Peterbilt 379 air dryer advice

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by super_hauler, Dec 18, 2011.

  1. super_hauler

    super_hauler Bobtail Member

    14
    0
    Dec 18, 2011
    Fort Collins
    0
    Just bought a 93 pete 379. It came from Arizona and i drove it back home to Colorado, been working on it the last few days as i am a diesel mechanic. Been doing brakes, clutch, engine brake adjustment. But the truck doesn't have a air dryer. I was almost home the other night and i went to split to high side and water leaked out of the hi low selector. I am wondering how hard they are to install? I have done some reading on internet and here but i havent ever plumbed anything like this before. What do i need, been looking at the meritor r955205, is it any good? It has deal that takes the water out of the tanks and lets it drip out but its obviously not enough and its after the tanks. I want a dryer before the tanks. Thanks for the help!




     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. bender

    bender Road Train Member

    2,105
    1,347
    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
    0
    Why not just use a Bendix AD-9 which would have been original equipment on your Pete. You can purchase one for $100-$150 reman or new.
     
  4. super_hauler

    super_hauler Bobtail Member

    14
    0
    Dec 18, 2011
    Fort Collins
    0
    Well that would be fine, how hard are they to install? Do they some with everything i will need as far as lines and everything? or do i need to fab my own lines?
     
  5. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

    7,740
    14,412
    May 7, 2011
    0
    Pretty sure there's just a line from the compressor to the dryer, another line from the dryer to the tanks....then a small line to the governor....and a 12 volt electric connection. I've replaced another air dryer with an AD9, which was pretty much plug-n-play (hardest part was replacing the bracket)....but can't see that it would be all THAT difficult for someone with even a little mechanical aptitude to install. If I remember correctly, the dryer came with some paperwork that might have been installation instructions......but who reads that crap?:biggrin_2559:
     
  6. super_hauler

    super_hauler Bobtail Member

    14
    0
    Dec 18, 2011
    Fort Collins
    0
    ok, thanks i have never payed much attention to dryers. I have done just about everything else to trucks. I am just starting to get into the heavy duty engines i have been wrenching on power strokes and farm equipment for years. cant be that much different can they? :biggrin_2559:
     
  7. bender

    bender Road Train Member

    2,105
    1,347
    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
    0
    Make sure the one you buy comes with mounting bracket. You can mount it to frame by drilling frame flange and bolting it on. Buy 1/2" plastic line (bulk) for the main lines and 1/4" plastic line (bulk) for the signal line from the unloader port on the air governor. You'll need to run a 12v key on power wire for the built in heater.

    For detailed info and schematics see Bendix air brake hand book.
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2011
  8. KW Parts Guy

    KW Parts Guy Light Load Member

    230
    78
    Jul 16, 2011
    0
    The compressor is plumbed directly to the tanks??????? Is this a farm truck or is this truck curently driving on our roads? If it is on the road, how did thid truck EVER pass an MVI? Can you take a picture of the thing after the air tanks? Maybe an alcohol injection system? And I concur with the poster above, an AD-9 would be perfect and they are cheap!
     
  9. super_hauler

    super_hauler Bobtail Member

    14
    0
    Dec 18, 2011
    Fort Collins
    0
    This truck was a farm truck pulling watermelons from the field. I can take a picture later. I am looking into the ad-9 pricey if you dont have a core though.
     
  10. bender

    bender Road Train Member

    2,105
    1,347
    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
    0
    Where are you doing your shopping?
     
  11. KW Parts Guy

    KW Parts Guy Light Load Member

    230
    78
    Jul 16, 2011
    0
    Always interesting what a farmer can rig up to get the job done!!! We sell a 'cheaper' rebuilt AD-9 w/o core charge, keep searching you'll find one!
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.