Rebuilding torsion trailer axles?

[larboc]

So, my Airstream project has gotten a bit out of hand and I'm realizing the 1971 torsion axles need addressing. Mine aren't bottomed out yet like some, but are definitely done. SOP is to buy a pair of new axles from Dexter, but we're talking $3000 and months of lead time. The brakes, bearings, and all are fine on mine so it's a tough pill to swallow but that's probably the route I'll need to take. HOWEVER, I'm wondering if anyone has ever replaced the rubber rods in side of a set of torsion axles before. Worst case ontario I have to buy new axles anyway so I'm debating trying it. I've got access to liquid nitrogen and forklifts, the biggest unknown for me is where to get the rubber and will it actually work.
Discuss.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

So, my Airstream project has gotten a bit out of hand and I'm realizing the 1971 torsion axles need addressing. Mine aren't bottomed out yet like some, but are definitely done. SOP is to buy a pair of new axles from Dexter, but we're talking $3000 and months of lead time. The brakes, bearings, and all are fine on mine so it's a tough pill to swallow but that's probably the route I'll need to take. HOWEVER, I'm wondering if anyone has ever replaced the rubber rods in side of a set of torsion axles before. Worst case ontario I have to buy new axles anyway so I'm debating trying it. I've got access to liquid nitrogen and forklifts, the biggest unknown for me is where to get the rubber and will it actually work.
Discuss.

I was gonna post that you'll need liquid nitrogen and some forklifts, but I see you got that covered.

Now all you need is a gopro.

 

[larboc]

Looks like mcmaster carr has rubber rods. I need to know what durometer they used though. How the heck do I figure that out. Also, looks like I could be spending $500 an axle on rubber rods. That's cause for pause, I wonder about drilling some holes and filling it up with RTV

 

[Sluggy]

How much is just a new axle? I was told they were wear items by the trailer place.

 

[junkytj]

Looks like mcmaster carr has rubber rods. I need to know what durometer they used though. How the heck do I figure that out. Also, looks like I could be spending $500 an axle on rubber rods. That's cause for pause, I wonder about drilling some holes and filling it up with RTV

I'm assuming the rubber rods are the springs. Springs are calced on a linear basis, so if you have a way to get space behind the rubber, you could gain some lift back, but would reduce overall travel.