359 makeover - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

EasyMoney · **^ Top** #1 05.13.2008

I have a 1984 359 Peterbilt that I am trying to restore/customize. I have two "pipe dreams" that I would like to do. The first is to add a tilt steering column from a 2000 or newer Peterbilt. I have seen one, so I know it can be done. Has anyone done this or know someone who has? The second is to stretch the wheelbase. I am thinking about replacing the factory airleaf suspension with a Volvo suspension. Once more, I have seen this also. It would HAVE to improve the ride of the truck!
I guess I have three questions. The third is HOW THE HELL DO YOU PAY FOR ALL THIS STUFF THAT PEOPLE ARE DOING TO THEIR TRUCKS THESE DAYS!

And don't tell me hard work, cause that ain't working either! At least not while spending $1,700 a week for fuel. Any ideas and/or info about these mods will be appreciated.

550hpW900L · **^ Top** #2 05.13.2008

I spend over $4k a week on fuel and i can afford it, just have to work smart.... Why volvo suspension on a Peterbilt? Thats like pissing in the wind... Low air leaf, nuff said.

EasyMoney · **^ Top** #3 05.13.2008

I once owned a 1992 Volvo with a short wheelbase and it rode better than any of the 4 Petes that I have owned. But that just happened to be what was under that truck that I mentioned. Im not set on the Volvo suspension, but I know from MY experience they do ride very good. I agree thats about all that they have going for them. I must say, Im intrigued by a $4K a week fuel bill. Heavy hauler?

Pete_379X · **^ Top** #4 05.13.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 550hpW900L

I spend over $4k a week on fuel and i can afford it, just have to work smart.... Why volvo suspension on a Peterbilt? Thats like pissing in the wind... Low air leaf, nuff said.

Thats no joke. Low Air Leaf all the way man. Get some decent wheelbase and you'll be floatin' on a peterbilt cloud.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasyMoney

I must say, Im intrigued by a $4K a week fuel bill. Heavy hauler?

Chicken Hauler....

Late night flights with chicken lights...

550hpW900L · **^ Top** #5 05.13.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasyMoney

I once owned a 1992 Volvo with a short wheelbase and it rode better than any of the 4 Petes that I have owned. But that just happened to be what was under that truck that I mentioned. Im not set on the Volvo suspension, but I know from MY experience they do ride very good. I agree thats about all that they have going for them. I must say, Im intrigued by a $4K a week fuel bill. Heavy hauler?

379X is right chicken hauler with 5k miles a week x 1000 gallons = #####!..... Reason why the volvo rode alot better is because of the way longer front leaf spring. The 379 with a low air leaf rides just as good now a days. The low air leaf is similar to the volvo suspension with the big bags. But no one will heckle you when they see a 359 with a LAL suspension, i dont know if they saw a volvo emblem on a 359 chassis..... You might have some large car guys swinging an ax at your head.

MedicineMan · **^ Top** #6 05.13.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasyMoney

I once owned a 1992 Volvo with a short wheelbase and it rode better than any of the 4 Petes that I have owned. But that just happened to be what was under that truck that I mentioned. Im not set on the Volvo suspension, but I know from MY experience they do ride very good. I agree thats about all that they have going for them. I must say, Im intrigued by a $4K a week fuel bill. Heavy hauler?

The volvo rode soft because it has air ride rear suspension, air ride front suspension, air ride cab. Your 359 has just air ride rear suspension. Some petes had air ride front axles, you could put one on there. Some people are even air riding the cab and bunk but you better know what you are doing and judging by your statement about the ride I am assuming you don't.

The pete low air rear suspension is about as good a suspension as you can get. besides if you put a vulva suspension on your pete we will kick you out of the club. BEsides it won't do what you want due to the reasons I stated above. The 359 is abou the best handling truck I have ever driven, it handles better then the 379 pete does although it does ride a bit stiffer. If you go hackin on the suspension you will kill the hanling.

MedicineMan · **^ Top** #7 05.13.2008

sacreligous I tell ya

550hpW900L · **^ Top** #8 05.13.2008

LOL i was just waiting for you to post! I wouldnt do a air ride front axle though, them were troublesome. Also im sure you would have to drill the frame for the vulva suspension where as you can just bolt on the LAL.

550hpW900L · **^ Top** #9 05.13.2008

I dont think he had air ride front on a 92 volvo, they rode better cuz the long ### front leaf spring. I agree the 359 does handle lot better than a 379.

MedicineMan · **^ Top** #10 05.13.2008

I didn't catch the year.

I hate the newer volvo's. they are so sloppy you can't feel a thing in the road. the wind blows and the bend over so far it almost scrapes the bumper. Sorry I like to drive my truck not just float around like a blimp.

He cut weld on a rear clip and I know all these guys stretch frames like that but to be perfectly honest in my opinion the only way to properly stretch a truck is with new frame rails. They aren't that expensive, at least the wern't 10 years ago lol

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