To flip or not

[Redwood]

  One thing I want to do is measure everything on the axle from ground up to axle on both sides. I want to make sure it's all true and straight. It looks OK to the eye but I want to measure also.
   Now as far as the frame I think I'm going to make something like 79Ramada did, what I have on there now is bent up and sloppy work. I agree the axle flip looks OK it's just the frame that's bothering me.

[Pescador]

Now your talking Greg! You are on the Apache path sort of Roaming around but finding your way!

[Redwood]

Not the prettiest job I've ever seen but it looks like all the spring work was done right. Think I would take the lower frame bracket off and have a plate welded on that came down from the top of the opening about 4-5 inches for added strength.
 I would put on double steps depending on how high it is, I sure like mine. Not hard to fabricate hangers to bolt into with a couple of pieces of 2"x2" angle iron.
 If it rides good and stable I would leave it raised, don't have to worry about speed bumps and steep driveway's.

 
   Yep I think you all have convinced me to keep it raised. Even Colleen says I should keep it the way it is.  I would like to find some stairs like you have Cecil. Do you remember where you got them from?

[Redwood]

Now your talking Greg! You are on the Apache path sort of Roaming around but finding your way!

   Well I'm glad I have made up my mind anyway. Hector that's a terrible pun LOL
   I have to make better frame supports though.
  ( 79Ramada) do you remember what gage metal you worked with when you made the frame supports.

[gundoger]

 Just got through looking at the pictures in the gallery, and to me I think that lower frame work has to come off. Looks like it could cause more damage than any strength it is adding. The bracket that 79Ramada made looks great but even if you just used flat plate that came down to about to where the bottom of the angle iron is you should be fine.
 If you would like I'll get under mine tomorrow and take some pictures for you.

[Pescador]

Greg,

Let me know as well about those stair things that I have not seen. I just use a big rock or something big that is raised 4 to 5 inches for a step! I always find something around the camp that works but your side sounds better.

[Redwood]

Just got through looking at the pictures in the gallery, and to me I think that lower frame work has to come off. Looks like it could cause more damage than any strength it is adding. The bracket that 79Ramada made looks great but even if you just used flat plate that came down to about to where the bottom of the angle iron is you should be fine.
 If you would like I'll get under mine tomorrow and take some pictures for you.

   I would really appreciate that Cecil. BY the way do you remember where you bought the stairs?

[gundoger]

I bought the steps on ebay, even with the shipping they were cheaper than anything local. They were Elkhart's. I'll see if I can find the sellers name for you.

[Desert Satanna]

Now you've got me thinking of installing it SOA... well, at least the stuff isn't here yet...

A question that did come to mind was: do you all (y'all) find that the stabilizers are still plenty long enough with the axle swap, or do I need to consider swapping out those components as well?   

[gundoger]

They weren't long enough for mine, I put on 24" scissor jacks and sometimes I have to add additional blocking.

[Desert Satanna]

They weren't long enough for mine, I put on 24" scissor jacks and sometimes I have to add additional blocking.

Good to know.
I've been watching this thread closely, weighing the pros and cons of a standard vs SOA installation on this '76 Ramada. I don't want the trailer drag nor want to risk the rear gearbox assembly - but I'm not too keen on a higher stepdown, replacing even more parts, nor the trailer being "squirrely" as some have suggested.

[79Ramada]

  ( 79Ramada) do you remember what gage metal you worked with when you made the frame supports.

I bought 11ga Hot rolled Steel sheet, from metalsdepot.com, part# S111, size 1x2 ft, need one per each side.

[Redwood]

  ( 79Ramada) do you remember what gage metal you worked with when you made the frame supports.

I bought 11ga Hot rolled Steel sheet, from metalsdepot.com, part# S111, size 1x2 ft, need one per each side.

    Fu,  Was one piece enough to do both sides or did you have to buy two?
          Also, what did you cut the steel with?
          One more question, The design of the metal having an angle bend over along the bottom and following the curve around also. Was that mainly for extra strength??
 

[79Ramada]

I bought two pieces, one for each side with plenty of metal left over in case I screw up on my welding. I used a metal blade on my handheld electric jig saw. If someone has a band saw with metal blade, it would be quicker. As for my design, the 90 degree bend along the edge on the sheet metal is always stiffer than just a flat sheet. Also to maintain the shape of the C-Channel on the frame. Having a second look at your picture, like others mentioned, it is not the prettiest but looks like plenty of strength. PO did added a metal patch on top of the angle iron. The angle iron itself is long enough and maintain that 90 degrees edge, although it is not continuous, but should be fine. You may even be able to remove that bottom bracket and still have plenty of bracing. Looks like the bottom bracket is doing more harm than good, got bent probably hitting speed bumps. If you are to remove the bottom bracket, I would recommend installing two more nuts and bolts where the two X marks are to spread the loads on that angle iron.

[Redwood]

    I think you're right. I'll remove that bottom piece and just add a couple bolts where you marked. With the welded patch above the angle iron it should be plenty strong.