Up grading truck

[terrylamar]

I want to upgrade my truck into a more robust heavy haul truck. I will, actually, never be a true heavy haul truck because it started out as a company fleet truck and there is way too much to be done.

My first question is a liftable pusher axle. I have seen one that I like and I know nothing about it. It has a smaller single tire on each side. I was talking to another driver this past weekend and he told me it was a steerable axle. Today I was parked next to a Pete that had one and I took a look and darn if he wasn't right.

Much like BYP just did, I want to swap a Pete Air Track into mine with frame inserts. That will give me 46,000 lbs. Is this enough or is this steerable pusher axle worth the trouble? Will it give me extra weight on the rear axles, if so how much. Does a steerable axle come in handy? I am assuming it will fit on my truck, it may not. Would I be better off getting a regular pusher axle. I think that will be extremely difficult to retofit on my truck.

When I get my own authority I want a truck that is more versatile. I think I will be hauling more general freight than true heavy haul.

 

[Racer X 69]

A company fleet truck is usually spec'd with the minimum setup required to get the job done.

Have you thought about the steer axle weight rating? It is great that you have given considerable thought and research to the drive end of the equation, but don't leave the steer end of that setup.

Also, you might want to look at the gearbox. An 18 speed would go a long ways toward a better setup for heavy haul.

And then there is tires. They need to be rated for the weight you want to carry.

 

[Sinister]

The pusher axle on my truck is an add on, and non steerable. I simply lift it when I turn, then immediately put it down again when I get the tractor straight.

This will add significant weight to your tractor, and will of course reduce fuel mileage.

The Yokohama tires that were put on this truck were also scrapped this weekend, and never should have been put on this truck. A "closed shoulder" tire, of the proper weight rating is necessary for heavier weights. I now have 10 brand new BF Goodrich on.

And yes, as far as retrofitting yoru truck at this level, everything you've mentioned is gonig to be a pretty big project.

 

[bigyellowpete]

There are steerable 20k pushers out there Terry, they just aren't seen as often. It is mandatory in eastern Canada on trucks newer than '09 I believe. Maybe even earlier.

If you can find a wreck with a pusher, and air-track, it will already have an insert likely, and you can cut your frame and weld the whole clip on. That would likely be cheaper than going the route I did and adding an insert as well. Just a thought.

Have you considered selling your truck and looking for a good used heavy haul truck that's already spec'd for the job? In the long run, that may be a better way to go, as you would likely get the 18 speed, and a bigger cooling package along with it.

 

[terrylamar]

Yes, to all of the questions. I am starting with the rear suspension, I am looking for an 18 speed transmission, I am researching a heavy duty front suspension, I am upgrading my tires to a H rating, upgrading shocks, yada, yada, yada. I have to start somewhere.

I want to drop a Pittsburg Power Cat engine in this. Or have them rebuild the engine I have and de-ACERT-ifying it in the process.

I would like a newer truck, only I am trying to avoid ACERT, EGR, SCR and all the other crap. A glider would be ideal, I can't afford that.

My ideal truck is a Pete 386.

 

[terrylamar]

I found the tire I need, a Michelin XZA3, it will be in in a couple of hours. I, also, ordered a new set of Michelin XZA3+ in a H rating. Those will be in a few weeks.

I have Safelite coming out to replace my windshield, they will be here before noon.

I may have to hold my nose and take my truck to Peterbilt, Austin, which is actually in Buda to get a couple of air leaks checked out. The trailer is leaking bad, too.

 

[terrylamar]

My Glock 22 4th Generation is in. I have to go pick that up sometime today. Too, bad I can't take it into Canada, especially, when going to Alaska.

 

[bigyellowpete]

I found the tire I need, a Michelin XZA3, it will be in in a couple of hours. I, also, ordered a new set of Michelin XZA3+ in a H rating. Those will be in a few weeks.

I have Safelite coming out to replace my windshield, they will be here before noon.

I may have to hold my nose and take my truck to Peterbilt, Austin, which is actually in Buda to get a couple of air leaks checked out. The trailer is leaking bad, too.

I run those tires, just 12 ply though, as I don't have a heavy front axle, I don't worry about carrying more than 13k up there.


Seriously though, if you are looking at spending $15k swapping rear ends and suspension, and another $15-20k on a motor upgrade/re-fit, maybe you should just save that money, sell yours and add it to the pile, and buy exactly what you want/need. Just my thoughts.

Remember though, that I have also done all that work to my own truck, and am therefore completely insane.

 

[terrylamar]

I run those tires, just 12 ply though, as I don't have a heavy front axle, I don't worry about carrying more than 13k up there.


Seriously though, if you are looking at spending $15k swapping rear ends and suspension, and another $15-20k on a motor upgrade/re-fit, maybe you should just save that money, sell yours and add it to the pile, and buy exactly what you want/need. Just my thoughts.

Remember though, that I have also done all that work to my own truck, and am therefore completely insane.

I agree with you that it makes more sense. Just find a truck that is spec'd the way I want it. What is making me go the upgrade route is that I don't have to upgrade everything at once, I can take my time and and do it when I have the money.

I am always looking for a good Pete 386. I think they came out in 2007, so they have most of the crap on them.