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10-23-2014, 11:11 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 13
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Shocks
Finally finished the shock install on the 5th wheel. Looked around at kits, but did not get a lot of help, due to the "minimum clearance". Lippert said 4 inches, why the shock is only 2 inch diameter. If I need an inch or so tire clearance then my wheels are really warped. (tires only buldge on the bottom)
Designed my own, using Munroe 555003 shocks 5+ inches travel plus upper mounting "bolt and spacer" came with the shocks. Total cost $120 (plus $40 for new U bolts as a precaution) If anyone wants a write up plus pics let me know. (and tell me how to upload pics)
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10-23-2014, 11:15 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 406
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I would be interested in the write up and pictures!
Just hit the 'post reply' button at the bottom left, then scroll down and click on 'manage attachments' and follow the directions to upload pictures...
Tim
__________________
2002 Holiday Rambler 30RKD
2000 F250 diesel extended cab short bed
2014 Demco Autoslide 18K
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10-23-2014, 11:18 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Appalachian Campers
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 908
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Shocks
I'd like to see how you did it. I'm looking at adding shocks to mine this spring and haven't found a kit that I like.
Actually the clearance is partly because of the tire deflecting all the way around when changing directions. The entire carcass deflects, more at the bottom, less at the top.
Photos, easiest way is to start an account with something like Photobucket, load the photos there, then you can post links here that will show up as photos in the thread. At the top of the box you type in there's a yellow box with two triangles and a little dot, that's the photo box. Click that, copy then paste the link to your photo there and it will appear in the thread. You'll see your photos because they'll have [IMG] [/IMG] on either end.
__________________
2001 HO Cummins powered Dodge 2500
2014 Sierra 346RETS
Nights camped in 2014-28
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10-23-2014, 04:37 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 13
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With the 555003 shocks you get the upper mounting bolt spacer and nut Stengle Bros shipped to Texas $80 +change. Went to my local metal store bought a length of tube that a 1/2 bolt will fit in 33/64 inside dia. Had the appropriate length welded on to the spring plate, positioned so that they would be the same as the frame outside face. Tip after welding run a 33/64 drill thru to make sure the bolt will fit. Bought 5/8 outside diameter 1/2 inside diameter bushings. (the ones I got were for a lawn mower steel wheel about 3 inches long, you can find some at Tractor supply 1 1/2 long) Cut to length (same as the non-threaded portion of the supplied bolt about 1.3125. Washers bolt to suit.
As far as tire clearance I videoed the wheels/springs/axles going down a rough road, will say no more about what happens to tires.
Calculating length. Jacked up one wheel until the other nearly came off the ground. Measured from the bottom of the frame to the spring plate (underslung axles) of each wheel Min and Max travel.
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10-23-2014, 07:33 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Deep in the Heart of Texas
Posts: 610
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Very unusual walking beam on that rig, never seen one like it.
__________________
"Cracker Box" 2007 Jayco Greyhawk 33DS on a Chevrolet C5500 Kodiak
"Yellow Hammer" 1982 Jeep CJ5 V-8 4x4 Tow'd
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10-24-2014, 05:51 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Freightliner Owners Club Retired Fire Service RVer's
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: N E Ohio
Posts: 4,403
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L.C.Gray,
That is Dexters E Z Flex equalizer. Helps soften the bounce on the trailer.
deanj,
You might want to reinforce the frame where the top shock bolt goes trough, it will round out over time. Other than that it looks good.
Frank
__________________
05 Alfa Gold 40' Motor Home "Goldie",
03 Malibu Toad
in a 24' CargoMate trailer.
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10-24-2014, 06:16 AM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 13
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A few more pic,s. Not really worried about the upper mount, their is only .010 clearance (.500 drill plus a 010 over reamer probably over kill ) to the tread. The only problem I see is if the nut/lock washer comes loose.FYI the upper mounting kit (if it does not come with the shock is part # P-1221.
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10-24-2014, 09:44 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Oregon
Posts: 6,619
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Wondering why you installed the shocks angled away from the equalizer. Normal axle movement will be towards the equalizer. Having the shocks angled inward would allow them to get more compression as the axle actually moves forward when compressed. All Northwood and Outdoor RV TT's and 5th wheels have them mounted with the top of the shock angled inward.
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10-25-2014, 08:35 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 13
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Did debate inward vs outward (dexter kit are angled inward at 60 degrees) but after looking at the video (can not upload to windows 8 or other video programs "format not supported") it looked as though their was more travel on the equalizer end of the spring plate. Not really sure if that is true, as I did not light the video. Still deciding if I want to angle inward. Do not have enough miles on yet to make that decision. May just leave it the way it is as I am really happy with the result. So is the pin!
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