Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup.
| I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202857] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 12:53  |
Ultravan Owners
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I’m looking to tow a MH with all fours on the ground.
NOTE: it is not a GMC. However, it does have the complete FWD Toronado power plant with torsion bars and all.
I’d like some advice on just how you removed the axles.
(I do have a copy of the manual thanks to another kind member.)
But as a retired mechanic; I’m not 100% sure I really have to disconnect both upper and lower ball joints and completely remove the hub?
I am hoping it is like a newer car with FWD. You can disconnect just one ball joint, usually the lower, along with the tie-rod end then swing and lift at the same time to get the axle to slide out of the hub and to pull the hub out of the way to remove the axle from the vehicle. (At least that is how I have done an axle R&R on other FWD vehicles.)
BEFORE I disconnect any ball joint; do I have to be concerned with releasing the tension on the torsion bar?
I like to hear from those of you that have done an axle replacement on an early Toronado FWD setup.
Thanks, Tony
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Thu, 28 March 2013 12:57] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] I’ d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202858 is a reply to message #202857] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 13:05  |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
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Tony, If your vehicle is using the tornado front hubs and bearings, you
must have a stub axle in place without c/v joints to properly load the
timken bearings when towing. If you jack up the front of a gmc until the
wheels are off the ground and disconnect the front shock, there is not a
great deal of force left in the torsion bar. I can not speak for whatever
vehicle you are working on. It may be dangerously different than a gmc.
There is a torsion bar unloader tool that takes the tension off the bar. I
personally do not work on the front ends without using it. Other's results
may vary. Be safe out there. HUGE FORCES are at work here.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 Gmc Royale 403
On Mar 28, 2013 10:53 AM, "Tony" <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> I’m looking to tow a MH with all fours on the ground.
>
> NOTE: it is not a GMC. However, it does have the complete FWD Toronado
> power plant with torsion bars and all.
>
> I’d like some advice on just how you removed the axles.
>
> (I do have a copy of the manual thanks to another kind member.)
>
> But as a retired mechanic; I’m not 100% sure I really have to disconnect
> both upper and lower ball joints and too completely remove the hub?
>
> I am hoping it is like a newer car with FWD. You can disconnect just one
> ball joint, usually the lower, along with the tie-rod end then swing and
> lift at the same time to get the axle to slide out of the hub and to pull
> the hub out of the way to remove the axle from the vehicle. (At least that
> is how I have done an axle R&R on other FWD vehicles.)
>
> Also do I have to be concerned with releasing the tension on the torsion
> bar?
>
> I like to hear from those of you that have done an axle replacement on an
> early Toronado FWD setup.
>
> Thanks, Tony
>
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202865 is a reply to message #202857] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 13:55 |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
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Tony,
Due take note of Jim's cautions about safely unloading the torsion bars if that is what you need to do. I still have a nice scar on my arm from harvesting the front clip of a GMC 2 years ago, when I thought the torsion bars were "mostly" unloaded and very quickly & dramatically found out they weren't. I now own one of Jim K's torsion bar unloading tools.
Having said that, if it's all Olds/GMC stuff, and if all you are trying to do is remove the 1/2 shafts, you don't have to get into the torsion bars or ball joints at all. There is a very large nut threaded on to the outer part of the axle shaft, and a six bolt flange on the inboard side. The shocks probably need to come off to get the room to pull the axle out. And, the shocks may serve as an unloaded limit to the suspension travel. But, if you leave the ball joints hooked up, the upper control arm will also limit travel. With turning the wheels some (which may be interesting depending on how they've chosen to "fix" the steering parts of the system to use it in the rear) they should really come out. It's worth reading the procedure in the shop manual link that Rob sent you.
As far as whether you need to unload the torsion bars to remove the subframe from your vehicle, the only way to tell that is ask the person that built it, or look at it and figure it out. It's not an Ultravan, and it's not an Olds or GMC. what the builder did to attach the components to your vehicle is anyone's guess. On a GMC, the torsion bars end about 18" or so behind the front clip that attaches by bolts to the main frame rail, and they are attached to a separate frame crossmember. Whether that separate crossmember exists in your vehicle and what it attaches to are part of what must be considered in dis-assemblying it safely.
