2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 I was wondering if a peterbilt front axle from a car carrier would fit in my 69 R-685T. The previous owner heated the springs to lower the front and it rides on the bumpstop. I want to keep it this low and lower the rear to make it level and drive it back and forth to work Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 2stacksuperdog Posted May 13, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted May 13, 2014 Uh. peterbilt? id imagine you could make anything fit if you really want to. but a peterbilt part in a mack 3 Quote Matt Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245162 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 I want it all mack but I'm having a hard time finding a mack single axle air ride rear and the peterbilt car carrier axle has a 1 1/2 more drop and I need to change the front axle anyway because it has no front brakes... either this truck was a tandem or someone changed the axle. If anyone has suggestions on how to keep it this low I'm open for suggestions Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245181 Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheeler73 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 The older trucks did not come with front brakes. I believe it was not mandatory untill 1975 or 1976. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245205 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 According to Dennis Meehan of old mack trucks no mack left the factory without 4 wheels having brakes 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245209 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 Maybe I need to take the wheel covers off to get some input ... I know how much you guys hate em ... I'm not too fond of them on it .. I would love to leave the the original hubs but may have to settle for hub pilot alcoas Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245252 Share on other sites More sharing options...
39 Baby Mack Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 The older trucks did not come with front brakes. I believe it was not mandatory untill 1975 or 1976.Only on twin screws.Ron 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245253 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 A good spring shop should be able make up a pair of front spring to keep the ride height you want and give you back the ride with a different spring rate. If you still have air up to the front for brakes why not just reinstall the brakes, I'm sure the people on this site would have the parts or a lead to get them. Just my opinion. Paul 1 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245257 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 I don't know of one that is a bolt in axle. Take a tape measure and see what is out there for spring mounting widths.Remember that Mack frame rails of that era splay out in the front around the engine and most other brands have straight rails. This will cause some problems with finding something to work from an off brand.Paul's suggestion about working with a spring shop is a good way to go. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245259 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 Thanks. .. I put a call into the spring shop and waiting for a call back from the owner (an old timer) he I was told he would know what to get. As far as the axle there is nothing on the spindle to bolt the brakes to so either change the spindle or the axle Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245261 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Remove the bumpstops. They won't hit then LOL!! Or at least shorten them?I just had my drivers side pack rebuilt on the front of my B model. Not that big of deal and any local spring shop should be able to assist. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245267 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 13, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted May 13, 2014 I have to get a picture of the spring. .. it's so de arced it's even hitting the bottom of the steering box... I've been around and fixing trucks all my life ... but now I'm doing some custom work on this and looking for some help ... I rebuilt my 85 Autocar myself from a junk yard 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245270 Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelman Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 I don't know about some of the other states, but here in Virginia, front brakes have been the law since at least the early 60's when I first started driving a truck. Single axle or tandems, it didn't matter. I have seen some guys disconnect the front brakes with the belief that it caused the truck to jack knife in a panic stop, but that wasn't the reason. The State Police soon straightened them out. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245274 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 I've been thinking back .. I had an 82 RD with 3 leaf springs and a 4" block ... gotta find a truck that has them and measure the width and the spring pin diameter that might be the one's. .. maybe someone here has them to give me the measurements Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245275 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b61mack Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 I have a 72 R Model that had the multi leaf springs, about 15 - 20 years ago I found a mid 70s to 80s U Model that had 3 leaf springs. the front hangers are the same. ( the older Rs and all Us had the front spring inside the frame on the front ) I just used the rear hangers, springs, spacers and battery box brackets, every thing bolted up. if you could find a mid 70s or newer U Model that has 3 leaf springs you could unbolt everything you need would be better. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245304 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 13, 2014 Author Share Posted May 13, 2014 Cool thank you. .. now to find a U model. .. ya think vinny would be pissed if I cut into a U? Maybe he will be ok if I get a pic of the tag in the door lol 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245306 Share on other sites More sharing options...
umodelnut Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 ....oh boy 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245314 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenGiant2 Posted May 14, 2014 Share Posted May 14, 2014 in new york you have to have brakes on front and back of a single axle. only on rear of a twin screw.i think 1981 is the cut off for no brakes on front Quote We the unwilling, Lead by the unqualified, are doing the impossible, for the ungrateful. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245319 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 14, 2014 Author Share Posted May 14, 2014 Sorry I had to say it ... I read all the posts for a long time and I see everyone saying that. .. but I must say not many people do a U model kudos to ya. Every Mack is beautiful in their own way Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245322 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 18, 2014 Author Share Posted May 18, 2014 Ok I found the FA # on my R -600 ... FA 5341 does anyone know what rating it is Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245887 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 Ok I found the FA # on my R -600 ... FA 5341 does anyone know what rating it isBelieve that is rated at 9,000. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245892 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 18, 2014 Author Share Posted May 18, 2014 They came that light? I thought 12000 was the lightest in the 600 series Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245904 Share on other sites More sharing options...
1958 F.W.D. Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 My father installed an air ride on his single screw Hayward F-Model in the late 1970's/Early 1980's. It was a 2-speed Rockwell rear. Quote TWO STROKES ARE FOR GARDEN TOOLS Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245905 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b61mack Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 I was thinking they were 10500 when I put king pins in a few years ago. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-245911 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 STICK PUPPY Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 Ok now after further inspection and cleaning the spindle does have holes for the spider. .. now the question is what brake hardware do I use? I spoke to a junk yard and they said swap the axle for something with the newer style brakes .. what's the difference between the new and old style. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/35688-front-axle/#findComment-246270 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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