If not, it will be more difficult to purchase bearings which will fit the old spindles and new drums.

Bill

Originally Posted by Lothlorian

Can't I keep the axels and just have them change parts. That is what I was hoping to do. What is the length of those axels. The person I am buying it off of says it pulls really well, but the brakes is what I am worrying about.

Brian

[silverleeper]

Originally Posted by Mr. Decent

I am running my original 1960 axel, springs and drums in good shape, I installed electric brakes in the drums with addition of the all important armiture plate.

Me too. I've had no problems as far as things getting tossed around in the trailer. You can get the leaf spring rebuilt if you need to and there are still shocks available though NAPA.

[Lothlorian]

I see Hadco engineering on the web. I might need to give them a call. I want to keep these axels if possible. Budget is tight on this project. I know person who bought a 1955 and before he moved the trailer he redid all the bearings. I will find out Sunday when I pull this trailer home.

Brian

[Lothlorian]

I found the Hadco company.

I will call them today.

Hadco Engineering, Inc. - Commercial & Military Axles For Over 50 Years.

[markdoane]

If you haven't added a lot of weight and want to use the same axles, you can buy new Dexster backing plates and hubs for about $120 each.

I put a new axle under my trailer, but that was because I had a single axle and increased the GVWR weight by about 700 lbs. I reused the springs but had a local spring shop rebuild them and add another leaf.

Let us know how you do with Hadco.