The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts front suspension

does anyone think this setup would work on an AD chevy 6400
http://www.hendrickson-intl.com/products/product_detail/hlp_paralift.asp

As a drop axle for more weight capacity, like it is designed for?
Or as a front axle?

Probably better chance of getting it to fit for a drop axle.

I imagine it is much to wide for a front axle, and to fit the suspension the truck may have to be lifted some? It is also not set up to steer, but I bet parts could be added/changed, as it appears to be a normal front axle with a drop axle suspension added.

What is the goal, perhaps there is a simpler way to achieve it? Or a smaller and lighter axle that will work?

Grigg

as a front axle. i saw it and thought it would would be neat. i could use something a bit smaller. it would be nice to find a 3500HD axle like yours but i cant find an axle or even the whole truck for sale.

This is a steerable lift axle. It is meant for multi axle vehicles that lower their axles when loaded and lift them when the truck is empty. They are steerable to keep the tires from scuffing. This means that they will turn to follow the vehicle. There is no steering to them. There have been some air ride front axle. GMC had one in the 60's but it was not very successful.

If looking for an axle like mine you will have better luck finding one from a P30 chassis, used for step vans and RVs.
like this one http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2024492560080251109VNDanJ
After measuring it it is almost the same as the 3500HD axle, same hubs brakes and spindles, but different steering linkage and perhaps a different width. It looks like it is better suited to narrowing for use in an AD big truck. The steering will even work with the original steering gear box, which is not the case with the 3500HD axle.

Eventually I'll narrow the P30 axle and swap it under my truck, but I will use a combination of the two steering linkages. The lower rear tie rod from the P30, and the crossover top front drag link from the 3500HD

I am still using the leaf spring suspension, but I will be adding air bags between the frame and axle in place of the bump stops. Right now my springs are 1" from bottoming out, without any sheet metal on yet, the air springs with an automatic leveling valve should improve the ride some over just adding more leafs.

Grigg

Grigg the air springs with the automatic vales is a great idea do that front and rear and add gauges in the cab and make a few trips over a certified scale with different loads on record your weights and air pressures and you have not only added to the suspension you have got yourself a set of onboard scales.

Grant, that is a good plan.
And I am half way there, as I have the rear air springs installed already.
The fronts are near the top of my to do list.

Grigg