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Post by vikx on Oct 1, 2017 21:00:30 GMT -8
Axle is square, so maybe even easier. I'm pretty sure I can do it. Thanks!
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Post by bigbill on Oct 2, 2017 15:46:04 GMT -8
Let us know the results. I'm certain you can do it. Also don't drill any deeper than needed to clear bolt head. I have seen people drill all the way through thinking that would be an easy way to locate the hole on the other side, but it seriously weakens the axle.
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Post by vikx on Oct 2, 2017 20:32:34 GMT -8
Update Monday:
Went by the big machine shop today and had a chat with them. When I showed them the hub, they laughed and said, "you are in trouble, no longer available". Luckily, the hubs are OK. Threads for the cap are a little rough, but everything is fitting.
Decision was made to drop the axle for sure and the guru agreed I can drill the hole. I mean, it's just a shallow hole...
Tom kindly PM'd me with spring company info. I found a set of 30" but they only had 3 leaves. The 29.75 look about right (5 leaves). Tom, are your bracket bolts at the 30" mark and there was enough wiggle room to install the new springs? We are considering inspecting the existing springs, take them apart and see how they look. If they can be refurbished, all the better.
I will definitely take photos and keep you all informed. The next week is busy and will be interrupted with doc app'ts, so not sure how quick this is going to be. I will have tear duct surgery in a couple of weeks and then need to stay out of the dirt. Drat. I LIKE DIRT. Planning on getting after the U bolts tomorrow and we'll see how the axle re-positioning business goes.
Thanks for all the ideas. I really appreciate your input, headed me in the right direction.
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shastatom
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I can chase women or fix campers, I choose to fix what I understand........... campers.
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Shasta 54,57 1500 58 Airflyte
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Post by shastatom on Oct 3, 2017 3:56:08 GMT -8
Tom kindly PM'd me with spring company info. I found a set of 30" but they only had 3 leaves. The 29.75 look about right (5 leaves). Tom, are your bracket bolts at the 30" mark and there was enough wiggle room to install the new springs? We are considering inspecting the existing springs, take them apart and see how they look. If they can be refurbished, all the better. I used the old shackles and there was enough room. I did buy some a bit longer but didn't use them. Good luck and to bad you can't play in the dirt for a while. |
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Post by vikx on Oct 3, 2017 20:30:36 GMT -8
Axle and springs are removed, a FUN day!
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Post by vikx on Nov 29, 2017 21:06:23 GMT -8
Update: axle is now under the rebuilt springs. I'm going to try the low profile tires and they may be fine. Work has stopped for now, too cold and have the B & B getting ready for a Calif. trip...
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Nov 30, 2017 18:38:46 GMT -8
Update: axle is now under the rebuilt springs. I'm going to try the low profile tires and they may be fine. Work has stopped for now, too cold and have the B & B getting ready for a Calif. trip... Curious minds is anxiously waiting for pics. Praying for a fast healing and great success on the surgery too. |
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Dec 1, 2017 11:41:58 GMT -8
Thanks Marty, Surgery was minor, just clearing the tear duct but I have to wear a tiny tube for 3 months... very irritating. I'll try to get some pix for y'all too. I'm back playing in the dirt! That is wonderful good news Vikx. good to know it all went well and You can now play in the dirt and dust again. LOL |
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jdirico
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Post by jdirico on Jul 5, 2020 11:45:45 GMT -8
Any update here on the results of the axel flip? I'm looking at doing the same. Thanks!
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Post by vikx on Jul 5, 2020 21:27:09 GMT -8
The axle was not "flipped". It was moved from the top of the leaf spring to underneath, gaining me about 3.5" off the ground.
Flipping the axle doesn't work very well because the tires wear funny.
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jdirico
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Post by jdirico on Jul 6, 2020 7:36:46 GMT -8
Yes, sorry, I should have said moving the axel. I understand that you cannot truly "flip" the axel due to the camber in the axel that must be maintained in the proper upward direction, requiring modifications to the axel to achieve. I think the most technical call it changing the axel from overslung to underslung. Here are some more specific questions about your results: - Is there more noticeable sway? (how does it pull?)
- Is there more noticeable bounce or shuttering of the suspension? (how does it ride?)
- Any change in the clearance the tires have in the wheel wells/from the frame? Any odd wear on tires?
- For perspective re: your results, has the trailer been pulled a significant distance since the change, and has the trailer been pulled in adverse conditions since the change (e.g., steep grades, windy roads, heavy rain or snow, etc.)?
My Youtube/research tells me that most who change their axel from overslung to underslung do not notice any negative performance effects. Some report that the trailer pulls better than before the change. Thanks a lot! |
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Post by vikx on Jul 6, 2020 10:54:58 GMT -8
The trailer has not been on a trip yet; guessing it will tow fine. I plan on trying the low profile tires (15" orig. rims) on it at first. This trailer sat so low it would drag over the slightest incline or bump. The low profiles were used to try to get them to fit into the wheel wells but that didn't work.
The axle gave lift plus more room to mount/dismount the tire and wheel. Even with the tire flat, it would not clear the hub. The PO had sprung the outer wheel well framing to get it to squeeze up and into place.
Shasta 1500s did not come with brakes. Mine had brakes. It appears they were added before the cabin was built. In other words, the trailer was built around the chassis with the brakes in place. It was impossible to get the tires on or off without damage to the trailer. Once the brakes were removed, there was enough clearance.
If the low profile tires look weird or don't work properly, then I'll change them out for a more normal 205 trailer tire. They fit my other Shasta 1500 very well. More rubber to support the trailer, too.
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Post by vikx on Apr 13, 2022 10:19:26 GMT -8
FINAL RESULTS:
The axle under the springs gave plenty of extra clearance. The brakes had to be removed. (guessing Shasta built the body with brakes already on the chassis) They simply would not allow enough room to mount/dismount any tires. At only 1500 pounds, brakes were a bit of overkill.
The old low profile tires on original wheels were outdated; replacements no longer available in any local tire shops. We ended up buying spoked wheels with 205 tires and they fit perfectly.
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