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Post by sfhurst on Oct 13, 2009 11:34:43 GMT -5
My '54-'57 (not exactly sure) has an axle that turns down about 6" on each end. The result is my trailer is VERY high off the ground campared to pictures of other Shastas I have seen from this period. The hitch is between 24"-30" off the ground when the trailer is level. This can't be right. Has a previous owner reversed the axle? In other words, if I turned the axle over it would seem the height would be about right. What kind of axle was originally installed? I should add that my trailer has 15" wheels, which seem pretty standard.
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Post by 61shastacompact on Oct 13, 2009 14:34:16 GMT -5
Sounds like a previous owner flipped the axle for added ground clearance. It is a fairly common modification that is made on smaller trailers. I bet that you could flip your axle back to its original mounting and get your trailer back to its original stance.
Jim
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Post by Red Dirt on Oct 13, 2009 16:59:32 GMT -5
I agree with 61. Mine, and I think most have spring under 4 inch drop axle to keep them low to the ground, it is common to move the axle below the spring to gain about 3 inches of clearance. Stock tongue height is around 16" doing the spring over gets it to 19". Flipping the axle would raise it another 8" or so.  It sounds like they may have both flipped it upside down and dropped it below the spring. Look at the axle and see if it is mounted below or above. I haven't noticed if these axles have a camber (bow in axle) If there is a bow in the axle, it should bow up slightly, flipping it upside down can cause tires to wear out prematurely. You should be able to drop the height at least 8 inches by flipping the axle back. I don't think it is advisable to run a drop axle upside down, the stress is applied to the wrong side. I'd like to see pics if you can get them. Red Dirt |
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Post by sfhurst on Oct 13, 2009 22:49:48 GMT -5
Here is the requested picture. It looks like I got the double whammy -- the axle has been flipped AND placed under the spring. Attachments:
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Post by 61shastacompact on Oct 14, 2009 5:41:31 GMT -5
I would try to just flip the axle around first and leave it mounted under the springs. The reason I am thinking that is because your springs do not appear to have quite the arch to them as some others have and seem to be a stronger leaf pack. Here is a shot of mine for you to compare:  |
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Post by Red Dirt on Oct 14, 2009 9:58:23 GMT -5
I agree, it is a square axle so flipping it should be a breeze. I would probably just pull one of the u-bolts and take it to a hardware, farm store etc and buy 4 new ones. For under 10 bucks they will be easier to put back on and easier to take back apart if you decide to go even lower. Probably ought to spray some pb blaster or similar penetrating lube on a few hours before you try to take them loose.
Just think, when you get it flipped, you won't have to take a running leap to get in the trailer any more.
Red Dirt
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Ian
50 Post Member
Trailer noob
Posts: 81
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Post by Ian on Sept 27, 2010 14:03:44 GMT -5
This is good stuff. Our '66 Compact also sits high, and the axle is mounted under the spring, but still in the correct orientation. I'll see if I can switch it when I swap out the tires. Hopefully that will make it look better, and reduce wind resistance.
Ah, another project.
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Ian
50 Post Member
Trailer noob
Posts: 81
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Post by Ian on Sept 30, 2010 16:33:29 GMT -5
 Here's a photo of ours, looks like a 4x4, can't wait to drop it down where it should be! |
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Post by Bow_Tied on Sept 30, 2010 21:37:19 GMT -5
Ian, is that perch welded to the axle tube? I think yours might be right as is? Better get a second opinion though, I am not sure.
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Post by airflyte59 on Nov 3, 2010 13:51:27 GMT -5
I'm confused about the stance of my trailer after reading all these posts. My trailer sits so low it's almost on the ground. I'm not sure whether to mess with and just accept it or to raise the axle on top of the spring.
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Gone Kayaking
1K Post Member
long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
Posts: 1,600 
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Post by Gone Kayaking on Feb 9, 2011 13:25:45 GMT -5
I am reading this thread with great interest. Between the v pitch of my driveway and the street, and how low my trailer is off the ground we bottom out pretty easily. My axle is mounted above the leaf springs...so I definitely want to reverse it. Someone mentioned wind resistance being affected if it's too high off the ground.
Is 3 inches really going to matter?
I'm assuming that this is a two person job....any idea how much a mechanic would charge vs doing it myself?
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Post by clutchburner on Feb 9, 2011 14:09:59 GMT -5
Correct me if i am wrong...If you return the axle to stock along with the springs,to gain the desired height,couldnt you add on leaf to gain a 1.5-2 inches ? of height.
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Post by distant75 on Feb 9, 2011 19:27:54 GMT -5
Correct me if i am wrong...If you return the axle to stock along with the springs,to gain the desired height,couldnt you add on leaf to gain a 1.5-2 inches ? of height. You'll never be able to get that out of these style springs, they're to short. |
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Post by clutchburner on Feb 9, 2011 19:49:11 GMT -5
I wonder what ideas a spring shop would have.
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Post by distant75 on Feb 9, 2011 19:59:16 GMT -5
I wonder what ideas a spring shop would have. What are you trying to do??? |
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See my rebuild pics at: 
