2006Largecar Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Hello, this is my first post. My name is Chris and I live in Northwest NJ. Anybody know the proper torque for the u bolts on the 38,000 lb. camel back suspension? On my suspension, the 4th spring from the top on the driver side has cracked. Can I just replace the single cracked spring since I do not want to put too much money into this truck? Or, should I purchase two new spring packs, and change both sides of the suspension? I kind of wantto stay away from this route, because i've been thinking of installing airride in the future. I've read a lot of posts on this website, and I respect your guys opinion. Thanks Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
slingblade Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 you wont like air ride,,camel is the way to go here,you can attempt to replace the bad spring but its just better to replace all,web search parts from junkyards for saving money,, Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285838 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lan G Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 your best bet is to go to a truck dismantler and get a used spring pack and either use it or the leaf out of it. Mack only sells complete new springs due to a problem years ago with putting new leafs against old leafs. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285839 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Largecar Posted April 7, 2015 Author Share Posted April 7, 2015 Yeah, i was wondering about a new leaf in a stack of old. I thought about trying to purchase an old set and just remove the spring i need. I guess the right thing to do is replace both sides. So slingblade, you don't like airride? Are you referring to a newway airride. It just seems that the roads are so rough, and without a real load on the drives, its a rough ride. The only airride I have is on my seat. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285841 Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer52 Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Not sure if this will work but Barry (Watt's Mack) listed a camelback for sale. Quote Ken PRR Country and Charter member of the "Mack Pack" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285843 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted April 7, 2015 Share Posted April 7, 2015 Post #4 has torque specs. just pick the size you are dealing with. Going to have to get out the BIG wrench.http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/39189-rd-688-front-suspention/Best way is to do all at once. Depending on the situation, you can do one leaf at a time but you will be doing it again at some point. Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285844 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGarofalo Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 You will likely end up breaking other leafs in the near future if you put a new leaf in the old packs. I'm in northwest jersey too. If you need a torque multiplier and 3/4" torque wrench to do it right your welcome to borrow them. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285899 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Largecar Posted April 8, 2015 Author Share Posted April 8, 2015 Thanks guys. I appreciate all the input. The torque specs will also come in handy. I did see the the new camelback listed for sale. Its quite a bit more than i anticipated on spending, so Im going to do a little more research(price shopping) and i'll figure something out. I'll be looking to replace both sides. I'll keep you guys posted. Anybody know if the camelback suspension had different axle spacing, or was it just a standard? I think the last time i measured for some oversize permits, they were in the 52" ballpark. I guess that kind of depends on how flat the springs were. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285937 Share on other sites More sharing options...
220cummins Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 You shouldn't replace just one leaf. Replace the pack and replace both sides. If you do one side in a very short time you will be doing the opposite side. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285939 Share on other sites More sharing options...
felicello122 Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Is this a tractor or dump, im assuming tractor cause they are 38,000 pounders,air ride is great for a tractor and rides way better and wont shake the bounce thr truck apart like the camel, but camel is better for a dump application Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285944 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b61mack Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 I agree with felicello122, as bad as some of the roads are its nice to have air ride. but you cant beat camel back for a dump truck. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285946 Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Thanks guys. I appreciate all the input. The torque specs will also come in handy. I did see the the new camelback listed for sale. Its quite a bit more than i anticipated on spending, so Im going to do a little more research(price shopping) and i'll figure something out. I'll be looking to replace both sides. I'll keep you guys posted. Anybody know if the camelback suspension had different axle spacing, or was it just a standard? I think the last time i measured for some oversize permits, they were in the 52" ballpark. I guess that kind of depends on how flat the springs were.I believe the axle spacing are 50,55,and 60 inches. Terry Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285949 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 What about the tapered leaf camelback springs? How much smoother do they ride? I was thinking for myself, if I ever had to replace a spring pack it might be a good time to upgrade to them.... Your thoughts? 