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Silverflames · 02-05-2012, 08:37 AM

Hello all, I'm in the process of planning to replace my axles on my 29 foot 1969 Ambassador. I have been bugging the usal supects for replacements axles, but wanted to some options on the process. I have been thinking about getting a 35 or 45 degree angle on the arm for greater clearance. Would 45 degrees be to much?

Also I'm having a hard time reading the part number on the hesley axle. Does any one know it?

[IMG]C:\Users\Kag\Pictures\2011-12-250\1016[/IMG]

Inland RV Center, In · 02-05-2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithgrowe

Hello all, I'm in the process of planning to replace my axles on my 29 foot 1969 Ambassador. I have been bugging the usal supects for replacements axles, but wanted to some options on the process. I have been thinking about getting a 35 or 45 degree angle on the arm for greater clearance. Would 45 degrees be to much?

Also I'm having a hard time reading the part number on the hesley axle. Does any one know it?

[IMG]C:\Users\Kag\Pictures\2011-12-250\1016[/IMG]

The 45 degrees is way too much, according to Airstream, and Henschen.

The serial number or rating information from the current axles is not needed to purchase torsion axles. Also, there is no part number on that plate.

But, to be on the safe side, the trailer serial number is a must, along with how much of a payload do you typically plan on carrying?

Andy

Silverflames · 02-18-2012, 01:10 PM

Andy helped me ordering my axles, and I will be picking them up locally to skip the shipping cost. After much thought we went with the 3800 lbs, with 32 degree option on the arm.

Would anyone be interested in me blogging my progress on this project?

Silverflames · 02-20-2012, 11:05 AM

Well I got axles off. Next Por 15 the rusty metal....

pickerdd · 02-20-2012, 08:02 PM

Yes, please post your progress on replacing your axles. I replaced my '71 Safari's 2 axles last fall and documented the process in a thread on the forum last fall.

Silverflames · 02-21-2012, 12:37 PM

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stabilize the axles when you jack them up? I thought I saw a post were some one added a board to the bottom of the axle to make a flat stable surface for the jack?

pickerdd · 02-21-2012, 01:05 PM

Keith,

Here's my thread on replacing the axles in my '71 Safari.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...ent-83997.html

I used a Torin hybrid floor jack to raise the axles into place. The floor jack I used had a really cool attachment as part of the hybrid extender than held the axles perfectly. After I lifted the axle I used jack stands to hold them securely then used the jack stand to press the axles into the frame by positioning it under the brackets. It's ok to lift the axles with the floor jack, but don't press the axle into place in the frame by pushing up on the axles with the floor jack.

Top's thread is full of great info. I learned a TON from reading it over and over.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...ead-74177.html

MaxAB · 02-25-2012, 09:53 AM

POR15 is the material to use for sure. Wheel wells, front A frame and rear end exposed areas are prime candidates for this stuff. Takes a while to get off your skin - wear gloves, brother!

Silverflames · 02-28-2012, 11:56 AM

Got it painted up, but sad to say I have a few runs in it. Not pretty, but it will work. Once the wheels are on, I won't be able to see them any way. Your totally right about covering up. Back of my left arm has a silver streak!

MaxAB · 02-29-2012, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithgrowe

Got it painted up, but sad to say I have a few runs in it. Not pretty, but it will work. Once the wheels are on, I won't be able to see them any way. Your totally right about covering up. Back of my left arm has a silver streak!

This POR-15 material is real tough. Suggestion, grind down the POR-15 drips when its good and dry, then apply the silver top coat.

Silverflames · 03-04-2012, 07:06 AM

Well I got the axles in. Inland RV helped to order 2 3800 lbs. dexter axles with 32 degree down angle. We ordered them through redneck trailer supply, and were able to pick them up locally. It saved a ton in shipping, and the money I saved went to a rock guard for the front windshield.

Getting the axles out of the truck was pretty easy, sliding them under the AS was a different story. Received some great help from my dad, and we were able to get them under and up with the help out a couple of floor jacks, sweat, and a little blood.

The new axels were about .25 inch larger, so with I had to enlarge the notch in the holding bracket a bit.

Silverflames · 03-04-2012, 07:08 AM

Here is a pic with the axles installed. The axles did not come with the shock brackets installed. I contacted Inland and they are going to mail them out to me. Once I receive them, I will have to pull the hubs and backing plates and weld them on. Then the shocks can go on. I cut off the shock brackets from the old axles, but they were not tall enough. So another weekend project...

Silverflames · 03-04-2012, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithgrowe

Got it painted up, but sad to say I have a few runs in it. Not pretty, but it will work. Once the wheels are on, I won't be able to see them any way. Your totally right about covering up. Back of my left arm has a silver streak!

Here are some before and after pics of the por 15, and my por painting skills.

Silverflames · 03-04-2012, 07:28 AM

Here are some before and after pics of effects of the new axles. Like most people have stated, you get 2+ inch of height increase and clearance. It’s pretty dramatic how much more tire you can now see.