Torsion Axle Shock Removal on 2004 Classic

[DaveP]

I am perplexed. How do I remove the upper shock mount on the axle? It is right up against the frame and even the nut is to thick to slip out. Please tell me there is a way without dropping the axle to change the shock!!

This is on a 2004 Classic 28.

[carl2591]

when i did my 2005 classic it was a fricken BEAR to get the shock off the upper mount.. there was room but a min amount but enough to get the nut off and I was able to twist and turn it on the mount it get it off.


yours looks like you might have to drop the axle to change it out. DAMMMM...

I think the shock mount was not installed correctly. I know on the upper especially they, Out of door mart AS dealer, recommends to cut the rubber bushing in half, out one half on the shaft, squeeze the shock on mount, put other half on shaft and put washer and nut back on.

If you do drop the axle might be a good time to get the lift kit.

https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Torfle.../dp/B00AZNVVC8

here is video of a guy adding the lift kit to a 30 ft classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsdveR_gPIA&t=2s

GOOD luck.

[AlinCal]

Mine was the same. I have read where someone said to bend the mount.
Removing the axle you can likely plan on cutting off or grinding frozen mounting bolts.
15 year old axles, how much movement is left in them carrying the trailer load vs. jacked off the ground?

[DaveP]

Dang, dang, dang guys! Exactly what I was afraid you were going to tell me!

The trailer is 15 years old, but it has very few miles on it (until I got it). I am guessing it had less than 15,000 miles on it. I am redoing the brakes and bearings. All of the parts, except the pads, look new from a wear standpoint.

I think the torsion axles are in good shape. It rides well and there is a lot of travel left in them.

I think I am just going to ignore the shocks for the time being. If I change the axles at some point, I'll change the shocks.

Thanks for your inputs!!

Originally Posted by AlinCal

Mine was the same. I have read where someone said to bend the mount.
Removing the axle you can likely plan on cutting off or grinding frozen mounting bolts.
15 year old axles, how much movement is left in them carrying the trailer load vs. jacked off the ground?

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by DaveP

<<snip>>

I think I am just going to ignore the shocks for the time being. If I change the axles at some point, I'll change the shocks.

Thanks for your inputs!!

^^ ^^ ^^
That's what I would do!

[CBWELL]

If the trailer has that few miles and there is no visible leaks on the shocks, best to leave alone and service the brakes and grease bearings.

[AlinCal]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

^^ ^^ ^^
That's what I would do!

Add my vote.

[harryk]

The less you use the trailer, the more likely the rubber torsion axles are on their way out.

[gklott]

At about 120,000 miles, and after having devastating tire wear issues, we replaced our axles, shocks, etc. on our 2004 Classic. We started having issues at about 50,000 miles. We had bearings packed every 20k miles. We were not showing the wear typical of the shocks being bad. Wish we had replaced our axles much earlier. Major repair results axles shocks tires skylights Good luck with your shock replacements.

[DaveP]

Gus,

Thanks for linking your earlier post. Interesting reading. I saved the image of the Dexter label for future reference.

I also have the 4200 lb. Dura-Flex axles although my 28 foot Classic weights a few less pounds.

I put new tire on the trailer right after I bought it and I log every trip. So far, I only have 7500 miles on the tires, but there is no unusual wear showing. I also track tire temperature and pressure with a Truck System Technologies Tire Monitor System. I'll keep an eye on things going forward.

Again, thanks to everyone for their inputs!

[Action]

As bad as this seems, bend the mount, remove & install the new one. The bend the mount to the original position.

>>>>>>>Action

[guskmg]

The Airstream Service Center told me that if the shocks are not leaking they are OK. I have travelled to Fairbanks, AK plus many more miles. I'm planning on going to Labrador with the Viking Trail Caravan this summer, so one more leak check and I'm on my way.
guskmg