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202868 is a reply to message #202857] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 14:01 |
Ultravan Owners
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Thank you Jim.
If I have to - I do plan to use the outer CV joints from the coach.
I will use just the CV joints by themselves to hold the bearing in place.
I even have a post on here where I’ve been looking for some old ones.
I heard some GMC owners have switched to 1 ton setup and no longer need the older/weaker stuff.
But so far not much luck.
I can get new/rebuilt axles from NAPA for 59.90 each.
So if I ruin or lose any parts to rebuild the factory axles when I'm home I'll just replace them. GGG
Tony
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
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| Re: [GMCnet] I’ d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202875 is a reply to message #202871] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 14:28 |
Ultravan Owners
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| James Hupy wrote on Thu, 28 March 2013 15:15 |
Tony, it is the hubs and knuckles that you need to be concerned about. They
are in very short supply and can be damaged by towing without stub axles.
Jim Hupy
On Mar 28, 2013 12:01 PM, "Tony" <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Thank you Jim.
>
> If I have to - I do plan to use the outer CV joints from the coach.
> I will use just the CV joints by themselves to hold the bearing in place.
> I even have a post on here where I’ve been looking for some old ones.
> I heard some GMC owners have switched to 1 ton setup and no longer need
> the older/weaker stuff.
> But so far not much luck.
> I can get new/rebuilt axles from NAPA for 59.90 each.
> So if I ruin or lose any parts to rebuild the factory axles when I'm home
> I'll just replace them. GGG
>
>
> Tony
> _______________________________________________
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Jim, I'm sorry but I'm confused. You are not giving me enough info with your last post.
What else can I do - IF I'm using the CV joints to be sure the bearings are kept tight or set correctly within the hub while I'm towing it? (Just like I never removed the entire axle)
Tony
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Thu, 28 March 2013 14:29] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202880 is a reply to message #202865] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 14:51 |
Ultravan Owners
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Thank you Craig for your input.
Reply within your post.
| Craig Lechowicz wrote on Thu, 28 March 2013 14:55 |
Tony,
Due take note of Jim's cautions about safely unloading the torsion bars if that is what you need to do. I still have a nice scar on my arm from harvesting the front clip of a GMC 2 years ago, when I thought the torsion bars were "mostly" unloaded and very quickly & dramatically found out they weren't. I now own one of Jim K's torsion bar unloading tools.
Craig I'm glad you are still with us and it was not too bad.
I like to see a picture of this tool - if I can. Where can one get one if I want it and how much? I'll be doing a full restoration on this coach to use and display in our little museum.
Having said that, if it's all Olds/GMC stuff, and if all you are trying to do is remove the 1/2 shafts, you don't have to get into the torsion bars or ball joints at all. There is a very large nut threaded on to the outer part of the axle shaft, and a six bolt flange on the inboard side. The shocks probably need to come off to get the room to pull the axle out. And, the shocks may serve as an unloaded limit to the suspension travel. But, if you leave the ball joints hooked up, the upper control arm will also limit travel. With turning the wheels some (which may be interesting depending on how they've chosen to "fix" the steering parts of the system to use it in the rear) they should really come out.
As for the tie rods; they used some type of tubing welded to the frame to allow for toe adjustment. I believe I will be able to pop them out from the spindle.
But are you 100% sure the axles will come out without doing anything else? On newer FWD vehicles I've had to have a little more movement in the hub. I had to be able to lift the hub up and swing it out of the way, all at the same time, to be able to remove an axle. I'm picturing having to do the same here. And that is why I have a concern about the torsion bar and the tension. But then again the inside CV is bolted in place and one doe snot have to pull that out. It just might have the room to get them out like you said. I jsut want to be sure. Time is important on this trip. (SMILES) I really want to make it on time to my very first Corvair Convention in Kalamazoo, MI. (GRIN)
It's worth reading the procedure in the shop manual link that Rob sent you.
