Torsion axle questions...pros and cons?

[Scooter]

Just dawned on me that you don't need conventional leaf springs when using a torsion axle. This will give the appearance of a dropped axle right, since you don't have to mount the axle to low hanging springs?

What are the pros and cons of torsion vs. conventional axles?

[mikeschn]

I can't tell you about all the pros and cons, but I can tell you that with a torsion axle you don't need shocks either.

My little 4x8 teardrop bounced all over the road. My baja benroy with the torsion axle stays put. It's much better behaved on the road!

Mike...

[Shrug53]

Doesn't a torsion axle mount directly to the frame? Wouldn't that make it awfully low for some campgrounds and stuff? I know my Chevy is going to site pretty low and I am not sure I would be wanting to go over gravel and whatnot, that is why I will be using my GrandAm for a tow vehicle.

If you could make a mounting bracket to give it some extra space it would be great. I had a motorcycle trailer set up like that.

The idea is great, though a little pricey. It looks like a complete axle runs around $800.00 or so.

Here is a good site for those: http://www.orderdesk2000.com/subwebs/he ... -axles.htm

If you can afford it, I would say go for it. I would just put an extra piece of steel under the fram to move it away a bit and give yuo some better ground clearance.

[Rebel]

Found this link with lots of good info

http://www.utilitytrailerkit.com/

And this one from there about axels

http://www.etrailerpart.com/torsionaxles.htm

Rebel

[Nick Taylor]

The torsion axles actually gives you more ground clearance as you don't have the axle hanging down. Typically you would use a drop axle on a trailer in order to make room for the springs. This places the hub in the right place.

My 1947 Ken-Skill has an independant coil spring suspension which is mounted the same way as the torsion axles.



Nick.