Lowering My Truck, Which Front Axle Air Ride Kit?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Slammed379, Nov 30, 2012.

  1. junkyardkid

    junkyardkid Light Load Member

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    Cut and Shoot Tx
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    In extreme cases yes, but with what were talking about not really. I did some quick math and in the case of slammed ,who has a short wheelbase of 220", I figured every inch he drops his front axle is equal to about .320 degrees of angle at the u-joint. So, six inches of drop is 1.92 degees. A u-joint can opperate well from 1 to 11 degrees depending on drive shaft speed. Stock setting is arond 3 degrees so 1.92 degrees wont create any problems. Drive line vibrations are usually are caused by worn or loose yokes not u-joint angles unless they are WAY out of whack.

    By the way bad ##### cabover!!
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2012
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  3. junkyardkid

    junkyardkid Light Load Member

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    May 14, 2012
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    The way most people bag the front end does not change the integrity of the front end. On a two leaf sytem they remove the helper spring and add an air bag between the axle and frame. The helper spring does not do anything towards holding the axle in place, so removeing it does not compromise the structural integrity of the front end. My earlier point being you take on no more risk making this mod than you do by doing other things involving your truck. I guess this point was lost on you.
     
    Slammed379 Thanks this.
  4. reiffy85

    reiffy85 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 15, 2012
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    Wow so much hate. Looks like driving in a pilot parking lot is uncool now too since the bumps and potholes change the angle of the drive shafts. In case u are curious driveshafts are not supposed to be straight inline. Slam it on down be cool just like I wanna be some day.
     
    junkyardkid and Slammed379 Thank this.
  5. Slammed379

    Slammed379 Light Load Member

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    Nov 30, 2012
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    Slight change of plans with the truck. Decided to stretch it 40" to 260" and install a front drop axle as well (Meritor FF943). I will start a new thread with pictures of the axle and air bag installation when I begin.
     
  6. prenn

    prenn Bobtail Member

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    Mar 16, 2010
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    sounds sweet! can't wait to see the pics.
     
  7. dwmac71

    dwmac71 Light Load Member

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    Did you order a new axle or find a salvage one?
    Any ideal on the cost of a new front axle?
    I've been thinking of upgrading to a 16000lb front axle on my Volvo due to always being 12000lbs+.
     
  8. Slammed379

    Slammed379 Light Load Member

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    Petaluma, CA
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    I am installing a used axle in my truck. I should be able to find one for $600-$900. I don't know how much a new axle costs, but I would imagine they are about $3K. Depending on how much you normally go over 12K on the front axle, you might want to consider a 13K or 14K front axle. A 13 or 14K axle might install in your truck without having to change other parts. Those larger heavy haul front axles sometimes use different springs, shackles, shocks, etc....
     
  9. dwmac71

    dwmac71 Light Load Member

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    The spring shop in kcmo told me if i add a leaf to my spring pack that will bring me up to 16000lbs wich is the top for my shackles and pins.
    I've had to move the 5th wheel all the way back and still have 12300 to 12500 full of fuel.
     
  10. Slammed379

    Slammed379 Light Load Member

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    Sounds good, perfect.
     
  11. jander

    jander Bobtail Member

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    Aug 15, 2010
    miami FL
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    any body knows who sales a car hauler front end??????????????????????
     
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