How to secure or lift the second axle when both wheels are removed

[dlynes]

Hello,
I would like to remove both the second/middle axle's wheels. I would like to remove both so I may have them both as spare tires when I first pick the truck up from auction. If the truck checks out and deems road worthy as I live about 200 miles away.

Knowing nothing about the truck (2001 MK25), its parts, nor knowing if the truck will have the limp home bar. Although, I believe that's just to reduce the axle from compressing?

Will the axle alone, with the wheels removed, still potentially hit the ground if staying on flat surfaces?

How can I chain it the axle up? I've seen people install a d-ring or hook to inner fender wall. Instead of drilling or welding, wow accessible are frame bolts in that area? If two are easy enough to get to, should I remove two bolts and purchase a longer bolt and install two a d-rings? Does anyone that has access to an MK23/25, confirm which bolts and what the factory length bolt is?

What jack weight rating is needed to lift and remove each wheel from the middle axle? With the front and rear wheels installed, does it just need to be rated enough to raise the suspension?

Thanks for your review and any advice or recommendations you'd like to offer!
~ Dave

 

[JonM934]

Hi Dave,

Not sure if this is helpful but the Tech Manual shows that axle has 12.8 in. (32.5 cm) of wheel travel.

Also, the Tech manual says that the tire is NOT off the ground in limp home mode.

" This procedure is not intended to lift the tire completely off the ground. This procedure is intended to minimize ground pressure on tire by compressing wheel end suspension. The tire will still be in contact with ground. " Page 0080-3 .

Also, there is a table that lists the maximum speed for limp home mode: 15 mph (24 kph) . So I don't think that is reasonable for the highway.

Jon

 

[dlynes]

Hi Dave,

Not sure if this is helpful but the Tech Manual shows that axle has 12.8 in. (32.5 cm) of wheel travel.

Also, the Tech manual says that the tire is NOT off the ground in limp home mode.

" This procedure is not intended to lift the tire completely off the ground. This procedure is intended to minimize ground pressure on tire by compressing wheel end suspension. The tire will still be in contact with ground. " Page 0080-3 .

Also, there is a table that lists the maximum speed for limp home mode: 15 mph (24 kph) . So I don't think that is reasonable for the highway.

Jon

Hello Jon. Thanks so much! If I can get it to start and it's deemed road worthy, I hope to drive it home, not in limp mode but with the second axle wheels removed to keep them on hand as spares.

 

[aw113sgte]

Hello Jon. Thanks so much! If I can get it to start and it's deemed road worthy, I hope to drive it home, not in limp mode but with the second axle wheels removed to keep them on hand as spares.

If you are taking the wheels off, how do you plan on getting them in the bed? From what I've heard, yards can be very different, some allow you to work on the truck and some want you out of there immediately.

 

[BKubu]

A friend who is a fellow SteelSoldier and a retired Marine (motor-t) told me that they would run the truck up onto the two black wheel chocks placed back to back (to form a platform). The truck would be jacked up and the wheel removed. Then, they would chain up the axle. He said this was done if the tire was damaged and needed to be swapped out. He explained that this was standard protocol since the trucks do not carry spares. But, I have nothing to offer on where to chain the axle up. I don't think he gets on here often, but maybe he will see this thread and chime in.

 

[BKubu]

Those black wheel chocks are most always missing. I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, but does anyone have a picture of how the wheel chocks are retained? I know they are stowed under the cab under the passenger side door. There is a hole on top of the wheel chock from what I have seen so I know they are stored one of top of the other, but I don't know how they are retained. I assume there is some sort of threaded rod that goes between them to keep them stacked. Anyway, if you have any pictures of the wheel chocks, and how they are retained, in their stowed location, I would appreciate it.

 

[dlynes]

If you are taking the wheels off, how do you plan on getting them in the bed? From what I've heard, yards can be very different, some allow you to work on the truck and some want you out of there immediately.

that is an excellent question and point! I had not thought of that yet. maybe a long enough ramp or piece of wood and roll them on? find a hill or curb that will reduce the angle and height.

 

[DeMilitarized]

Hello Jon. Thanks so much! If I can get it to start and it's deemed road worthy, I hope to drive it home, not in limp mode but with the second axle wheels removed to keep them on hand as spares.

I have spares you can buy for your trip. Also running the truck missing any tires is considered limp home mode. So maximum of 15mph. Running with the rear tires off will also cause premature wear to many components. Getting the 600+ pound tires in the bed with any type of ramp is a death sentence. Had one fall on my leg gently and thought I broke my ankle with very good boots. There is no hills in albany nor curbs at the pickup facility. By no means is the truck meant to travel with one axle lifted up.

 

[dlynes]

I have spares you can buy for your trip. Also running the truck missing any tires is considered limp home mode. So maximum of 15mph. Running with the rear tires off will also cause premature wear to many components. Getting the 600+ pound tires in the bed with any type of ramp is a death sentence. Had one fall on my leg gently and thought I broke my ankle with very good boots. There is no hills in albany nor curbs at the pickup facility. By no means is the truck meant to travel with one axle lifted up.

Hello. Thank you very much for letting me know. Can the CTIS be turned off? I assumed limp mode had to be selected. I'd like to hear more about your offer to sell a spare or spares please. Feel free to PM me. Thank you.

 

[DeMilitarized]

Hello. Thank you very much for letting me know. Can the CTIS be turned off? I assumed limp mode had to be selected. I'd like to hear more about your offer to sell a spare or spares please. Feel free to PM me. Thank you.

limp mode is not a ctis setting or a mode. It is a style of driving. There is a ctis off switch in the cabin. The lockers actually WILL NOT LET YOU DRIVE the truck with one axle in the air. The lockers must be engaged and will automatically disengage at higher speeds.

 

[DeMilitarized]