Tired Landing Gear Pads?

[skyguy]

After several years of use, I find my front landing gear pads are getting somewhat "rounded-up". They are no longer flat like new pads would be.

Anyone got a fix for this? I'm thinking just bending them back to "flat" isn't the complete answer, and the "bending" certainly isn't going to help the integrity of the pads any.

Is hammering better than bending?? Or how about bending, then heating and plunging into cold water??

Or is this the better solution: http://www.jtrv.com/products_elephant_foot.html

But they are $60 for a pair, and I would just as soon try some manual labor (free) first.

Thanks!

Al S.

[Exnavydiver]

I have had the elephant feet since I got this rig and love them. They are very easy to install and the only drilling that is needed is four holes on the rear jack feet, two each.. Dave and Betsy

[skyguy]

Dave - do you also use their rubber "shoes"???

Al

[William H. Collier]

I have them with the rubber pads and the stabilizers, some of the best money I have ever spent. I no longer have to put boards under the pads to keep them from sinking into the dirt.
Bill

[sreigle]

Did any of you notice any improved stability?

[William H. Collier]

Steve,
Not sure if the pads alone affected the stability as I installed them at the same time as I did the stabilizers. I can tell you that both of them dramaticly improved the stability.
Bill

[Exnavydiver]

yes I use the "shoes" all the time, I used to have a problem with them slipping off. I fixed that with some Liquid Nails... Dave

[stiles watson]

Replacement "shoes" are relatively inexpensive and requires pulling a cotter, a pin and installing a new shoe.

[bsmeaton]

Mine are rounding as well, and shame on me for setting them on soft dirt causing them to bend. I'll replace mine this spring with the same factory shoe.

I'm a JT fan, but I just don't trust composite materials for such heavy loads. They may prove out fine, I just don't want to be the one digging my landing gear out of the ground after one of those UV damaged elephant feet crack and split.

Time will tell.

[hazmic]

Good point Brad. Has anyone contacted the factory about them and the sun? I agree time will tell.