I have a 1992 36 ft Grandvilla Unihome. The suspension is the torsilastic suspension. My ride height was in the 30 - 31 inch range in the rear, and I had no shims left. For the last couple of years I have been reading the forum and researching ways to raise the height, replace the suspension or find new torsilastic tubes. It appears the suspension has not been made in years and torsilastic tubes were no longer in existence - even from Pioneer Metals in Washington(Ralph Andrews, I believe). I brought the RV up to Henderson's Line-up in Grants Pass, Oregon Henderson's Line-Up Brake & RV Inc. (http://www.hendersonslineup.com/) and worked with Robert (the owner) on trying to solve the problem. He was able to track down new torsilastic tubes and parts, but they were not immediately available and I had to get on the road. While traveling in Texas I came across a company called Sulastic Rubber Springs in San Antonio Sulastic (http://www.sulastic.com). They are importers and/or producers of products from a company in Mexico that make the Torsilastic suspension parts. I purchased a pair of suspension tubes from Sulastic. I had previously purchased new shackles and small ware parts from Pioneer metalworks Pioneer Metal Works (http://www.pioneermetalworks.com/) ( these parts are available at Sulastic or thru Henderson's). I had Henderson's Line-up do the installation and they did a fantastic job. My ride height is at 32" and I have 9 shims - (each shim removed raises the height 1/4 inch). Ride height should be a bit higher but getting it it right the first time takes some work. I will probably have a couple of shims removed in the future, but wanted to ride on the new suspension for bit to see how it settles out. I have only put 400 miles on them since the install and the ride has improved significantly. I will post again as I put more miles on or if there are any problems with the new tubes. I know several people on this site have been wondering as how to resolve the ride and height problem with no shims - hopefully this does it. As near as I know I am the first person to install these imported torsilastic tubes from Mexico. Hopefully I can post some pictures.
Very interesting pictures and useful information!
It is common for the new springs to loose ride height as they take their initial set. So, suggest you recheck and adjust ride height in the near future.
I'm not surprised you needed a new suspension... hauling around 4 chihuahuas almost certainly exceeded GVWR! :P :D
Great info for us U225 owners. Thanks for posting. How much did all that cost, by the way?
Craig
I'm curious as to the cost of the parts and installation. We had a 93 which in which the ride height was off. I got it right but had to remove all the shims to do so. Knowing that this was the end of the line I priced replacement parts which were still available from Brett's pal that bought up the Safari stuff. He said the new parts would be about five grand. Just wondering how that compares to the price you paid. Great photos by the way. Thanks.
jor
Sulastic. Motor home (http://www.sulastic.com/books)
I had looked at these a while back and figured on parts being about $3k (for rear only) then labour (or do it myself), and that is why I started on the air bag thought which I have not given up on but waiting till Geoof gets his coach up here to figure it all out.
JohnH
John H had the cost pretty well right on. Each torsilastic tube was $1000 and I bought two. The smallwares and new shackles were about $1000, for a total of $3000. There was a few hundred in shipping charges also. Install was a $1000, but not sure if that will be a standard price or not. This was the first one done in quite a while and the labor hours were probably more than that. Then again, now that they have done one it should go a bit faster. Hated to spend the money, but really happy with the results.
Brett - thanks for the info - I figured they would set in after a bit, good to know for sure.
Craig -- they are big chihuahuas.
This Torsalastic refit would probably cost about $15,000 mex pesos if done down there so around $1250.00 us. maybe while I am down there on the mainland of mexico in feb etc I will check out and report back. This may be a good reason for a few of you owners to do a quick trip down south for it.
I have a great mechanic in Bucerias (north of PV) that used to have a repair shop in LA but wanted to go back home. he is excellent. What with our Dentist and mechanic maybe I should start a caravan for repairs ???
JohnH