I'm greatful for the manual info. I started reading it right away last night.
I read about Engine R&R and I read about removing the axles. I also read other stuff that I can not recall right this minute. GGG
I could be mixed up - however, I do recall they said you have to undo the upper and lower ball joints and remove the hub to get the axles out. But I will gladly read it again.
As far as whether you need to unload the torsion bars to remove the subframe from your vehicle, the only way to tell that is ask the person that built it, or look at it and figure it out. It's not an Ultravan, and it's not an Olds or GMC. what the builder did to attach the components to your vehicle is anyone's guess. On a GMC, the torsion bars end about 18" or so behind the front clip that attaches by bolts to the main frame rail, and they are attached to a separate frame crossmember. Whether that separate crossmember exists in your vehicle and what it attaches to are part of what must be considered in dis-assemblying it safely.
|
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
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| Re: [GMCnet] I d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202881 is a reply to message #202875] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 14:56 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Tony, "What we have here, is a failure to communicate." to quote a line
from cool hand Luke. What you refer to as the c/v joint, I am referring to
as a "stub axle". For GMC 's, it is usually not necessary to disconnect
the ball joints or tie rod ends, but it is easier if the shock is removed.
As I have never seen your vehicle, I can only surmise that it MIGHT BE
different from a Gmc. There is a flange on the final drive on the drivers
side, and a jackshaft ending with an identical appearing flange on the
passenger side. If you remove the 6 cap screws on the flanges, along with
the large axle nuts, ON A GMC the axle assemblies can be removed. Sorry if
my response appears vague, but I can't see your Ultravan from where I am. I
guess it is like the air traffic controllers tell a pilot when he has a
hijacker on board. " Y.O.Y.O." (you're on your own) on this deal.
Jim Hupy
On Mar 28, 2013 12:29 PM, "Tony" <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> James Hupy wrote on Thu, 28 March 2013 15:15
> > Tony, it is the hubs and knuckles that you need to be concerned about.
> They
> > are in very short supply and can be damaged by towing without stub axles.
> > Jim Hupy
> > On Mar 28, 2013 12:01 PM, "Tony" <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thank you Jim.
> > >
> > > If I have to - I do plan to use the outer CV joints from the coach.
> > > I will use just the CV joints by themselves to hold the bearing in
> place.
> > > I even have a post on here where I ve been looking for some old ones.
> > > I heard some GMC owners have switched to 1 ton setup and no longer need
> > > the older/weaker stuff.
> > > But so far not much luck.
> > > I can get new/rebuilt axles from NAPA for 59.90 each.
> > > So if I ruin or lose any parts to rebuild the factory axles when I'm
> home
> > > I'll just replace them. GGG
> > >
> > >
> > > Tony
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
> Jim, I'm sorry but I'm confused you are not giving me enough info with
> your last post.
>
> What else can I do - IF I'm using the CV joints to be sure the bearings
> are kept tight or set correctly within the hub while I'm towing it? (Just
> like I never removed the entire axle)
>
>
> Tony
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] I d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202884 is a reply to message #202881] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 15:06 |
Ultravan Owners
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Registered: March 2013
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| James Hupy wrote on Thu, 28 March 2013 15:56 |
Tony, "What we have here, is a failure to communicate." to quote a line
from cool hand Luke.
Great - GREAT reference!! I love that movie. My neighbor at the time was in his 30's when I told him about that movie - for the same type of reason. It was about 8 years ago now. Sadly he never heard of it. I feel it is a MUST see movie. GGG
What you refer to as the c/v joint, I am referring to
as a "stub axle". For GMC 's, it is usually not necessary to disconnect
the ball joints or tie rod ends, but it is easier if the shock is removed.
As I have never seen your vehicle, I can only surmise that it MIGHT BE
different from a Gmc. There is a flange on the final drive on the drivers
side, and a jackshaft ending with an identical appearing flange on the
passenger side. If you remove the 6 cap screws on the flanges, along with
the large axle nuts, ON A GMC the axle assemblies can be removed. Sorry if
my response appears vague, but I can't see your Ultravan from where I am. I
guess it is like the air traffic controllers tell a pilot when he has a
hijacker on board. " Y.O.Y.O." (you're on your own) on this deal.
