389 air ride steer axle

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by KittyKicker, Mar 17, 2016.

  1. Mar 17, 2016 #1
    KittyKicker

    KittyKicker Light Load Member

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    Has anyone had a newer 389 with the updated air ride steer axle? I'm spec'ing a new truck and I like the idea of that nice soft steer axle, but I have been told that peterbilt had a lot of problems with them. I have spoken to a few different dealerships, and they claim Pete worked the bugs out, but what else are they going to say? Anyone have any actual experience with them?
     
    KittyKicker, Mar 17, 2016
    KittyKicker, Mar 17, 2016
    #1
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  3. Mar 17, 2016 #2
    swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    Not sure what pete is using for a air steer but I got Hendrickson steertek air ride on the front of my star and it rides dam smooth.
    I'd say go for it. They got to have it perfected by now.
     
    swaan, Mar 17, 2016
    swaan, Mar 17, 2016
    #2
    KittyKicker Thanks this.
  4. Mar 18, 2016 #3
    KittyKicker

    KittyKicker Light Load Member

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    Kind of what I was thinking, but I have bad luck and I'm learningnot to push it.
     
    KittyKicker, Mar 18, 2016
    KittyKicker, Mar 18, 2016
    #3
  5. Mar 18, 2016 #4
    dirthaller

    dirthaller Road Train Member

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    I specd my 2014 389 with air ride front and the 5" drop axle beam (car hauler). Love the ride but having a hard time getting steer tires to last more than 100k without cupping. Had it aligned 3 times (no change) just replaced shocks. Steer tires make good trailer tires so I'm keeping it:)
     
    dirthaller, Mar 18, 2016
    dirthaller, Mar 18, 2016
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    KittyKicker Thanks this.
  7. Mar 18, 2016 #5
    daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Isn't the airride steeraxle heavier then a regular one?
     
    daf105paccar, Mar 18, 2016
    daf105paccar, Mar 18, 2016
    #5
  8. Mar 18, 2016 #6
    swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

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    No there actually lighter.

    Think about how heavy a spring pac is.
     
    swaan, Mar 18, 2016
    swaan, Mar 18, 2016
    #6
  9. Mar 18, 2016 #7
    KittyKicker

    KittyKicker Light Load Member

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    I could live with the tire wear it guess, but I had been told the earlier models had some pretty serious problems. A guy I have known as long time said his friend bought one of the first generation setups on a brand new pete, and he ended up having to get it removed and put a regular suspension up front because of how it behaved under braking.
     
    KittyKicker, Mar 18, 2016
    KittyKicker, Mar 18, 2016
    #7
  10. Mar 18, 2016 #8
    KittyKicker

    KittyKicker Light Load Member

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    Peterbilt claims it's about 70 pounds lighter, I believe.
     
    KittyKicker, Mar 18, 2016
    KittyKicker, Mar 18, 2016
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    daf105paccar Thanks this.
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