[A/S] Axles, frame separation and such

[Stan Nicholson <stan@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A brief report on our adventures in axle upgrades - we recently had 
major work done at Oasis in Tucson to address aging axles and 
frame/shell separation issues. A year ago we had some signs of frame 
separation on our '72 Overlander, and had Toscanos place bolts in the 
rear to address the issue. Recently there was evidence that movement 
was occurring again between the shell and the frame/rear bumper. It 
clearly was time to install the frame reinforcing kit for early 70's 
rear bath units. Since the first step in installing the kit is to 
remove the axles, this was also the perfect time to upgrade the 
original 2800 lb axles that had negative trailing arm angles. So we 
ordered a pair of new 3500 lb axles through Oasis, and specified the 
maximum angle (35 degrees) so that the trailer would have the maximum 
possible ride height.

The installation at Oasis went smoothly, and it was strangely 
gratifying that Joe's crew caught and repaired a 2 inch crack in the 
frame before installing the reinforcing plates and the new axles. 
Whew. They also redid the rear work to secure the frame and shell, 
adding more brackets to make the connection much more solid (now we 
sport the officially-named "elephant ear" patches on the rear panels).

The new setup drives wonderfully. The new ride height gives both the 
Hensley and the rear bumper far more ground clearance. Of course, we 
changed the drawbar to reflect the new trailer ride height, and 
generally re-set-up the tow configuration.

The adventure came on the return from Oasis in Tucson to home in 
Santa Barbara, when a 2-year-old bias-ply Carlisle tire threw its 
tread in 105 degree heat near Palm Springs. Fortunately it didn't 
damage the brand-new wheel wells that we had just installed - it just 
beat up the aluminum just behind the wheel well - an easy patch. We 
put on the spare and tiptoed home at 55, hoping another tire wouldn't 
let go. Replaced the Carlisles with recently-made Marathons, after 
some concerns about the slightly increased tire width and lower 
rolling radius. Neither was a problem.

Bottom line: we're very pleased with the changes in running gear and 
feel very good about beefing up the frame.

Stan
'72 Overlander