Jim Hupy
On Mar 28, 2013 12:29 PM, "Tony" <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> James Hupy wrote on Thu, 28 March 2013 15:15
> > Tony, it is the hubs and knuckles that you need to be concerned about.
> They
> > are in very short supply and can be damaged by towing without stub axles.
> > Jim Hupy
> > On Mar 28, 2013 12:01 PM, "Tony" <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thank you Jim.
> > >
> > > If I have to - I do plan to use the outer CV joints from the coach.
> > > I will use just the CV joints by themselves to hold the bearing in
> place.
> > > I even have a post on here where I ve been looking for some old ones.
> > > I heard some GMC owners have switched to 1 ton setup and no longer need
> > > the older/weaker stuff.
> > > But so far not much luck.
> > > I can get new/rebuilt axles from NAPA for 59.90 each.
> > > So if I ruin or lose any parts to rebuild the factory axles when I'm
> home
> > > I'll just replace them. GGG
> > >
> > >
> > > Tony
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
> Jim, I'm sorry but I'm confused you are not giving me enough info with
> your last post.
>
> What else can I do - IF I'm using the CV joints to be sure the bearings
> are kept tight or set correctly within the hub while I'm towing it? (Just
> like I never removed the entire axle)
>
>
> Tony
> _______________________________________________
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I'll get some pictures posted ASAP.
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
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| Re: [GMCnet] I d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202892 is a reply to message #202884] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 15:54 |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
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Tony,
Thanks, my surprise came near the end of a long hot day, and I just wasn't thinking very clearly and in too much of a hurry.
Here's a link to the torsion bar unloader I got from Jim Kanamoto. I haven't used it yet, but others have, and I'm told it works well.
<http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/924>
I see he now has another one there as well, I don't know anything about this one.
<http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1116>
If it was mine, I'd still pull the halfshafts, put the stub axle back in as Jim refers to it, and tow it home with the engine still in. There is only a snap ring that holds the round part of the half shaft into the center of the outer CV joints. I believe you could leave all the balls & races in there and they would stay there while towing, as it takes quite a bit of wiggling to get them out. If you are worried, some good old duct tape over the hole in the CV joint would solve everything!
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202931 is a reply to message #202857] |
Thu, 28 March 2013 23:44 |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
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It looks like your powertrain and subframe came out of a Toronado, which must be a little different than a GMC. The crossmember that holds the rearmost ends of the torsion bar is still there, and part of the subframe assembly, which means that if you can lower everything down at once, you don't have to worry about unloading or removing the torsion bars, since everything will maintain it's relationship to the subframe. (which in your case is probably a shortened section of an entire Toronado frame, rather than a subframe). On a GMC, it is a much stouter frame, and there is a joint between the part that holds the engine/transaxle, and the main (and probably nearly 20' long) longitudinal frame members. That joint is about a 6 or 8" lap joint in the frame with the engine/trans C part inside the larger C part of the frame and 6 bolts holding it together on each side. All that happens about 18" ahead of where the torsion bar crossmember attaches on a GMC. Looks like on a Toronado (or at least your setup,) there is no joint there, which makes things a lot simpler for you. Wasn't able to see from the picturse what attaches the frame portion to the rest of the Ultravan. It may be a case where you don't really want to find out . . .
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202941 is a reply to message #202857] |
Fri, 29 March 2013 08:47 |
Ultravan Owners
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Registered: March 2013
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Thanks everyone!!
Plan A: Remove both axles without touching the torsion bars, clean and pack front bearings, install the newer tires all the way around and mount the tow-bar. All this will be done where UV520 is now.
Then tow UV520, 60 miles, to test how it tows and make sure everything works.
If everything is okay and I’m comfortable too - I will rebuilt or replace the front wheel cylinders and hook up the surge brake system on my tow-bar to the front brakes on the coach for the remaining part of the trip back home.
