Installing shocks on Axis axle.

[JoePfznik]

I am just getting around to putting shocks on an axle that was purchased from Axis and installed last winter. The new axle was ordered with horizontal shock mounts. I got the new shocks and end pins (what is the correct term for these) from an Airstream dealer. The holes in the axis shock mounts appear to be in the correct location but are only 1/2 inch in diameter. Looking at the old axle and the end pin, I believe that the holes should have been 7/8" in diameter. The pin I was given with the shocks is 7/8" in diameter by 7/8" long at the wide end. The next part that actually goes through the shock is 5/8" in diameter by 1 1/4" long and fits the shock perfectly. Finally, there is a short end section threaded for a 1/2" nut to retain the shock. It appears that the wide end of this pin is meant to be put through the shock mount with about 1/16" to 1/8" projection and welded all around on each side. This leaves enough wide end shoulder on the interior side of the pin to provide the necessary clearance for the wider portion of the shock. Has anyone run into this situation? Is there any way to mount the shock short of drilling out the hole to 7/8" and welding the Airstream provided pin in place? Also, the axle fits perfectly between the attachment plates on the trailer frame but, from measurements I have made I suspect that when finally installed, the new shocks may deviate from parallel the the long axis of the trailer by 1/2”. Is this acceptable? It's only 1/2” in 12”, the length of the shock. Since the new axle dimensions match the existing axle, this situation must have always been present.



John

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by JoePfznik

I am just getting around to putting shocks on an axle that was purchased from Axis and installed last winter. The new axle was ordered with horizontal shock mounts. I got the new shocks and end pins (what is the correct term for these) from an Airstream dealer. The holes in the axis shock mounts appear to be in the correct location but are only 1/2 inch in diameter. Looking at the old axle and the end pin, I believe that the holes should have been 7/8" in diameter. The pin I was given with the shocks is 7/8" in diameter by 7/8" long at the wide end. The next part that actually goes through the shock is 5/8" in diameter by 1 1/4" long and fits the shock perfectly. Finally, there is a short end section threaded for a 1/2" nut to retain the shock. It appears that the wide end of this pin is meant to be put through the shock mount with about 1/16" to 1/8" projection and welded all around on each side. This leaves enough wide end shoulder on the interior side of the pin to provide the necessary clearance for the wider portion of the shock. Has anyone run into this situation? Is there any way to mount the shock short of drilling out the hole to 7/8" and welding the Airstream provided pin in place? Also, the axle fits perfectly between the attachment plates on the trailer frame but, from measurements I have made I suspect that when finally installed, the new shocks may deviate from parallel the the long axis of the trailer by 1/2”. Is this acceptable? It's only 1/2” in 12”, the length of the shock. Since the new axle dimensions match the existing axle, this situation must have always been present.



John

John.

The shock studs should still be ok, that are welded into the frame.

The shock studs that go on the torsion arm, are part of a metal plate, that in turn is welded to the torsion arm.

That plate shoulld be welded so that the shock has adequate side clearance from the frame.

Andy