JD 5020 Posted January 20, 2006 Share Posted January 20, 2006 Have any of you guys shortened up your wheel base? And if so what did it entail and how hard was it? Anything specific to look out for, or make sure you get 100% correct? Thanks Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superdog Posted January 20, 2006 Share Posted January 20, 2006 unbolt the suspension,slide it forward,you should be able to reuse some of the holes to line things up,drill some new holes,shorten your driveshaft and all the air lines,chop of the frame,and your'e done,sounds pretty simple,don't it.Just alot of labor. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/#findComment-3465 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD 5020 Posted January 20, 2006 Author Share Posted January 20, 2006 That doesn't sound too bad at all, just need a good sharp drill bit or two. I'd imagine these frames dont drill too easy. Whats the best way to chop the frame off, a torch and some one with a steady hand? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/#findComment-3467 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted January 20, 2006 Share Posted January 20, 2006 That doesn't sound too bad at all, just need a good sharp drill bit or two. I'd imagine these frames dont drill too easy. Whats the best way to chop the frame off, a torch and some one with a steady hand?Most frames aren't too difficult to drill. I use cobalt drill bits due to higher "red hardness" meaning they will stay sharp longer with a lot of pressure exerted upon them. When I chop a frame, I use a plasma cutter as the heat outside the cut zone is much less intense, and it leaves a nicer cut requiring less cleanup.Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/#findComment-3468 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freightrain Posted January 20, 2006 Share Posted January 20, 2006 When I put my new full fenders on, I had to drill the frame for brackets. One small starter hole, then I blew thru with a bigger one. A touch of cutting oil makes things last longer. It was not too difficult.Shoot, I wish I had MORE frame! Just my luck. Quote Larry 1959 B61 Liv'n Large...................... Charter member of the "MACK PACK" Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/#findComment-3476 Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted January 20, 2006 Share Posted January 20, 2006 Why do you want to shorten the wheel base? It's not going to help the ride. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/#findComment-3486 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Cummings Posted January 21, 2006 Share Posted January 21, 2006 Have any of you guys shortened up your wheel base? And if so what did it entail and how hard was it? Anything specific to look out for, or make sure you get 100% correct? ThanksTo put the trunion in a Mack the right way you should use BODY BOUND BOLTS. You drill the holes with a drill bit and then ream them to fit the shank of the bolt. I've put them in the wrong way with regular grade 8 bolts and they lived but it really wasn't right. "HUCK BOLTS" probably do the best job, but the tool to pull them tight and crimp them is expensive and they really aren't original on an old MackJoe Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/#findComment-3490 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD 5020 Posted January 21, 2006 Author Share Posted January 21, 2006 Why do you want to shorten the wheel base? It's not going to help the ride.Your right, it won't help the ride one bit. I guess there are two reasons, one I like the look of a fairly short wheel base road tractor, and second i'd like to have an old Mack to haul tractors to shows, and some of them are pretty tight to get around with a trailer. But who knows, after I run one for a while it might be rough enough I won't wan't to shorten it up. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/#findComment-3501 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Maikshilo Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Your right, it won't help the ride one bit. I guess there are two reasons, one I like the look of a fairly short wheel base road tractor, and second i'd like to have an old Mack to haul tractors to shows, and some of them are pretty tight to get around with a trailer. But who knows, after I run one for a while it might be rough enough I won't wan't to shorten it up.Jake, a nice B or R model with a short fixed drop deck trailer would work great for shows and could come in handy moving some hay or wood. Some thing with big rubber to match your 5020,Tim Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/725-shorter-wheel-base/#findComment-3542 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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