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03-03-2019, 09:55 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 26
Athens
, Georgia
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 51
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New Axles, Shock stretcher needed
Just installed new axles on our 74 Argosy. All went well until I tried to mount the Gabriel shocks.The angle of the shock mount that Dexter installed on the new axle is different than the old with the old being more forward by a couple inches. When I tried to mount the shock to the frame, I extended the shock as far as it would go and it would not reach the shock mount stud. I have not mounted wheels and let the trailer off the jack stands yet and expect to get a bit of change when I do that but even then I suspect the shock will be fully extended which I question if would be good.
Has anyone else had this happen with new axles.
If I can get the shock to mount fully extended, will that be OK?
If not should I consider mounting a new shock mount stud closer than the original. I don't wish to remove both axles and remount/weld the shock mount brackets.
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03-04-2019, 04:39 AM
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#2
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2 Rivet Member
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 27
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You definitely don't want the shock fully extended--it needs to be able to expand/compress in both directions as you go down the road in order to do it's job.
I had to weld new shock studs on my frame after an axle swap as well. The problem I had was due to lateral positioning--the axle mounts positioned the shocks were further away from the frame than the original.
You can buy bolt-on shock studs from O'Reilly's/Autozone. I'd do some research on the right distance/angle for the new stud in relation to the angle of the mount that Dexter gave you.
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03-04-2019, 04:57 AM
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#3
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Buickman
Just installed new axles on our 74 Argosy. All went well until I tried to mount the Gabriel shocks.The angle of the shock mount that Dexter installed on the new axle is different than the old with the old being more forward by a couple inches. When I tried to mount the shock to the frame, I extended the shock as far as it would go and it would not reach the shock mount stud. I have not mounted wheels and let the trailer off the jack stands yet and expect to get a bit of change when I do that but even then I suspect the shock will be fully extended which I question if would be good.
Has anyone else had this happen with new axles.
If I can get the shock to mount fully extended, will that be OK?
If not should I consider mounting a new shock mount stud closer than the original. I don't wish to remove both axles and remount/weld the shock mount brackets.
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Just lift the drum/hub assembly the 1/4" it needs to slide on the stud, that will not be a problem.
A bigger potential concern is the placement of the jackstand in the photo. Is it supporting the trailer in that location? If so, be very careful about moving the trailer, and get a tire on that hub ASAP.
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Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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03-04-2019, 05:42 AM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 26
Athens
, Georgia
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 51
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Thanks Matt, that's what I suspected. I'll look for some bolt on studs. Thanks again for the experience backed advice.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt0k0
You definitely don't want the shock fully extended--it needs to be able to expand/compress in both directions as you go down the road in order to do it's job.
I had to weld new shock studs on my frame after an axle swap as well. The problem I had was due to lateral positioning--the axle mounts positioned the shocks were further away from the frame than the original.
You can buy bolt-on shock studs from O'Reilly's/Autozone. I'd do some research on the right distance/angle for the new stud in relation to the angle of the mount that Dexter gave you.
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03-04-2019, 05:56 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1994 30' Excella
alexandria
, Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,314
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I have had this issue before and have done just as as Overlander63 said. No need to weld on any other studs.
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Steve, Christy, Anna and Phoebe (Border Collie)
1994 Classic 30'11" Excella - rear twin
2009 Dodge 2500, 6 Speed Auto, CTD, Quad Cab, Short Bed
Hensley Arrow hitch with adjustable stinger
WBCCI # 3072
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03-04-2019, 09:45 AM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member
1976 31' Excella 500
Chappell Hill
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 485
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Once you get the weight of the trailer down off the jacks and onto the tires in normal road ready position, the shocks should be about halfway between fully extended and fully compressed. You can measure that distance with the shocks in your hand for reference. Once on the ground, if the shock isn't somewhere near center of it's stroke, then i'd be concerned. DON"T USE THE SHOCK TO HOLD AXLE IN PLACE AGAINST THE RUBBER SUSPENSION FORCES. Shocks aren't designed to do that.
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03-04-2019, 10:09 AM
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#7
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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^
X3
Do not weld anything...I had the same concern with our Safari. Just jack the axle up until it lines up.
POI... you may want a little more purchase on that jack stand.
Bob
🇺🇸
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I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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