The tandem fire truck pictured doesn't have anything near a 9k steering axle. It is possibly a 7k, but probably a 4.5 axle. In those days, steering axles weren't loaded very heavily.
Crenwelge,
Tandem ??
Don's truck is a Single Axle.
Bill
'60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan