If I may interject here for a moment, I'd like to beg to differ. There is no doubt that a problem exists with regards to compatability between one of the S/M struts and the Robart 635 retracts due to it's trunion. S/M merely stated that due to the manner in which the trunion on the Robart retract is constructed, it can, and obviously does create a problem for their strut. IMHO, it does not sound like S/M is trying to "pass the buck". Furthermore, S/M made suggestions on how to correct the problem, not ONLY by the aluminum shim method which can create further problems later on as they wear, but also by what seems to be a more popular method from what I've read on this thread so far, the set screw in the trunion. Now, given the number of jets sold by S/M that will use this strut/retract combination, perhaps it would be nice for S/M to produce a strut for this specific application, but to say that "This does not portray a very good image of Skymaster customer service" is IMO very unfair. Take a good look at Eric's last post... He verified that a problem does exist, he goes on to offer solutions to this problem. Sounds like good customer service to me. Hopefully, at some point in the near future, they may even make a decision to provide the larger diameter strut to completely eliminate this compatability issue, but that of course is up to S/M. In the meantime, let's please try to eliminate the tasteless bashing of manufacturers obviously trying to make good on their level of customer service. Just my 2 cents.... Regards,

Richie

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Richie, The manner in which the Robart trunion is constructed is fine. The problem is, Skymasters oleo legs have been machined to the wrong size. The trunion was not made to clamp an oleo so undersize that it is possible to wrap it competely around with a coke can & still be able to push it into the trunion.
What particularly annoys me is, the Skymaster boss (Pilot tw) has frequented this forum a number of times & has nothing to say. It would have been better for customer relations if he had made some input.

I have carried out the ''factory approved'' coke can conversion, which has enabled the trunion to tighten on the oleo.

I will not comment further on this issue, I think I have made my point.

Regards

Jim

jim i got exactly the same problem the only way you can get over it as far as i can see is ti drill the side of the pivet block and put a self tapper in .thats the only way it can be done with out shelling out more money!!!

Wayne,

I can't even sharpen a pencil and I drilled and tapped both main struts on both sides in about 5 minutes total on my F-18F. It's a super easy fix and works well.

Beave