Casa de Blanco goes SOA!

[Albino 94LTD]

So, after the Tahuya gathering I came home with a list of things to address before the next camping trip.

One of them is the brakes on Casa de Blanco. So I lift up one side pull the wheel then the drum and the shoes are all busted up. Yup, need new brakes.

While I'm under there I start thinking (dangerous again) 'how can I get a little more ground clearance? Hmm, theres 1.5" of threads showing on the U bolts, I could get some 1" blocks. Wait a minute, this thing's Spring UNDER! I can do a SOA!!'

So, I jack up the other side, CAREFULLY, take the brakes and backing plate off, unbolt the axel, spin it around an upside down and bolt the sucker back up!

Now I'm waiting for the new backing plates I ordered. It's just as cheap to get the backing plate set up complete as it is to order wheel cylinder, brake shoes and mounting hardware and put together myself.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Will it fit 33's yet?

 

[arsoul]

Has the chuck wagon inspired another lifted monster trailer? WOO-HOO!

 

[Paul]

Sweet ! !

Looking good Phil -

I had to drop one leaf because the SOA on mine put the rear end up too high. . . On that note, if we ever do a link up at the monster garage to have a little welding party, I'd like to weld a few of those "U" brackets on the bottom of my leaf springs so the leafs don't splay out while four wheeling.

But to the topic at hand - - how much are you going to have to lift the front end to compensate for the SOA?

Paul
'91 Sport

 

[Albino 94LTD]

how much are you going to have to lift the front end to compensate for the SOA?

I'm not sure yet. I'll start by removing the drop bracket and going back to stock height. If that isn't enough, I'll turn the stock height bracket upside down, which will give me about 2" more lift.

I'll have to put pads under the supports while parked though

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Is it done yet?

 

[Albino 94LTD]

The new backing plates and brakes won't be here until Monday

I'm installing a 12v fresh water pump for the sink right now and a little re-wiring

Then it's on to the X. Got the shackles and Trac-loc rebuild kit.

We ARE going camping April 10-11 maybe even longer. Not sure where yet but wer're goin

 

[stev0n]

so let me get this straight? Your rear axle is "technically" upside down?

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

It's the axle on his tow behind camper. I don't think they have a specific "right side up". It's just a tube with axle spindles welded to it.

 

[stev0n]

ok i didn't know how they did trailer axles...that's cool

 

[Albino 94LTD]

Yeah, Kevin has it right. The only thing that even comes close to determining up or down are the brake lines.

A couple big zip ties and now they're still on top

Fresh water pump, in and running

I have a feeling I'll be buying new canvas this year:scratch:

 

[Albino 94LTD]

What is Casa de Blanco?

For the lurkers, I guess I'd better post a picture of Casa de Blanco. You can see how low it is/was.

 

[cybergasm]

And here i thought i was gonna see another X get the SOA treatment : aww well still interesting to see how this turns out.......

 

[Maniak]

Some axles do have an up/down. I did a SOA on our trailer (too short compared to the X).

The axle is a on the Trailer is a 3500 lbs axle that is actually bowed somewhat (factory). As you put more weight on it is straigtens out some.

Since the SOA the bow is going the wrong directions and from what I got from the Axle manufacturer I just cut the weight carrying capacity by quite a bit.

Once I get new perches welded on the trailer I'll flip the axle back over (but keep it soa) to get some weight carrying capacity back.

Here a couple pics of it since the SOA.

Still has 225 tires on it..

With 31" tires