Stretching and Lowering Cost

cutting the frame for one.

how much? i dunno, but in the end, no matter the perfection of the shop, i'd nary trust a cut frame.

it'd be cheaper to go and buy a truck to spec. plenty of great used ones.

 

Don't know squat about hauling cars but here:
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/threads/stretching-a-truck-frame.196788/

 

Rails to stretch the truck will cost about $50/foot per rail. Plus you'll need a sleeve to reinforce the spliced area. The insert sleeves cost about the same per foot. There are 2 ways to go about stretching. Best way IMO is to weld the rails onto the back of the truck, then slide the drive axles back and re-drill the frame. Install insert rail so that it extends about 2 feet on either side of the splice. Insert rail should have its ends cut at a 45 degree angle to help alleviate stress.

2nd way is to cut the frame in front of the drive axles and splice a section in. Then sleeve the entire area that was installed plus 2 feet past the splices (again, ends of the insert rail should be chopped to a 45 degree angle). This method should be quicker as there is much less frame drilling required. Downside is you now have 2 splices in each rail rather than 1.

Driveshafts, wiring and air lines will need to be lengthened as well. Depending on the amount you decide to stretch, a 3rd drive shaft and 2nd carrier bearing may need to be installed as well.

 

how much more per mile does it pay

 

Airride for your steer axle will cost you about $2500 and on top of that a flip bumper but it rides a lot better. Id go with AirridebyHorse known for quality craftmenship

 

I knew a O/O with a 9670 that had air ride steer axle and he liked it. It had slotted shackles on the back with an air bag at the rear of the springs also. Every mention of something like this has had bad reviews except yours. How long have you had that? Is it your first one?

 

I will be getting mine soon for our 379L. All the people ive talked to love it and say they will never own a truck with bags upfront. I know the columbia front air bag setup from factory recieved bad reviews but our columbias are doing good with bags. A guy got one built from Mike and he pulls heavy with a lowboy and no problems and loves it. All these working show trucks are on airride front.

 

i dont know how to post pictures here but i have a render how our truck will look with airride.

 

I will look into that. More concerned how it affects driveability than looks. A truck I have that never has much weight up front is a jarring experience on rough roads.