2004 30' Replace Axles Now?

[cru-in]

Background:

Our 30' 2004 AS is in beautiful shape. Truly looks (and smells) like new. A few years ago, at a cost of almost $30K, the original owner had Airstream JC completely redo the interior (floor, walls, changed from coach to two recliners, etc.). The previous (original) owner took great care of it. When not in use, it was stored inside a specially constructed garage. They had all the maintenance done by Airstream at JC. Airstream did everything (upgrade to hydraulic disc brakes, 16 inch LT tires, new tank valves, solar, catalytic heater, etc.). The original owners also used it often and it has a good number of miles on it. It has been to Alaska several times, Mexico a few times, Newfoundland, etc. We plan to keep and use it extensively for the next 15 or so years.

Question:

During our upcoming late August visit to the service center, considering we plan to own it for a long time, is it time to consider replacing the axles?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts
Dan

[brokeboater]

IMO, yes. Of course you can go through the steps of checkingthem for down angle and remaining flexibility and possibly be just fine. But if you are going to keep it that long and the financial burden of installing new axles isn't an issue, I say put new axles on and get the use of them. It is a good time to consider changing the capacity and ground clearance.

[cru-in]

AS quoted $3800 for new axles, brakes, bearings and shocks.

Sound reasonable?

Thanks
Dan

[brokeboater]

Originally Posted by cru-in

AS quoted $3800 for new axles, brakes, bearings and shocks.

Axles are about $650 per. Shocks around $30. If it's a DIY or a local shop figure in another $350 or so shipping. So say $2,350 labor and parts markup. If it's being done at Jackson not surprising to me. Once again, if budget constraint isn't an issue the little bit of difference between what you could possibly get it done for and what it will cost at Jackson shouldn't be a big concern.

[cru-in]

Originally Posted by brokeboater

Axles are about $650 per. Shocks around $30. If it's a DIY or a local shop figure in another $350 or so shipping. So say $2,350 labor and parts markup. If it's being done at Jackson not surprising to me. Once again, if budget constraint isn't an issue the little bit of difference between what you could possibly get it done for and what it will cost at Jackson shouldn't be a big concern.

Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to respond. This is just the info I was seeking!


Dan