Broken shock mount '96 X-Line

[AdamB]

Hi All,

We bought our first Class A, a '96 Airstream Cutter '32 this past June. It was in great shape and we immediately went on a vacation to Victoria BC from the San Francisco Bay Area. We discovered a few problems, the main one being that the shocks were shot. I figured I'd save a few nickels and install them myself. I broke the stud off of the first one I tried, so I took it to a tire shop to install the rest. The part is no longer in stock by Freightliner in the USA or Canada so I've got a few junkyards checking their yards for a new shock mount. I think my only other option would be to take it to a machine shop and see if they can put a new stud on there. The gentleman that I spoke with in Gafney was quite helpful as well as Golden Gate Truck Center in nearby Oakland, Ca. Anybody got any other ideas or suggestions?

Thanks for your time!

Adam

[Skip426]

Can't tell from the photo; Is the stud bolted throuh the bracket? Can the bracket be removed from the frame ? Are you sure that a similar part can't be purchased at NAPA. I've installed shocks that came with a new stud as part of the install package.
From its construction, I can't see any reason that a shop couldn't fabricate a complete new bracket in short order.If necessary.
Old mechanics trick, Before trying to remove a badly rusted bolt, always run a thread chaser over the exposed threads, then soak with penitrating oil.

[AdamB]

Hey Skip,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'll run a thread chaser and use penetrating oil from now on. I've changed shocks many, many times before on vehicles older than this and never had a problem.... so I guess I just got lucky before.

The stud is pressed into the bracket. I will have a shop fabricate a new one if I can't find another one. I'll give it a month or so first.

Thanks!

Adam