Plan B: If it does not tow well and I'm worried; I will remove the power plant too.
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Fri, 29 March 2013 09:01] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202944 is a reply to message #202941] |
Fri, 29 March 2013 10:14 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
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Just curious --
Other than "Tony" - Who are you?
To where and how far do you plan to tow this Ultravan?
Have you checked quotes for having it hauled? This is much less of a load than
a GMC and they are hauled lots of miles. Much safer to get something like this
to a good facility/home in order to deal with.
If you flat tow -- are permits and license required for states you are crossing?
Dennis
| Ultravan Owners wrote on Fri, 29 March 2013 08:47 |
Thanks everyone!!
Plan A: Remove both axles without touching the torsion bars, clean and pack front bearings, install the newer tires all the way around and mount the tow-bar. All this will be done where UV520 is now.
Then tow UV520, 60 miles, to test how it tows and make sure everything works.
If everything is okay and I’m comfortable too - I will rebuilt or replace the front wheel cylinders and hook up the surge brake system on my tow-bar to the front brakes on the coach for the remaining part of the trip back home.
Plan B: If it does not tow well and I'm worried; I will remove the power plant too.
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] I’ d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronadosetup. [message #202948 is a reply to message #202943] |
Fri, 29 March 2013 11:29 |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 29 March 2013 10:54 |
Tony,
John Sharpe and I were chatting this morning over coffee and he noted that crosswinds will significantly affect the way the RV tows.
Removing the engine would make it lighter which could make that worse.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony
Thanks everyone!!
Plan (A) then: Remove both axles without touching the torsion bar, clean and pack front bearings, install the newer tires all the
way around and mount the tow-bar.
Then tow it 60 miles to test how it tows and everything works.
If all is okay - I will rebuilt or replace the front wheel cylinders and hook up the surge brake system on my tow-bar to the RV for
the remaining part of the tow.
Plan B: If it does not tow well and I'm worried; I will remove the power plant too.
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Thank you Rob and John.
I'm going to try to tow it with the power plan in it.
The Ultravan should still weigh in around 3,000lbs plus without the power plant. But I know what you are talking about with cross winds. Ultravans are known for wandering all over the place when it comes to cross winds. Lower profile, and even wider, tires and better shocks have helped a lot.
What are your thoughts on buying new shocks and installing them before the trip.
The entire purpose of me trying to tow this home myself, over payingthe $2,000 to have it flatbeded home, is to have more funds available. sooner, to be able to purchase new parts for the coach.
Tony
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Fri, 29 March 2013 11:31] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202953 is a reply to message #202944] |
Fri, 29 March 2013 12:23 |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
Karma: 0
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Hi Dennis,
I'll reply in your post.
| Dennis S wrote on Fri, 29 March 2013 11:14 |
Just curious --
Other than "Tony" - Who are you?
I'm Tony - my Mom's son. GGG 
I’m a retired mechanic.
I'm a PROUD US Citizen who served in the US Army as a mechanic and even a cook at times.
I've worked for Chevrolet as a line mechanic and ran my own business - auto and other.
I closed up me last auto biz and moved away from everything I knew.
I did it to marry a lovely Canadian and live here in Canada - because she twisted my arm harder than I did hers. GGG
To where and how far do you plan to tow this Ultravan?
First to Kalamazoo, MI for my very first Corsa Convention and a well needed vacation after 10 long years. ggg
From there I tow it into Canada to our farm and the total when all is said and done should be 900 miles.
Have you checked quotes for having it hauled?
I have had 4 Ultravans transported so far. (SEE LINK BELOW)
We are starting our own private collection.
We plan to use each and every one as they were meant to be enjoyed.
We also plan to display them when not in use in a little museum on our farm.
Yes- I always get quotes and see which way is best.
It is kind of like what I'm doing now about if I should remove or not remove the entire power plant.
IF I don't know; I seek out advice and asked lots of questions.
