Air Leaf suspension too High.. Help

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by Shoebox, Dec 9, 2011.

  1. Shoebox

    Shoebox Bobtail Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    Michigan
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    I have a 1997 379 that I just purchased that has Air Leaf suspension. The guy that had it before pulled a 50' Spread Reefer. The thing sits at least a few inches higher than all my other trucks. I guess I never thought to look at it. I checked with Pete and it has the proper ride height recommendation from the factory. Is there a way to get this thing lowered to ride closer to normal specs. I am running 24.5 LP's. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
     
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  3. Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

    Maybe adjust the leveling valve on the suspension...?:biggrin_2554:
     
  4. Shoebox

    Shoebox Bobtail Member

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    Dec 9, 2011
    Michigan
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    By the time i do that, there is basically no air in the bags. The frame rides a couple of inches above the tires.
     
  5. Jumbo

    Jumbo Road Train Member

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    Sep 4, 2009
    Appleton, Wisconsin
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    If you lower it from the recomended ride height you will throw off your driveline angles and will have more problems then you bargained for.
     
    gearjammer-2000 Thanks this.
  6. blackpipes

    blackpipes Light Load Member

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    May 4, 2010
    king ferry,ny
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    Air leaf and air trac both are a quite tall su spension. U cant lower it much because the u bolts on the front drive will start hitting the frame. As long as u not over height its best to leave it be.
     
  7. mslashbar

    mslashbar Medium Load Member

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    Jul 22, 2009
    elizabeth,co
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    What kind of 5th wheel do you have? Maybe you could go with a low profile 5th wheel if it doesn't already have one.
     
    rjones56 Thanks this.
  8. rjones56

    rjones56 Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2008
    staunton va
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    I agree with Mslashbar.Check ride heighth loaded if you haven`t already.
     
  9. Rig Wrench

    Rig Wrench Medium Load Member

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    Dec 24, 2010
    northeast
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    do you have an air leaf or a low air leaf? i have heard that you can put air trac airbags on an airleaf and it can alter the height????, they will bolt up just the same though.
    Also black pipes, you passed me on the thruway a while back like I was standing still, what you got in that thing?
    looks large though:biggrin_25514:
     
  10. blackpipes

    blackpipes Light Load Member

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    May 4, 2010
    king ferry,ny
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    Haha. Just a little kitty cat. I appreciate the compliment. The ol girl does ok for 1.2 million miles. Im usually bout 95000 gross, so shes workin!
     
  11. Rig Wrench

    Rig Wrench Medium Load Member

    398
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    Dec 24, 2010
    northeast
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    little kitty cat??? I bet:biggrin_2559:
     
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