torsion vs leaves

[tx ranger]

i've searched through the threads, and it seems torsion is favored. I've never had one, and not sure how they're put together, but understand the physics. what i like about leaves is that they're servicable. it's a pain in the arse, but I give the leaves a good throrough rinse after the trailer leaves the salty stuff, boat or not. i've had leaves for 15 years or more. of course they're rusted, but it's just the surface stuff. torsion axles scare me because they seem like rust heaven, and unrinsable, and unviewable? how do you know if the spring is getting in bad shape? a carbon steel spring trapped inside of a square tube? are they designed to be water tight? if so, a seals gotta give, then you have a nice little salt tank with a spring inside, right?

[wingtime]

Torsion trailer axles have rubber inside not a steel spring.  On average they last at least twice as long as leaf springs do in salt water use.  Of course how well they are cared for comes into play.  Some brands of torsion axles are serviceable.  Typically you can replace the arm and the axle stub. The ride is night and day.  Since they are essentially a trailing arm suspension they pull over bumps MUCH smoother than leaf springs do.  Also they are independent of each other. Having owned both I prefer torsion over springs.

Here is a pic of a typical torsion axle:

[tx ranger]

so are they water tight? what keeps the inner metal shaft from rusting to poopoo?

[wingtime]

They are galvanized. Also the parts are large steel pieces so they will take a long time to rust out.

[tx ranger]

if the inner metal shaft does frag, is there anything to retain the torsion arm?

How to from THT:
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-how-s-kerno-memorial-forum/421963-step-step-diy-convert-trailer-leaf-springs-torsion-axles.html#post4565498