BTW - The same transport company for the first four Ultravans was the best price and the ONLY one so far who can bring them into Canada right to our door. However, they wanted $2,000 for just this one.
I have to go to WI, IA and MI anyways - so the trip to Terre Haute, IN is really not out of my way.
I can fit getting UV520 in between IA and MI and I can save a lot - If I'm able to tow it on my own.
I like most people - do not have deep pockets.
I rather use the funds to buy parts and see this Ultravan back on the road much sooner.
This is much less of a load than
a GMC and they are hauled lots of miles. Much safer to get something like this
to a good facility/home in order to deal with.
If you flat tow -- are permits and license required for states you are crossing?
NO - they fit on a 48 to 53 foot large flatbed and still go under all DOT road bridges, wires and whatnot with no problems.
If you care to read it; here is a link to RV.net and my thread introducing ourselves and our coaches. It has more info, with pictures of the four Ultravans, we currently own, being transported.
Dennis
| Ultravan Owners wrote on Fri, 29 March 2013 08:47 |
Thanks everyone!!
Plan A: Remove both axles without touching the torsion bars, clean and pack front bearings, install the newer tires all the way around and mount the tow-bar. All this will be done where UV520 is now.
Then tow UV520, 60 miles, to test how it tows and make sure everything works.
If everything is okay and I’m comfortable too - I will rebuilt or replace the front wheel cylinders and hook up the surge brake system on my tow-bar to the front brakes on the coach for the remaining part of the trip back home.
Plan B: If it does not tow well and I'm worried; I will remove the power plant too.
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Sincerely, Tony
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
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| Re: [GMCnet] I’ d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on aToronadosetup. [message #202957 is a reply to message #202948] |
Fri, 29 March 2013 13:14 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Tony,
If you intend to keep the Ultravan why not buy the shocks.
I think careful route planning would be of great benefit. It might be a good idea to stay off the freeway and take secondary roads
where you could proceed at a slower speed and not be subjected to big rigs passing you and blowing the Ultravan all over the road.
Obviously it would take you longer but a couple of extra nights in motels (or the Ultravan) wouldn't dig into the $2000 you've saved
moving it yourself.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Tony
Sent: Friday, March 29, 2013 11:30 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] I'd like to hear from those who have removed the axles on aToronadosetup.
Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 29 March 2013 10:54
> Tony,
>
> John Sharpe and I were chatting this morning over coffee and he noted that crosswinds will significantly affect the way the RV
tows.
> Removing the engine would make it lighter which could make that worse.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tony
>
> Thanks everyone!!
>
> Plan (A) then: Remove both axles without touching the torsion bar, clean and pack front bearings, install the newer tires all the
> way around and mount the tow-bar.
>
> Then tow it 60 miles to test how it tows and everything works.
> If all is okay - I will rebuilt or replace the front wheel cylinders and hook up the surge brake system on my tow-bar to the RV
for
> the remaining part of the tow.
>
> Plan B: If it does not tow well and I'm worried; I will remove the power plant too.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Thank you Rob. And please tell John thank you too.
I'm going to try to tow it with the power plan in it.
The Ultravan should still weigh in around 3,000lbs plus without the power plant. But I know what you are talking about with cross
winds. Ultravans are known for wandering all over the place when it comes to cross winds. Lower profile, and even wider, tires and
better shocks have helped a lot.
What are your thoughts on buying new shocks and installing them before the trip.
The entire purpose of me trying to tow this home myself, over payingthe $2,000 to have it flatbeded home, is to have more funds
available. sooner, to be able to purchase new parts for the coach.
Tony
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: I’d like to hear from those who have removed the axles on a Toronado setup. [message #202963 is a reply to message #202941] |
Fri, 29 March 2013 14:23 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Tony,
When I referred to flat towing -- I meant all wheels down.
Many states require the vehicle being towed -- with any wheels touching the road -- to be currently licensed.
Perhaps one of the online guote services might generate some better prices.
From your photo link, you also appear to have a true Corvair "illness" not unlike some of us GMC owners and our stuff.
Good luck,
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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