oleo spring length

[Mike Datema]

Time to address the oleos. Both springs measure 10 7/8". Is that serviceable? Thanks

[Richard Murray]

In my opinion its time to buy a new set from Wag-Aero. Mine measured 10.75" and the new ones were 11.25"
Someone had previously installed an additional bushing to compensate. You will be glad you did it right and everything will work as designed.

if you haven't discovered the articles by John Baker and John Probst at Hanger 9 Aeroworks, they are a good read.

[MikeB]

Regarding bushings: on my first Champ a previous person had put Ford transmission speedometer gears under the springs. Needless to say that pushed things way up. New springs are a good investment and not that expensive......also help with the "Aeronca Lean".
MIke

[Mike Datema]

Thanks, guys. Where else would I spend my money?
Wings, empennage, ailerons all restored, covered and painted. Fuselage stripped, media blasted and three coats of Stits epoxy and in first coat Poly Spray. All new hardware, cables and pulleys. Hope I remember how to fly.

[John Baker]

Mike,

I've measured several new springs that were between 11 1/16" to about 11 1/8". I forgot to measure the latest springs before I installed them this past year, but the Champ seemed to sit a little taller and prouder on the gear, so I suspect they were close to Richard Murray's 11 1/4" measurement.

Here's the link to my article on oleo struts:

http://www.hangar9aeroworks.com/Aeronca ... strut.html
And the link to the articles by John Propst:

http://johnpropst.yolasite.com/resource ... ev%200.pdf
http://johnpropst.yolasite.com/resource ... ev%209.pdf

[Mike Datema]

Thanks everyone. infrequently I do something smart and sending the gear to David Rude was definitely one of those times. The condition of the gear was worse than I knew and Mr. Rude got it done, got it done right and got it done fast.

[Richard Murray]

David Rude is indeed the guru on oleos. He has all the answers, knowledge, and talent to repair your damaged gear to factory condition. (and he is a nice guy too)