Sherry, and Jim Stewart indicate their Bambi's sit a little high in the front. Yet the ball height is lower than the 16 1/2 inch as specified by the factory. Since many of our Bambi's will celebrate their 40th Birthday in the next few months, it leads me to the following conclusion. It is not necessarily the shocks. In 1961, the Henschen Dura Torque axle was introduced as standard equipment on all Airstreams. The Henschen factory, says the rubber in the Dura torque, torsion type axle settles and loses its elasticity after about 25 years. Since most of us Bambi's are pushing 40, except Sherry who is just a young "37". I would say the rubber axles are probably in need of a rebuild. This is possibly true of many of the 1960's models, I know my 61 has settled, and bounces badly when I hit bad bumps at some bridges. Solution,..........have your axle rebuilt at the Henschen factory, about one mile from the Airstream factory in Jackson Center , Ohio. I think you must have your axle removed and shipped for rebuild. For details, call the Henschen factory and talk to Jim Kitzmiller, at (937)-596-6125-X102. The rebuilt axle should raise your coach a few inches and change the geometry at the hitch. It will also change the travel distance at the shocks and let them perform better. I have not yet had my axle rebuilt, but it is a high priority project, next on the list. Bill Scott 61 Bambi, VAC & WBCCI #3221 1VP & Membership Chairman , WDCU http://www.servintfree.net/wbcci-dc/
My Bambi ('63) rides that way when I don't have a fresh water in the tank. She tows MUCH better when full of water. Happy Trails - Sherry '63 Bambi, WBCCI 1104, VAC, WDCU > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On > Behalf Of Jim Stewart > Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2000 5:46 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: [VAC] Shocks? > > > My '61 Bambi sits up in the front when hooked up even though the ball > height is less than the called for 16 1/2". Could this be weak shocks? > If so does anyone know what type of shocks would work on it? > Also what > are the consequences of running a trailer with old shocks? More sway? > Thanks > '61 Bambi > >
