Shock arm angle for drexler #11 axel on 68 ambassador

[zen_stream]

So my father in law came into town last summer and put in our drexler axles. I don't think my SO communicated Colins instructions very well... I'm pretty sure this is all wrong.

Anyway, I'm looking at it and things don't look right. The shock arm is almost hitting the axel. This doesn't seem like the correct angle. Almost seems like it's pulling on the axel.

Is it bad for the trailer to sit like this until I can get it movable so I can take it to a shop? I didn't want to wear out our new axles. Might be sitting for a while.

[Glenritas]

If the top of the shock is attached to the part on the axle that moves then it’s correct

[ROBERT CROSS]

It's good to go...AS uses a one of a kind horizontal shock🥴

Bob
🇺🇸

[zen_stream]

Thanks. The clearance between the arm and the part that swings down to the brake drum just seem a little tight, which is why I was worried. I know that people have had to relocate the studs on the trailer frame. We didn't have to do that I guess?

I took the shock off the stud to confirm that its not pulling on the axel and it's not. I then put it back.

My other concern is that we screwed up the self alignment when he enlarged the flaired hole which the axle sits in. My understanding now is that you notch out only one side so you preserve the alignment. He was thinking the alignment came from the bolt holes... now I know that's not the case and we've possibly ruined the chances of ever getting the thing aligned. Possibly just ruined a perfectly good trailer.

Oof... It’s been a bad day.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by zen_stream

Thanks. The clearance between the arm and the part that swings down to the brake drum just seem a little tight, which is why I was worried. I know that people have had to relocate the studs on the trailer frame. We didn't have to do that I guess?

I took the shock off the stud to confirm that its not pulling on the axel and it's not. I then put it back.

My other concern is that we screwed up the self alignment when he enlarged the flaired hole which the axle sits in. My understanding now is that you notch out only one side so you preserve the alignment. He was thinking the alignment came from the bolt holes... now I know that's not the case and we've possibly ruined the chances of ever getting the thing aligned. Possibly just ruined a perfectly good trailer.

Oof... It’s been a bad day.

Shock: Yes, looks tight, but as the torsion arm takes on a load, it will move up and send the shock up with it. So, under load there should be plenty of clearance for the shock to function properly.
Alignment: Needs to be checked, always and definitely. Its super easy - create a reference point as close to the coupler's hitch ball position at the front as possible. Sharpie mark on the coupler will do, even where the tongue jack goes through the steel. This is on the bottom, of course. You can now reference one side of the axle from the front of the bracket to the mark you made. Use a string. Then do the same on the other side and see if its even. We align to 1/16 of an inch in our shop. 1/8in is acceptable, maybe even 3/16 on a long trailer like yours. You can do the string method also to make sure the rear axle is in line with the front axle. reference from the front of the rear bracket to the rear of the front bracket. Both sides of course. After checking the alignment, and once the axle is in its ultimate position, Id suggest to spot weld a small section to keep it in place. If thats not practical, then drill a small hole through the axle mount and axle bracket and secure it will a 1/4 locknut and bolt if indeed the mounting holes are severely ovalized.
No, you have not ruined your trailer. Deep breath...deep breath..

[ROBERT CROSS]

Kiss check for alignment....

Bob
🇺🇸

Our axle was toed out, I thought we had a bent axle.
It turned out to be that the rubber in that axle end had failed causing ware on the inside edge of that tire.

Bob
🇺🇸

[ghamr]

2018 FC RB bought new. After last summer's adventures needed new tires. I found AS Thor never put nuts on the axle end of either shock on the rt side. Mothership sent me 4. Shock cylinders had to be welded. Tires on that side worn unevenly. All good now.