wanting to tweak the ride

[profo]

In my never ending quest to do long distance travel in my m927 camper I am looking for some advice in getting front suspension a lil softer, has anyone removed any leafs from the front of a five ton, I have the A2 model which has the lighter of the two engines (8.3) and actually mounted a camera at the springs as a test in front to determine how much flex they do on normal Louisiana roads, this would be considered cross country offroad in all other states, and from what I can tell they don't even flex more than 1/2 inch on bumpy roads. Was think of removing two leafs and then adding air bag if needed. Suggestions?

Thanks marty

 

[dmetalmiki]

That is a task you are going to have to carry out "on your own". It is going to be a case of do it and see. As the spring temper varies so much between individual vehicles, you could remove a leaf, try it out and then maybe have the rest re- tempered a bit softer. The air bags would me a big plus, (but) As you do not want to affect the strength too much. I would go with 'Heavy Duty adjustable air shocks' for trucks and vans though.

 

[74M35A2]

I put air shocks on my Mustang when I was a kid. Probably had them pumped up too much, and it broke the shock mounts. So, I'm not a big believer in air shocks anymore. Maybe if I used them how I should have it would have been fine. I'm more for removing lower leafs, and possibly doubling up on the shocks if it is too much bounce.

 

[quickfarms]

Common on class 8 trucks to pull a bunch of leafs out and use an airbag for the suspension

 

[dmetalmiki]

And, as I omitted to mention, the safer option.

 

[Csm Davis]

Common on class 8 trucks to pull a bunch of leafs out and use an airbag for the suspension

Do this and you will never have a vehicle without air ride again. I actually would just add the bags you won't believe how much difference it will make, then you will do the rear.

sent from my decrepit fingers

 

[profo]

Do this and you will never have a vehicle without air ride again. I actually would just add the bags you won't believe how much difference it will make, then you will do the rear.

sent from my decrepit fingers

Can you give me some insight on which bags was used?

Thaks marty

 

[Csm Davis]

Can you give me some insight on which bags was used?

Thaks marty

Hopeful that you would do it and tell me! I am sure there are some kits out there I have the Firestone bags on the back of my F350 and it was the best money I ever spent on the truck.

sent from my decrepit fingers

 

[quickfarms]

This is one kit

https://www.4statetrucks.com//frame-chassis/semi-truck-front-air-ride-kits_314.asp

 

[adamsoffroadperformance]

Just remember the leaf is what keeps the axle in place on the front so if you keep removing leafs it affect the strength. the other leafs in the pack help control the twist on the main leaf during braking or hitting objects. too many removed on a truck this heavy and the main leaf will have more tendancy to twist into a S shape under hard braking or hitting a hole. more twisting is more stress on the leaf. If you removed a bunch of leafs and added an airbag it would be recommended to add some sort of link from the chassis to the axle to keep it from doing so.

 

[profo]

Ordered some bags today 2- 2600 lbs bags gonna start by not removing any leafs and no more than the two bottom, looked real good at sway braket (spring shackles) on leafs, and it's extended out out about a 45 degrees angle which means the springs are slight over stretched so with removing two of the bottom links it will lower the truck by 1 inch but the air bag should bring truck back to its original position when springs were new puting the sway braket (spring shackles)more at the 90 degree down position which should give best ride. Will post results once done.

 

[Csm Davis]

Ordered some bags today 2- 2600 lbs bags gonna start by not removing any leafs and no more than the two bottom, looked real good at sway braket on leafs, and it's extended out out about a 45 degrees angle which means the springs are slight over stretched so with removing two of the bottom links it will lower the truck by 1 inch but the air bag should bring truck back to its original position when springs were new puting the sway braket more at the 90 degree down position which should give best ride. Will post results once done.

I followed what you are saying but just for future reference the are the leaf spring shackles, unless I am way off.

sent from my decrepit fingers

 

[profo]

Thanks edited, when you heading to Alaska, are you taking MV, and did you find any info on bearing.

Thanks marty

 

[my blood flows OD]

Just a thought. I don't claim to be an expert on the subject. You running for tire pressure? Might think about softening it up a little.

 

[profo]

running about 55 in front and 70 in rear

 

[Csm Davis]

Thanks edited, when you heading to Alaska, are you taking MV, and did you find any info on bearing.

Thanks marty

Heading to Utah in August then Ga Rally then Alaska in spring.

sent from my decrepit fingers