Hi Dr. G. J.
You mentioned a 45degree down start angle. Please let me know your
justification. I think I worked from the original Henchen orientation. The
22.5 degree down would place the frame at the axle about 3 inches lower than
the typical 19 inch coupler height. Think towing heavy weight trailers
requires a tongue high orientation to be stable . The 45 degree down would
certainly lift the frame another 3 inches and it might be a best
orientation?
When I looked into the Dexter axle, I worked the following specifications
with the representative for the '69 Safari:
Axle - #11 6000#, derated to 5500# (original 4800#s).
Arm Bracket #6 - high profile, reverse orientation, with a start angle of
22.5 degree down.
Hardware - A/P-148-00, Top Mount.
Brakes 023-105-00LH, 023-106-RH, 12X2 6K DXQ Manual Adjust. The parking
brake would be useful if available for this axle.
Hub - 008-201-09, bolt pattern 6 on 5.5", capacity 6000#/pair, H-D, 12
studs, 15123 Bearing.
Wheels 017-144-00, Dexter, size 15X6JJ, capacity 2600#/each 6 on 5.5 at
75psi, zeroset
Tires - L235/75R15, load D, 2335#/each at 65#s.
This axle was planned to carry 10% more weight than the Airstream Safari
original.
The frame height from the road changes from a no-load height of 18.2 inches
to a full-load of 15.9 inches. My wheel well clearance check says that this
movement would be OK. The minimum fender height from the bottom of the
frame to the wheel well is 15.2 inches.
If my measurements are correct, one existing bolt hole in the existing
bracket will establish the Dexter Axle position that is nearly identical to
the original. Meaning that I'll need to drill one new bolt hole in each
bracket for the installation.
At the time of my investigation, the only shock mount available drops
straight down from the torsion arm rather than up as on the original. The
shock arm "MUST" be welded prior to assembly of the axle. Any post
manufacture welding voids all Dexter warranty.
Dexter has a work sheet at their web site and with your specifications
filled in, will send a ProSpec 2000 that details the subject axle. Be sure
to specify the high profile mounting bracket with the reverse orientation.
Properly measured, this will slip right in place of the original Henchen
axle.
A year ago, the delivered price breakdown - $407 for the axle and $60
freight from MO to my address in VA. Wayne Kirby, 660 542 2232 developed
the specifications for this order.
My rationale for posting this is the hope that other '69 Safari owners might
need axle replacement and/or have worked on the specifications.
Regards, '69 Safari,
Joy