Replacing shocks? 1953 flying cloud

[handrew]

We're in the process of replacing the floor of our 1953 flying cloud and have just finished wire brushing the frame and running gear. We're unsure if we should replace the shocks. After wire brushing we think they look good, but we don't want to take any chances with the running gear.
Has anyone ever replaced the shocks on an older trailer?
They measure 10 3/4" do they make shocks this size any more?
Is it something we could do ourselves or have a professional do?

[GCinSC2]

handrew,

Not sure if this is possibly pulling the tail of a sleeping dog. Why not consider removing them now while you have all this access to them? It might take a bit of spraying with PB Blaster or other rust breaker and carefully remove them and check them.

Why now? It looks like you have as much access as you'll ever have. Something bad happens, you're in a major repair, add it to the list. Once you put everything together and later decide its shock time and something real nasty happens, it might get ugly.

Or don't kick that sleeping dog until you have to.

Patience with any rusted fastener is a pretty good idea.