Shocks on 1973 Overlander

[taxdude]

What is the difference between a vertical shock and a horizontal shock? On my 73 Overlander the shock is mounted at about a 45 degree angle. Is this vertical? The shocks that are currently on there are made by Sears and are obviously quite old. I removed one of them without having to bend anything to get it off, and it does appear to be quite worn. A local auto parts dealer has a Monroe gas shock that is almost an exact match for the Sears shock except that it is beefier. Any thoughts on this?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by taxdude

What is the difference between a vertical shock and a horizontal shock? On my 73 Overlander the shock is mounted at about a 45 degree angle. Is this vertical? The shocks that are currently on there are made by Sears and are obviously quite old. I removed one of them without having to bend anything to get it off, and it does appear to be quite worn. A local auto parts dealer has a Monroe gas shock that is almost an exact match for the Sears shock except that it is beefier. Any thoughts on this?

Sears "DOES NOT" have the proper shock that replaces the Airstream horizontal shock. For that matter, no one else does either.

The correct shock, for your 73, is a horizontal shock, and it's only available from an Airstream dealer.

The difference is the valving.

Andy

[dwightdi]

Airstream did not and does not make shocks. They had them made by someone but I have not got anyone to admit to it or give me a better price. A little more research might save us all some money.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

Airstream did not and does not make shocks. They had them made by someone but I have not got anyone to admit to it or give me a better price. A little more research might save us all some money.

They are, or were, manufactured by Gabriel for Airstream. They are not available in the aftermarket, though Monroe makes an RV shock that claims to be usable horizontally. For the relatively small difference in price, I would go with the OEM shock, it is a known quantity.

[taxdude]

Thanks to all for your comments. I will go with the OEM shocks.

[centennialman]

Taxdude......Andy gives the best advice when it comes to shocks and axles. He know best and I would put nothing but what's the best and most appropriate on the trailer when it comes to these parts. They are essential to many things regarding the safety, and for not comprimising the structure of your trailer.