Is this a broken leaf spring?

[martymcclain]

My 1961 Tradewind 24 has been home two days now. I decided to really look at her and do an restoration assessment. Well, looking under the axle I saw what I think is a broken leaf spring. The other side is fine. Experts....what is it?

[wkerfoot]

Looks like a skid plate to keep the brake drum from dragging on the ground in the event of a tire failure.

Bill

Originally Posted by martymcclain

My 1961 Tradewind 24 has been home two days now. I decided to really look at her and do an restoration assessment. Well, looking under the axle I saw what I think is a broken leaf spring. The other side is fine. Experts....what is it?Attachment 295647Attachment 295648

[Belegedhel]

These things were optional equipment back in the day. They were called something like a "tire saver," and the idea was that if your tire goes flat, they drag on the pavement and keep the rim from cutting the tire, and the cut tire from destroying your wheel-well.

[martymcclain]

Originally Posted by Belegedhel

These things were optional equipment back in the day. They were called something like a "tire saver," and the idea was that if your tire goes flat, they drag on the pavement and keep the rim from cutting the tire, and the cut tire from destroying your wheel-well.

Well you solved that mystery. There is only one though and I couldn't have leaf springs, there are shocks on each tire. This being a 1961, do you reccomend replacing axle?

[Action]

1961 is around when the transition took place for Airstream from leaf springs to torsion springs. If they are early torsion springs the axles are welded in.

With either spring type if they are original they should be replaced. Neither spring type lasts forever. Leaf spring axle ONLY needs the leaf spring to be replaced. The axle would still be good assuming the spindles are good.

Torsion spring axle would require the entire assembly to be replaced because the spring is internal to the axle assembly and is not serviceable. Torsion springs have ride qualities that are very beneficial over leaf springs. However torsion springs have a shorter service life than leaf springs.

Removing a torsion axle from that vintage is a chore as it needs to be cut out and the new axle welded in. Leaf springs will be very easy to replace as a comparison.

And thinking about converting??? (either direction) Anything is possible with enough money and time. The easier and less spendy method would be to replace same for same.

Good luck with your new toy.

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

[martymcclain]

Thank you for the info guys...
Marty

[AlinCal]

You can see in your picture that you have a tortion axle.