Lmackattack Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 What do you need to convert. Is it just springs and longer u bolts.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 The axle housings are heaver. Not sure about the trunnion. Most 44k are bronze bushing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakebrake86 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Does your 34k have aluminum spring caps instead of the cast iron ones used on 38's and up? I converted an R model over from a 34 to a 38 once. I went with slightly bigger springs, cast spring caps, and I added the cast iron wedges that fit between the spring and the inside wall of the cap. I also had an old DM at one time with a 44k on rubber bushings. I do believe the axle housings were a little heavier, though. Quote Jake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 I have the alum caps. Standard 34k housings and rubber bushing. I have hauled 90k with a low boy and she was squatting pretty close to the frame/axel stops just wondering how simple it would be to beef it up a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakebrake86 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 It was pretty labor intensive, but it sure made a difference. I spent around $2,000 a couple of years ago, but I changed the caps, springs, u bolts, bushings, and top and bottom pads. Plan on having a torque multiplier on hand. I think the u bolts torque to 1650 ft lbs. Quote Jake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superdog Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 be better off find a complete 44k cutoff,unbolt your trunion,slide the whole 44k set up in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superdog Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 It was pretty labor intensive, but it sure made a difference. I spent around $2,000 a couple of years ago, but I changed the caps, springs, u bolts, bushings, and top and bottom pads. Plan on having a torque multiplier on hand. I think the u bolts torque to 1650 ft lbs.how about some better pics of that Western F model?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakebrake86 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Well, see, what had happened was... All my pics are off of an old ragged (but bulldozer proof) samsung rugby so as soon as I can talk the girlfriend into letting me borrow her camera, I'll get some put up! Quote Jake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superdog Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Well, see, what had happened was... All my pics are off of an old ragged (but bulldozer proof) samsung rugby so as soon as I can talk the girlfriend into letting me borrow her camera, I'll get some put up!in that case we need pics of GF too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakebrake86 Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Haha 10-4! Quote Jake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
220cummins Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 like superdog said it's about the same price for a cut off versus converting everything over but quicker and you would have heavier rears not just the suspension.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 good point about the complete swap...A friend of mine was asking and I dident know if the axel housings were beefed up too or if it was just heavy springs and diffrent bushings etc... Thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 maybe just put heavier springs with the cast caps. If you go with the cut off route make sure everything is not worn out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kscarbel Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Your best option is to upgrade your 34,000lb suspension to 38,000lb. You'll notice a significant difference. There's a Mack service bulletin that tells you how to do it. I'd also recommend you use Mack urethane trunnion insulators (10QK276) and lower spring pads (10QK388).Also, in the course of this upgrade, you could opt for the Mack 38,000lb "anti-sway" rear spring in lieu of the standard 38 rear spring. It's close to a 44,000 spring in capacity and was designed for loggers and other high center of gravity applications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick harper Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Part numbers for the springs, 38000 reg 4QK4001A, anti sway 4QK4003A and 44000 anti sway is 4QK4005A. I remember the Mack numberS. The new world numbers are not in my memory bank. If you use 4003A use 7QK3148P3 ubolt or 7QK3148P5 if you use 4005A spring. New washers are 35AX1435 and the nuts are 21AX131 for both ubolt part numbers. To tell the difference the 34/38 regular will be tapered at the ends. The anti sway will have a vertical cut at the end of springs. The end caps for 38K is 52QK418P4 and the 44K is 52QK418P5. Any good dealer should have all in stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kscarbel Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Unless you plan to add a transverse torque rod, go with the 38,000lb anti-sway / 44,000 standard 4QK4003A. If you go with the 44,000 anti-sway 4QK4005, you absolutely need to add a transverse torque rod (There's a Mack service bulletin on how to do it). Having said that, adding a transverse torque rod during your upgrade to 4QK4003 springs would dramatically extend the life of your trunnion insulators. And again, make sure you go with Mack urethane trunnion insulators (10QK276) and lower spring pads (10QK388). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 bcr Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I like the urethane bushings & pads also.Worth the extra moolah! Quote IF YOU BOUGHT IT, A TRUCK BROUGHT IT..AND WHEN YOU'RE DONE WITH IT, A TRUCK WILL HAUL IT AWAY!!! Big John Trimble,WRVA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb502 Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I like my 44 rears, I actually dont think I have ever had or driven a Mack with Camelback rears that wasnt 44k! Huh how bout that, oh and my 85 is rubber trunnion bushing not bronze, my 84,95,99,2000,2004 and 2006 were all 44k with bronze, I like Bronze better. Oh and Yes to the urethane bushings, they ride a little rougher but last twice as long. Quote "Any Society that would give up a little LIBERTY to gain a little SECURITY will Deserve Neither and LOSE BOTH" -Benjamin Franklin"If your gonna be STUPID, you gotta be TOUGH" "You cant always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kscarbel Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Does your 85' have a transverse torque rod? Back in the 80's, Mack recalled the early rubber-bushed 44 rear trucks and installed transverse torque rods (1RY48P23). There was a pink Product Improvement Bulletin on that. If you're lacking it, you'd appreciate adding it.SS440 (fabricated axle housing like 34s and 38s) came with rubber trunnion bushings. Bronze bushings were optional.SS441 (cast axle housing) came with bronze bushing. Rubber trunnion bushings were optional, but only recommended for weight sensitive applications) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb502 Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Yep all torque rods in place, and all I'm missing is a couple more pieces and ill have shocks mounted to keep the camelback hop away. Quote "Any Society that would give up a little LIBERTY to gain a little SECURITY will Deserve Neither and LOSE BOTH" -Benjamin Franklin"If your gonna be STUPID, you gotta be TOUGH" "You cant always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you get what you need" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddog13407 Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 yup like Mike said, be easier to find a complete 44 cutoff. the housings are alot beefier and the earlier ones has the flat gussetts welded horizontal across the axle housing. have actually seen a few 38's bent so bad in b models that you couldnt see thru the other side with the hogs head removed. the old timers use to straigten them to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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