Newbie Seeking Advice

[Nkloubec]

Hello- I purchased a 1998 Mack RD heavy hauler to pull our low boy trailer which is used to move heavy equipment for my excavation business. We will be putting about 5k miles on it per year. The heaviest load is 95,000 pounds. I want to put 2" taller blocks below the front leaf springs in order to raise the truck higher in the air. Is it a better option to raise the cab? Trying to achieve a taller appearance. Anyone out there know the pro's & cons of each way? Ideally I would like to raise the cab and hood 4". Any advice???

[68-f-model]

Blocks under a front leaf are a hugely dangerous idea. If it is unsafe in a small 4x4 trucks suspension there is no way it is a good idea on a semi.

I would say to raise it the best/safest way is taller/thicker springs . That way it gets your frame and everything else up higher as well for more ground clearance.

[Nkloubec]

Ok thanks for the info. I'm also going to be putting on a headache rack, fenders, and more goodies. I have always liked the look of a done up Mack rd but haven't been able to find many pics of them. The objective here is to have a practical everyday tool but also HAS to look very good to me! Maybe trying to get it to ride higher is more work than it's worth but man I had it our shop and jacked up the front end by 3" and o boy what a difference it made in the overall appearance of this truck. Also dose anyone have any ideas for a front grill, I like the 6 horizontal bars but would like to beef them up a touch and of course chrome . Any other input is much appreciated ! Objective here is to make this one of the finest rd around. .. It will be painted a medium blue color to match our 1990 rd.

[Nkloubec]

[85snowdog]

Welcome aboard ! Very nice looking float, it will really be set off nice with the headache rack and fenders.

I don't know if this helps but I have an 1988 R model and an 86 RD. They both have blocks in the front suspension from the factory.

[Nkloubec]

Thanks 85snodog for looking into yours for me! My truck also has those blocks and they look about the same size as yours that's why I thought it wouldn't be a problem to replace the factory ones with something a bit taller. Maybe just an inch or two? I have read on pickups it's not a good idea because the front breaks pull harder than the back breaks which cause the blocks to want to roll forward . It makes sense but does a semi break harder in the front than the rear? Anyone out there have any idea? Tks

[GreenGiant2]

What size rubber you running on front. 385's or 425's

[Nkloubec]

425