Need shocking advise!

[eikel1we]

Can anyone send me in the right direction on replacing shocks on Cupcake, our '75 Tradewind? I don't know if they are the originals so how do I determine the correct shock brand and part #? How about the install - would there be any modifications? Recommendations welcome.

Thanks,

Ike

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by eikel1we

Can anyone send me in the right direction on replacing shocks on Cupcake, our '75 Tradewind? I don't know if they are the originals so how do I determine the correct shock brand and part #? How about the install - would there be any modifications? Recommendations welcome.

Thanks,

Ike

Your shocks are Airstream standard "horizontal" shocks.

They are a "OEM" item, therefore available only from a stocking Airstream parts center.

They cost about $34.00 each.

Andy

[LI Pets]

I would try going into NAPA they will measure them and just tell them there horizontal.

I would guess half that price, shocks are very cheap!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Lipets

I would try going into NAPA they will measure them and just tell them there horizontal.

I would guess half that price, shocks are very cheap!

Airstream "OEM" shocks are not available from anyoneexcept an Airstream dealer, under any circumstances.

Napa nor any other parts supply house or company in the world, can provide that horizontal shock, or a proper replacement or sustitute, at any price.

Andy

[Action]

If these are horizontal shocks, (They are installed parallel to the ground) and a '75 should be horizontal shocks, it would be a factory shock. A vertical designed shock does not have the valving to operate in the horizontal position.

Removing and reinstallation should be straight forward, except any rusted nuts or bolts. Soak with a penetrating oil for some days before to allow easier removal.

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[LI Pets]

Horizontal shocks are made for other applications SEE Koni

Also Monroe

makes them so it is worth checking out, I doubt any manufacturer could justifiy just making a special shock for A/S's, there must be cross matches at half the cost.

If A/S dealers sell them for $34 they are paying perhaps 16-20$.

So it is resonable to find them on the Internet or NAPA for a lot less.

I'm taking mine off in a few weeks and will check it out

[LI Pets]

Chevy ---all S-trucks. GM knew of its traction problems and added a horizontal shock absorber to S-trucks equipped with a V-6 and ZQ8 suspension package to control wheelhop. This worked so well that the horizontal shock was later installed on all V-6 five-speed S-trucks built after 1996, making it a relatively easy part to find used.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by Lipets

Chevy ---all S-trucks. GM knew of its traction problems and added a horizontal shock absorber to S-trucks equipped with a V-6 and ZQ8 suspension package to control wheelhop. This worked so well that the horizontal shock was later installed on all V-6 five-speed S-trucks built after 1996, making it a relatively easy part to find used.

"Steering stabilizers" are horizontal shock aborbers. Should be lots of sizes available, but I don't know if there is one which would replace the airstream shock.

edit: I guess the Monroe link says that, so pardon the duplication.

[eikel1we]

To everyone, thanks for the speedy response on my inquiry. I believe I'll check out the OEM horizontal shocks at an A/S dealer. There are a couple in Michigan that are within reasonable distance from us ....... one on the way to Kalamazoo where daughter #2 lives! Road trip!

Again, thanks,

Ike

[Action]

Originally Posted by Lipets

[SIZE=-1If A/S dealers sell them for $34 they are paying perhaps 16-20$.

So it is resonable to find them on the Internet or NAPA for a lot less.

I'm taking mine off in a few weeks and will check it out

Bob,

Please report back (in a new thread) when you do this. As best as I can tell, Koni's far exceed $35 each and I personally wouldn't want a steering stabilizer for use as a shock. Different usage would usually mean different design. Not always, just most of the time in my experience.

So what I would like to know, if you would be so kind, is what did the trailer handle like before and after the replacement only if you used non-A/S shocks. And what was your choice and did it cost over $35 each for shocks. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

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