mackrmodel686st Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 I have a 1980 R 686st with the camelback suspension under it, and the axles, bags and leafs from a 1996 CH 613. I guess my question is, can I adapt the air ride to the R model frame or do I have to graft the frame rails from the CH to the R model frame rails? I'm also going to stretch the frame a foot or two, once I get it done, I will post some before and after pics. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
felicello122 Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 Air ride will fit as long as the ch wasn't a double rail Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193526 Share on other sites More sharing options...
storkmack Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 I have a 94' RD that came from the factory with air ride. Between the frame rails and the hangers there is a 1/8 of plate to take up the difference because the CH frame sits a 1/4 inch wider. We also have a 80' R770 that was put on air ride and it is done the same way. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193536 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offset-U-bet! Posted July 10, 2013 Share Posted July 10, 2013 I'm fairly sure the CH rails are just different enough. Plus the air ride for the CH cab will not fir an R cab. Very different design. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193566 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAD DOG Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 I put the axles and suspension from a 2000 CH under the back of my Superliner we fanned up a pair of cross members like a New way uses and used the Mack 2 piece crossmembers every where else I had to shim them a fair bit of drilling involved. I used a step drill and finished with a 5/8 reamer. 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193598 Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 R frames are 33" wide. CH is 34" wide. You could slide the CH frame over the R frame. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193600 Share on other sites More sharing options...
storkmack Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 I put the axles and suspension from a 2000 CH under the back of my Superliner we fanned up a pair of cross members like a New way uses and used the Mack 2 piece crossmembers every where else I had to shim them a fair bit of drilling involved. I used a step drill and finished with a 5/8 reamer.Your project looks great. I have an R-model that I hope to be doing about the same thing to soon. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193607 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackrmodel686st Posted July 11, 2013 Author Share Posted July 11, 2013 Those pisc are great. It's too bad you have the fenders on, I'd kinda like to see how you shimmed the air ride mounts and the frame. The truck looks really good tho. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193612 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAD DOG Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I didn't have to shim the hangers because the CH had 1/4" frame rails and the Superliner frame rails were 3/8" plus the hangers slide on the leaf spring ends. I just had to shim the 2 piece crossmembers, according just using flat steel plate between the rail and the ends of he crossmembers. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193674 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offset-U-bet! Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 I put the axles and suspension from a 2000 CH under the back of my Superliner we fanned up a pair of cross members like a New way uses and used the Mack 2 piece crossmembers every where else I had to shim them a fair bit of drilling involved. I used a step drill and finished with a 5/8 reamer. Very nice Liner! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/31884-r-model-air-ride/#findComment-193801 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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