Hard ride

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by Wally G, Apr 19, 2019.

  1. Wally G

    Wally G Bobtail Member

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    Apr 19, 2019
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    Hey everyone,
    I have a 2014 Peterbilt 337 straight truck with a 24’ box and liftgate. It has the low air leaf suspension. Truck rides a lot harder than other trucks I have. Seems like every little tar strip is felt in the cab. Seems to ride better when fuel tanks are full, has 103k miles and suspect original shocks need replacement. Anyone have a similar issue and recommend a type of shock or other solution? Also has drive train vibration at 40-45 mph. Wondering if alignment needed too? Thank you!
     
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2019
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  3. boneebone

    boneebone Road Train Member

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    The OEM shocks are toast already and should shocks be replaced every 100k miles regardless if they are leaking are not.

    Just buy Gabriel Fleetline shocks, they’re made by Arvin Meritor and are good enough for your application.
     
    Rounded_nut Thanks this.
  4. Wally G

    Wally G Bobtail Member

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    Apr 19, 2019
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    Sounds like good advice. Thank you my friend!
     
    boneebone Thanks this.
  5. Mobile Proctologist

    Mobile Proctologist Light Load Member

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    Apr 25, 2019
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    Check the carrier bearing..u joints with a prybar and look at each cap to make sure it's not spinning in the yoke
     
  6. thejudges69

    thejudges69 Light Load Member

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    Aug 22, 2015
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    The new style peterbilt low air leaf is known by many to be a very poor riding suspension on shorter wheelbase trucks. Try new shocks and check your air bag height, but I wouldn't expect to much out of it.
     
    KB3MMX Thanks this.
  7. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
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    One question from the cheap seats. Why did you truck buyers not dig in and stay with the full Airbags like you have always since forever.

    I remember way too many trucks with half bags or low ride air, all of them were essentially a abusive problem to the driver's bones etc. Use the full bags or none at all.
     
  8. Mobile Proctologist

    Mobile Proctologist Light Load Member

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    Apr 25, 2019
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    Much has to do with the quality of todays road construction new bridge design with more arch in concrete beams lead to a impact point at the joints. The areas leading to and aft of the bridge has about a six inch drop I don't know if it's caused by set back axle trucks being close to 12k empty on the steers. I've also noticed on the expressway where the ditch bank is higher than the road grade seems like these areas are where the most deteriorating of the road is taking place..as well as new road being put down doesn't seem to be flat which creates impact points that will not hold up to the constant impact of heavy weight .
     
  9. thejudges69

    thejudges69 Light Load Member

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    Aug 22, 2015
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    That really has no bearing on the issue at hand. The new style Pete low air leaf features and arched spring and is a poor design for a shorter wheelbase tractor. The suspension doesn't move as much as the old style suspension from peterbilt, and with the front end hitting and the rear end hitting a split second later, the truck has no time to recover from it's initial hit on the street axle. It's really just a junk suspension. You'd be further ahead with a flex air where the pivot points are increased and the suspension will work a little more independently.
     
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