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HELP
FOR THE
SCOTTY TORSION SPRING AXLE I have heard people talk about their sagging springs. This is a common problem with any trailer or vehicle that incorporates springs to carry the load. It isn't just a problem for torsion spring axles, but for axles that have leaf springs, coil springs or the newer strut style. Struts basically incorporate the coil spring with the strut, which in essence is a shock absorber. Any vehicle or trailer that has a spring system to carry the load will begin to 'sag' over a period of time. There are several factors involved, like the weight being carried, the road or terrain type, the age of the springs. But, eventually in time they will all sag somewhat. The torsion spring axle that is used on the Scotty does have some advantages to other types as it will help smooth out the bumps and generally ride smoother. But, like all spring type axles it will sag in time. If your Scotty is sagging or you want more height there is help. The design of the Scotty torsion axle doesn't make this an easy job due to the fact that the spring mount is welded. So, if you wanted to raise the height back up(get rid of the sag) then you are going to have to remove the axle to do this and then will have to cut the spring mount off and re-weld it back on. Before you re-weld it, you will cut off some of the spring so when you weld it back on it is going to raise the vehicle. How much? Here
is what Bob Chestnut
wrote:
"There
is a fix for the weak springs
on a Scotty
axle. If the spring is broke, forget it... Now to
the weak spring...the best way
is to remove the complete axle ( after the tires
are removed )and what you need to
do is cut the loops off the
axle ( this is the
end farthest away from the
wheel) that hold the end of the
spring and move the loop up about 3/8 - 1/2 inch and reweld to the axle, this needs to be done to both sides. Don't move them to much or you'll be cutting them back off again ( only takes a little to gain a lot) . I have done this to a few axles and have had good results. I did it to the Scotty that I took across Old Route 66 to Ca. and back, a total of 3,300 mile plus and it rode great. It's not a hard job to do if you know any mechanics. " Another
option would be to get a
replacement axle. You could look
for one from another Scotty that is being parted out and the ride
height looks to be good. Or you could purchase a new axle.
A place I saw on the net called
Southwest Wheels sells various trailer parts. They offer custom made torsion axles at what I felt were pretty reasonable prices. Here is an example:
They
carry various
trailer parts so a place to check out.
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Web page created by Larry Bush: Sept.17.2007 --- Edited: 5.28.2009 Serro Scotty ~ Vintage Campers © All Rights Reserved _____________________________________________ |