front axle weight rating on ltl 9000

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by log trucker, Jan 9, 2012.

  1. log trucker

    log trucker Light Load Member

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    Dec 19, 2011
    marshfield wi
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    Have 1987 ltl 9000 the previous owner claims it set up for 20k the parts guy says its 16k with ten leaf springs,the gvw rating is 56k with 38k rears which I thought would make it 18k so who or which one is right. :biggrin_25526: Anyone know ?? What is dot gona rate it or what do they go by ??
     
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  3. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    It will be GVWR front xxxxxx on the cab ID tag. They also tag the axle, but tag is not always legible from age on older trucks.

    Additional springs will add capacity, but not officially from a legal spec standpoint.
     
  4. log trucker

    log trucker Light Load Member

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    Dec 19, 2011
    marshfield wi
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    Parts guy said that they had 16 axles and then added leafs this was from the book he had. ?? Previous owner stated 20k but unless axle was changed why would tag on door jam read 56k gvwr. My math 38k and 20k is 58k. See no tag on axle but is stamped in front on beam E7H-3010-SA. Then there's a symbol and N20 after ?? See no other tags. Like to know so I don't ever go over or if I get stopped and weighed.
     
  5. Bent Wrench

    Bent Wrench Medium Load Member

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    What are the tires rated for?
     
  6. log trucker

    log trucker Light Load Member

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    Dec 19, 2011
    marshfield wi
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    Tires are floats 385 65R 22.5 rated 9370 lbs each. That with the gvwr tag 56k on door jam and the fact that the rears are 38k leads me to believe its a 18k front ?? But who knows ???
     
  7. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    The GVW rating indicates that you have an 18,000 steering axle.
    The steer tires you run limit you to 18,000 on steers.
    In the case that DOT cannot positively identify your front GVWR by info off the truck or the use of your VIN, then they will go by the rating on the tires.
    I would confidently load up to 18,000 on the steer.
     
  8. log trucker

    log trucker Light Load Member

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    Dec 19, 2011
    marshfield wi
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    Sounds good too me I see no other tags indicating just a front axle weight on the door jam. Its only registered for 56k gross the pup is registered for 44k but has 20k axles on it I kept what previous owner had. Not sure why he had 44k on it when can't go over 40 k due to the axle weight. Plus 5 axles can only RFP permit for 90k. :biggrin_25525: Whatever. Thanks again bender.
     
  9. bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Ford use to paste the line sheet to the inside back panel of the cab on big trucks and on some models the glove box. You might take a look, I'm not sure when they stopped doing that. If you happen to locate the line sheet, the axle capacity will be listed.
     
  10. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    What ever you end up figuring out, ultimately the maximum weight is limited by the braking capacity. See what your brakes are rated for before you assume anything.
     
  11. Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

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    Every 20k axle I've seen had two steering boxes... pretty ez to spot. 16K's generally had one box but may have an hydraulic assist ram.
     
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