Shock Mounts on Alko Torsion Axles

[OldCoot]

Anyone interested in a kit for installing shocks on the Alko Torsion Axles?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by dunnnc

Anyone interested in a kit for installing shocks on the Alko Torsion Axles?

Do you have a link on how its done?

[OldCoot]

No, but I just spent about an hour laying under the trailer and by changing the spindle attaching bolts to some about 1" longer, brackets can be made to bolt on behind the spindle and go straight up to the frame. Using the axle mounting bolts, another bracket can be bolted on. Would have to use the eye type shocks. Am looking at Monroe shock lengths now. The question I have is how much travel from normal would be needed? Suggestions welcome.

[Herk7769]

The web site has some info that I downloaded as it applies to trailer weight and deflection. That might help you.

[OldCoot]

Thanks, do you know which axles we have under our 5vers? I will use the distance of load to shock load and double it for finding the right shock. May add 1" both ways. 1/4" maybe 3/8" plate is all that is needed other than the gr 8 bolts, etc. Once the plates are made, should be an easy install. Worst part is jacking up the trailer and taking off the wheels.

[Herk7769]

My Flagstaff has two U-40 Al-Ko axles. (4000 pounds each)

[OldCoot]

Where do you find the rating? Brochure or on the axle?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by dunnnc

Where do you find the rating? Brochure or on the axle?

There was a metal tag on both axles about in the center.

[OldCoot]

Just looked, mine has a sticker with U40 ------ on both axles. Thanks.

[jar3316]

Would mounting shocks help with sway side to side or bounce up down or both like my little guy (compared to yours) doesn't get much sway but slowing down the bounce might be nice.

[lindy]

just out of curiosity why do you want to put shocks on this torson axle? I'm on my 2nd trl with the Alko axles and have not had any problem with trl bounce.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by jar3316

Would mounting shocks help with sway side to side or bounce up down or both like my little guy (compared to yours) doesn't get much sway but slowing down the bounce might be nice.

To be perfectly honest, I don't know, but there are shocks on all other suspensions, coil, leaf & torsion bar. I can't see where it would not help somewhat with side to side & up & down. I want to try it to see if it reduces the "dolphining" that is inherent with 5vers. For what it will cost me, I am seriously considering it as soon as I get it layed out on my Cadam system.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by lindy

just out of curiosity why do you want to put shocks on this torson axle? I'm on my 2nd trl with the Alko axles and have not had any problem with trl bounce.

Airstream had them for years and from what I've been told by some Airstream owners, when the shocks were worn out, they sure noticed the difference.

Other than about $100 for 4 shocks and some gr 8 hardware it is a relatively cheap experiment and it sure can't hurt.

[jar3316]

a quick search cam up with this but it looks like the "I" beam spacer has been discontinued by Monroe. I wonder if it was twist that did it or lawyers if it's flush mount looks like about $40 for hardware and $50 for shocks per axle.

trailer retrofit kits

going to have to research this a bit more, if it was just worry worts about I beams then maybe I could fab something up.

[OldCoot]

jar3316, I want to refrain from drilling or welding on the frame/axles to prevent possible warranty problems should something come up. From what I have seen on mine, I think just some flat plate & 1/2"id x 3/4" od tube spacers I can do it without welding other than maybe welding the spacers to the plate, but no welding on the trailer. Biggest time consuming thing will be jacking up the trailer, removing tires/wheels and cutting the plate so it fits around the torsion spindle mount.

[jar3316]

I guess I don't follow, how will you attach the shock to the frame with out drilling for bolts at least.

[jar3316]

sorry most have missed that good luck

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by jar3316

sorry most have missed that good luck

Just looked and they are on the wrong side. Can't use them. I am preparing a new reply.

[OldCoot]

On my axles, the dealer at my request, drilled holes in the tube using the holes in the top of the axle support as a pilot and installed bolts on the inside of the tube going down thru the top of the axle support to keep the axles from twisting down. I will use those bolts to attach the plate that holds the top of the shock. Still working on the layout, have to take the wheels off so I can get measurements and then lay it all out. Have the lower plate designed, now to get the top.The top plate will be a little more complicated.

[TURBS]

hey dunnnc I have a 38 ton crane I'll get it lifted for ya !