mac1833 Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 Can anyone help? I have a 2000 Mack Fuel truck. It has a 12000lb front axle and i need to go to an 18000 or 20000lb axe. Can i use any axle or do i need to find a mack part? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
2stacksuperdog Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 Mack uses different designed front axles then everybody else does so your better off finding a Mack one Quote Matt Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160728 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 Go to a junk yard and get one. then go to Mack with the vin and axle number. Get the extra steer box as if you put 425's on a single box is a bear to turn. did this to my Pete Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160752 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb502 Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 I have run SEVERAL RD's and Granites with single steer box on 18k Mack axles they run fine, I think its a different box than the 12k though, mine looked larger on the RD and Granite than on the CH. The Mack axle would be the best bet for sure the axle spacing is different STAXX is looking into this right now, just going to a different axle for a different reason not to 18k, the springs are different I think they are the same length but as I recall the shackles on the back are different also, Id find a wreck in a junk yard that was the same type of truck and get the parts from it, pretty much any dump, concrete, heavy haul Makc has 18k front, the big question is, what kind of 200o Mack there are several issues with doing this do certain models, I tried to order a CH and was told they would not make a CH with an 8k front, same with a Vision so they will be difficult to find. So what kind of truck and how much weight do you have on the steer loaded? 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 https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160798 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2stacksuperdog Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 Go to a junk yard and get one. then go to Mack with the vin and axle number. Get the extra steer box as if you put 425's on a single box is a bear to turn. did this to my PeteOur RD turns perfectly fine with 425s, they are better/stronger tires and don't blow where as 385s do alot Quote Matt Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160799 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 Our RD turns perfectly fine with 425s, they are better/stronger tires and don't blow where as 385s do alotI had a hell of a time if I stopped and turned loaded it would bind. Not squeal the pump just bind. Got the factory twin box put on and only complaint now is it is slower but Pete says it is the same pump as a twin system. Only thing I have left to do is the 23k springs. Never ran 385's so don't know what problems they had or have. I'm always heavy on the steer even empty Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160851 Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 I had a hell of a time if I stopped and turned loaded it would bind. Not squeal the pump just bind. Got the factory twin box put on and only complaint now is it is slower but Pete says it is the same pump as a twin system. Only thing I have left to do is the 23k springs. Never ran 385's so don't know what problems they had or have. I'm always heavy on the steer even emptyWhen are you going to bite the bullet and get a Mack? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160863 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GearheadGrrrl Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 Better make sure the frame can handle the increased weight- a 1/4" frame won't cut it with 18k pounds on the front axle! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160868 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 When are you going to bite the bullet and get a Mack?Probably my next truck. This thing was spec'd great minus the front axle. DBl frame Dbl latch 5th wheel. long slide. But the put a 13k steer. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160937 Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 I had a hell of a time if I stopped and turned loaded it would bind. Not squeal the pump just bind. Got the factory twin box put on and only complaint now is it is slower but Pete says it is the same pump as a twin system. Only thing I have left to do is the 23k springs. Never ran 385's so don't know what problems they had or have. I'm always heavy on the steer even emptyOn a freightliner FLD with twin steer gears they use a 11 gal pump and a single gear can get by good with a 6 gal pump. Quote glenn akers Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-160967 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb502 Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 Our RD turns perfectly fine with 425s, they are better/stronger tires and don't blow where as 385s do alotHow much weight are you putting on a 385 to blow it? and whats the brand, I have run Michelin, Yokohama,Dunlop, Bridgestone and Good Year 385's and 425's and never had one go bad, the 385's are good for over 19,000 on a steer axle, the 425's are over 21000# (for a pair of each). I think we have run steers well over 20k when you have a tri-axle dump with 74,000-84,000 gross on a 16' bed and you pick up the tag your running on just the steer and drives, I have never blown a steer tire, I have cut one or two on shot rock but never blown em, I have had well over 25,000 on my steer with 385's and 11R24.5's. Guess I was lucky all these years. 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 https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-161241 Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 Here's one........ http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mack-FAW20-20000lbs-front-steer-axle-complete-springs-hangers-built-2003-/321060998276?hash=item4ac0ba0c84&item=321060998276&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-161249 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2stacksuperdog Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 How much weight are you putting on a 385 to blow it? and whats the brand, I have run Michelin, Yokohama,Dunlop, Bridgestone and Good Year 385's and 425's and never had one go bad, the 385's are good for over 19,000 on a steer axle, the 425's are over 21000# (for a pair of each). I think we have run steers well over 20k when you have a tri-axle dump with 74,000-84,000 gross on a 16' bed and you pick up the tag your running on just the steer and drives, I have never blown a steer tire, I have cut one or two on shot rock but never blown em, I have had well over 25,000 on my steer with 385's and 11R24.5's. Guess I was lucky all these years.In CT most of the roll overs from blown tires are 385's. We only run 425 Michelin on our tri-axle steers. Most of the construction companies in CT have switched over to 425's and don't have any problems. We run 76,500 gross. They last a lot longer and are safer. Maybe CT's roads are a lot rougher? Quote Matt Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-161396 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 I got questioned this morning in the West Memphis coops. asking if the truck is rated at 20k on the steer. Said yeah and truck is certified. Thought he was going to go out and look but never did. Said they had a guy come in last week with 20k on the steer and truck wasn't rated. Think they made him unload or get another truck in there.Also how fast are they running. I know the 425's are rated at 65mph. I try to keep it below that loaded but have gotten up to 70 or better. not fond of it with the tire speed rating. Also summer time is a killer. Running Yokohamas now up front going back to Michillins next. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/29697-front-axle-swap/#findComment-161491 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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