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285955 Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakebrake86 Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 When I rebuilt my first R model, it had 34k springs and I went back with new 38's. If memory serves me right, they torqued to 1650 lbs. I used a 4 to 1 multiplier and a 400 lb torque wrench, then put a big break over on it and put one last lick on it. 1 Quote Jake Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-285960 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Largecar Posted April 11, 2015 Author Share Posted April 11, 2015 (edited) What about the tapered leaf camelback springs? How much smoother do they ride? I was thinking for myself, if I ever had to replace a spring pack it might be a good time to upgrade to them.... Your thoughts?image.jpgI didnt know they made a tapered leaf spring. Anybody have experience with these, or perhaps a ballpark figure on what a set would cost? Edited April 11, 2015 by 2006Largecar Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-286323 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Largecar Posted April 12, 2015 Author Share Posted April 12, 2015 It is a tractor that Im talking about, not a dump setup. I bought one of brian schwind's cruiseliners last year. Im curious about that tapered leaf spring that timmy b mentioned. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find out more about them. Thanks for the torque specs jakebrake86. Im definitely going to try to get a hold of a torque multiplier. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-286415 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Here is a link http://www.donovanspring.com/mack_camelback.htmlLet me know what info you can find. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-286419 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Largecar Posted April 14, 2015 Author Share Posted April 14, 2015 Thanks timmy b.I found a setup like that from triangle spring. Im working on getting a set. I'll let you know what i think. I probably wont get them on until the weekend. Its going to take a few days to get them shipped in. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-286688 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Largecar Posted April 14, 2015 Author Share Posted April 14, 2015 Hey timmy, i just checked into the 3 tapered leaf setup and triangle spring is saying that they only offer it for a 44,000 and higher springs. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-286704 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted April 15, 2015 Share Posted April 15, 2015 Hey Chris, that's a real shame! Is it worth asking the difference between each spring pack? Some guys on here might know if it'll work or not. Cheers all the same, for letting me know how you went. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-286757 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Largecar Posted April 23, 2015 Author Share Posted April 23, 2015 Well, its probably going to upset the true mack guys on here, but i decided to put an airride cutoff on the back of my cruiseliner. I've been running the truck quite a bit and want to smooth out the ride a bit. I also happen to have a wrecked 07' T600 with an AG380(whatever kw calls it, its the peterbilt flex air). So, I'm going to go that route, it should stretch the truck out to the 200 inch neighborhood. Thanks for all your guys helpful advice. If anybody is interested in the 3:65 mack rears, rubber bushing trunion, cross members, or anything on the rear clip, let me know. Maybe if I can figure out how to post pictures, I'll show you guys when I'm done. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-287636 Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGarofalo Posted April 24, 2015 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Well this might work out nice. Im in need of a 3.65 carrier for my CL tridem. PM sent! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-287664 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted April 24, 2015 Share Posted April 24, 2015 Is that an 8 bag set up? I have driven coe's with 8 bag and they still kick like a mule. A 4 bag set up with a wide spread is better in my opinion. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-287686 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Largecar Posted April 28, 2015 Author Share Posted April 28, 2015 Hey, sorry for the slow response, i've been busy working on the truck. To answer the question, no its not an 8 bag setup. The 8 bag is funny, it seems like guys either love it or hate it. I guess it also depends on if its the old 8 bag or the new 8 bag with the big piping for air supply. The flex air has got a big curved spring on it, almost like a candy cane, with the curved part attached to the frame ahead of the axle and the bag being mounted at the straight side behind the axle. I like my peterbilt low air leaf on my other truck, but the flex air rides pretty nice. It should ride a bit better, i added 39" to the frame. I would of liked it to be a bit longer, but thats all the frame rail i had. Its now a 204" wb. I cut the kw frame rail so it slid right into the factory horns up by the bell housing. It slid up right behind the steer axle and is bolted together like Mack originally set it up. Im still in the process of lining the frame up before I go ahead and drill everything. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-288187 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted April 29, 2015 Share Posted April 29, 2015 Adding the length will help the ride alot also. That 4 bag will ride alot better Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/39608-camel-back-suspension/#findComment-288230 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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