Well, I finally took the plunge and bought 180 gear legs from Discount Air Salvage in Wa. They are the -1's and -2s, 3000.00 for them in overhauled condition with a 337. Ouch!! Bought the STC from Eric in Canada, going to install them today. I have 180 hp Lycoming and a MASA STOL kit and have been playing in the desert around my home here in Lake Havasu City, Az. Too many airstrips and places around here to mention, either as rough and short as you want or very comfortable. Can't wait to try them.

They are the -1's and -2s, 3000.00 for them in overhauled condition with a 337.

Does that mean magnafluxed and paint or anything else?

Why did you want to do that. Prop height/AOA?? I've heard people wanting stiffer gear for skiis, but I would think softer for rough dirt would be better ?? to absorb the energy rather than transfering it to gearboxes/airframe????

Just curious.
Gary

The 180 gear legs are a nice upgrade for the 170. Maybe not as much if you have the later "lady legs" which are stiffer, but it really is an improvement if you had the early legs, which are soft and springy as hell. It takes a real smooth hand to put those on without a bounce. I think the early 180 legs can tolerate a bit more ham fist without bucking you back into the air.

The early legs did do a nice job of absorbing the rough stuff, but the weird controllability factor when they're flexed is enough to justify an upgrade, IMO of course.

My cousin's dad has a 170 with the 180 gear on it. The story I got is that with the original gear on, one can develop some impressive sphincter muscles at gross weights taking off and landing on asphalt, among other surfaces...

My best friend had "Bird dog" legs on his 170.... sat a bit higher and he really liked 'em.
Steve? Is that you? Have you shared any of the 24V71 vids on here???
John