Rear Shocks Breaking-Limit Straps??

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Heli-truck, Feb 4, 2023.

  1. Heli-truck

    Heli-truck Bobtail Member

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    I have a customized flat bed M2 Freightliner I use for servicing helicopters. The issue I am running into is the rear shocks keep breaking. Then when we park on a uneven road or hit a bump at high speed the airbags overextend or burst. One issue is the truck is max grossed out at the beginning of the day. Are there a set of heavy duty shocks I can be using that you know of and also can a guy put limit straps on this axel. The only downfall would be if it got so uneven there might not be any traction with the rears.
     
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  3. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    Maybe all you need to do is slow down. If that's happening like you describe then you're practically getting air in your truck. Otherwise, is it possible you have a problem with your leveling valve? If it doesn't level right you might just get full system air in the airbag and ride at 120psi all the time.
     
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  4. Heli-truck

    Heli-truck Bobtail Member

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    Thanks I'll check the leveling valve. Air system has been working good lately. I could of explained this a bit clearer. This is a very short haul truck 2-10 miles every 30 minuets so it doesn't get up to very high speed 55mph max. It does run on some rough terrain, gravel roads mostly, and minimum maintenance roads. Pretty much the farm country of the Midwest. We also park in a variety of positions to allow the safest takeoff profile for the aircraft so sometimes the front drive axel my be on the crown of the gravel road and the rear substantially lower and that's when I have had a shock break at the weld mount and the airbag overextend and risk puncturing the bag.
     
  5. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    Driving over uneven terrain is fully flexing the suspension. Doing that, the shocks are being used as limiters. They’re not designed for that. You’re on the right track, with limiting straps. Mitigating shock damage is exactly why offroad racers use them. Finding one that can handle the weight/downforce of a big truck axle assembly and air bag pressure might be difficult. Monster truck straps are probably going to be your best bet.

    Limit Straps - Patrick Enterprises Inc.
     
  6. Magoo1968

    Magoo1968 Road Train Member

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    First thought Is shocks are the wrong length and either bottom out or extend all the way on bumps..
     
  7. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I wonder if a bigger shock, same length is available. Cascadia shock instead. Are they more heavy duty? If so, and if they’re too long, a bracket to extend existing bracket could be added. Maybe even a bracket to mount double shocks side by side. That would at least slow down the movement while driving, but would still need straps for parking to avoid overextending the airbags. Someone might make a quicker response (more expensive) leveling valve. Definitely make sure the ride heights correct, Don’t use the gas charged yellow Monroe’s. That’ll just make the overextending worse. Sound like an interesting gig you’ve got going. Good Luck. Surprised you don’t need some type of jacks or legs for stability while parked, landing helicopters on the bed.
     
  8. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

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    ^^^^^^ My thoughts as well.


    If someone put shocks with a short stroke on the truck, the suspension is being limited to less than it’s designed travel….
     
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  9. God prefers Diesels

    God prefers Diesels Road Train Member

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    Think how much weight each bag can support. Think of it as downforce. If you do end up using straps, make sure whatever they're hooked to can hold that much weight. Otherwise the airbag is going to really tear some stuff up.
     
  10. JMon

    JMon Light Load Member

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    On our trailers with high lift switches for the air bags, they come with these on the shocks.
    But as said above if OP has wrong shocks/air bags/adjustment, they would just be a bandaid.
    Screenshot_20230205-091546_2.png
     
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  11. IH Truck Guy

    IH Truck Guy Road Train Member

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    Most of our trailers have these.
    Prevents alot of damage when lifting the trailers with a crane to deck them up.....
     
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