Possible to build leaf springs on a semi?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by EurekaSevven, Jul 29, 2022.

  1. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    I'd guess that's no more than 230wb. Measure from front axle to center of the drives. Not the rear hub but actual center of drives and there's your wb
     
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  3. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Are you saying those trucks don’t have air ride rears? I haven’t seen a class 8 Pete built in the last 20 years with Rayco type spring suspension unless it was a heavy spec Hendrickson walking beam. Ain’t no refer company gonna run that.
     
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  4. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    I have went to the bone yard and bought what was needed to extend the slider to the rear. That was not a problem for special application and old trailers made for single axle trucks.
    Your problem will be that you cannot axle 80,000 Lb with what you are talking about.
     
  5. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    Your testing our friendship....
    How dare you mention putting vvvvvvolvvvvvo parts on a Peterbilt..
    I'll meet at sun up ...
    Pistolas @ 60 paces
     
  6. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    A 60 or 72 inch sleeper isn’t big enough ?
     
  7. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Hey now, whats not to love about 8 seperate bags to have to maintain? :p

    Also, if youre cutting off your rear, what ratio rears you got and what kinda condition? Mine are getting kinda tired (internals) i think (3.25ish and i like it)
     
  8. mnmover

    mnmover Road Train Member

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    On adjusting air ride, the air ride needs to be set so the drive line angles are correct. You should not just adjust for weight. Most of the trucks have no problem getting 12,000 lbs on the steering axle. In fact most steering axles are rated for 13,200lbs and to carry that weight you also need a H rated tire.
     
  9. W923

    W923 Road Train Member

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    The biggest problem I see with moving the fifth wheel back is at some point it’s going to be far enough behind the center of the tandem to actually start talking weight off the front end. At that point it’s going to want to push instead of steer and it’s going to be hard to scale 80k without being over on the drives
     
  10. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    The volvo airride is just a mickey mouse chinese knockoff cheap built version off the Pete air leaf. They had no choice but to do it that way. They had nothing to use when they bought White and GMC. White was using the Hendrickson version but that was licensed by FL and Fruehauf at the time. They couldn't use the FL airliner version because that went back to FL when White was released from that contract. The FL version was originally designed for Pete in the 60’s by Western suspension and called Stabile-Aire. Pete used it a few years till the original Air Trac and Air Leaf were designed and sold it to White for FL use only. Back then if you bought from White and wanted air ride you had to buy a shaker.
    Confusing I know!
     
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  11. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    You know @SmallPackage .. that's what I like about you .. your a vast weather of knowledge. When it come to real trucks and when men were men and snowflakes only fell from the sky .. and not mommies basement..
    But your right the Volvo air ride is a CHEAP CHEAP knock off of Pete air leaf.. which in it's self alone is a insult to Peterbuilt..
    I chuckle every time I hear some say Volvo ride rides better than Pete air leaf.. I''ve seen members make that statement on here before.. lol
     
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