Box truck and Air bag assist

Discussion in 'LTL and Local Delivery Trucking Forum' started by Overhaulin, Mar 2, 2025.

  1. Overhaulin

    Overhaulin Bobtail Member

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    Aug 2, 2016
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    I just purchased a 1999 Int. 4700 box truck with a 24' box and 4500lb liftgate, 26K GVWR. The liftgate is really heavy and when the truck is empty, and you hit any big bumps it wants to wheelie, shake violently, steer everywhere. It has a mind of its own. :) I've already nicknamed the truck Paint Shaker because driving it feels like what I can imagine being in one. Anyway, can anyone offer some feedback or recommendations for an air bag kit that I could be added to the current rear suspension to help dampen the violent shake?

    Thanks!
     
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  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Tweak the leveling valve a bit, maybe?
     
  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    By the symptoms described I don't know if that'd help much. Sounds like the truck is just too light on the steer axle when empty.
     
    Ruthless Thanks this.
  5. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Marion Texas
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    Typical single axle straight truck ride. Air ride makes it worse. The bucking action is normal with the rear overhang and lift gate weight, but with air ride it gets amplified and side to side sway gets added into the mix. Thats why so many roll over easier than a tractor. I only own straights with spring ride and will never buy a straight with air ride. I don't like fighting that light floating steering characteristics and the row boat in the ocean feel going down the road.
     
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