roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Mar 1, 2021 17:52:44 GMT -8
I know the answer may already be in here somewhere, but what are the options to get more ground clearance. Thanks. Hopefully everyone here is well.
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WhitneyK
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by WhitneyK on Mar 1, 2021 19:36:34 GMT -8
DO NOT "flip" your axle. It can be moved from on top of the leaf springs to under the leaf springs for an added 4-5" of clearance but you will have to weld on a new axle spring seat to your axle. It's really a simple process and doesn't cost much. I did my '67 Compact this way.
If you don't want that much height increase, you could possibly purchase a new "straight" axle and leave it above the springs for a slight lift or put it below the springs for even more height.
Hope I didn't just confuse you with that last one.
And as always, it just my thoughts, didn't say they were good ones... Whitney
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Post by Teachndad on Mar 1, 2021 23:13:59 GMT -8
DO NOT "flip" your axle. It can be moved from on top of the leaf springs to under the leaf springs for an added 4-5" of clearance but you will have to weld on a new axle spring seat to your axle. It's really a simple process and doesn't cost much. I did my '67 Compact this way. If you don't want that much height increase, you could possibly purchase a new "straight" axle and leave it above the springs for a slight lift or put it below the springs for even more height. Hope I didn't just confuse you with that last one. And as always, it just my thoughts, didn't say they were good ones... Whitney Let me first say, I know not of what I speak and have only limited experience with such topics. So take my thoughts with a grain of salt. I am just tossing out ideas. I have rebuilt and cleaned the spring packs on my Westerner and I have had the springs re-arched on my Rod and Reel which lifted it. The shop that re-arched the springs also added one leaf to the bottom of each spring pack. Along with Whitney's idea of moving the axle below the springs, you might consider replacing the springs, but that can be problematic. Spring eyes might need to be moved and rewelded because new springs may not be the same length as your original springs. You can get the original springs re-arched if there is a spring shop near you. Maybe add a short leaf or two to each spring pack? Finally, if you consider taller tires, the width(cross section) will increase as well and there you might create a problem when you mount the tire. Cheers, Rod
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Mar 3, 2021 8:16:33 GMT -8
Thanks both very much. I like the idea of moving the axel below the springs. I recently replaced axel, springs, wheels and brakes with as close to stock sizing as I could. So getting it apart again should be quick and clean. Thanks again.
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Mar 13, 2021 6:59:28 GMT -8
I finished the axel change a couple days ago and did a test run yesterday, testing it over a couple big swales in our gravel road a it’s a huge improvement. Also, no real noticeable difference out on the highway. Should get me in to a few more fishing spots.
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Post by Teachndad on Mar 13, 2021 7:03:17 GMT -8
Hi Roady,
Great!
Can you give us any before and after pix if you get a chance?
Thanks,
Rod
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Mar 13, 2021 16:30:25 GMT -8
I’ll try Rod. Haven’t posted pics in a long time and will probably have to set up account again. Headed out on a road trip to AZ Monday but will get a pic up when I can.
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Mar 13, 2021 19:26:27 GMT -8
Just tried to get into my flicker account and it won’t let me. I will get some younger help.
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