Adding a drop axle

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by n4ane, Nov 11, 2022.

  1. n4ane

    n4ane Light Load Member

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    I want to add a axle to my dump truck (it was originally a road truck with sleeper and all). I bought the truck about 3 years ago. It has been a dump truck since around the 2000's. I would like to add the axle so I can haul more weight but I fear that will cause frame problems from the added weight. I can haul 17 tons the way the truck sits how after axle install I can get 19 tons maybe more just depends on how much extra weight I add to the truck. its a 1988 Westernstar 4964F single frame about 5/16 thick currently.
     

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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    5/16" thick but how tall is the channel? Looks a little taller than the typical OTR truck. If it is, that'll be a lot stronger.

    Can always get inserts made and sleeve the frame. I had a few bent up for a project a couple years back and it was like $50/foot CAD. Labour will be the PITA part of that though.
     
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  4. n4ane

    n4ane Light Load Member

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    Looks like 10.5 inches I have been doing a ton of digging into truck frame and double frames. I have attached something I found interesting. I thought a double frame (that was considered a full double frame) would be from the back to front (back of the front leave spring hanger) but according to this I guess not. I also want to add that is has a neway air ride and a set forward front axle.

    Would regular mild steel be ok to use as reinforcement? Or should it be I believe is called A36? 20221111_171741.jpg 20221111_171823.jpg 20221111_172718.jpg
     
  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    I used QT100 for my inserts.
     
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  6. n4ane

    n4ane Light Load Member

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    So will the current frame be ok as is or should I double frame it?
     
  7. W923

    W923 Road Train Member

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    What’s the wheel base?
    What rear suspension?
    I would think you’re probably marginal
    I would be concerned about problems around the hoist from concentrated loads and possibly between the rear springs and hinge.
    I wouldn’t use a36…which is regular low strength structural steel
    Would be thinking grade 80 or possibly t1/qt100 grade 80 will be cheaper
     
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  8. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

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    I can't believe you can haul 17 tons now. I can only legal a bit over 13 tons. 2000 W900B with 315s on the steer. It is a purpose built dump truck though.

    By the time you add the weight and expense of inserting your frame, buying the tag, and the risk of damage on job sites when the tag is lifted as you probably only have a 12k steer axle, I would say you would be better off leaving it as is.

    Just my 2 cents worth.
     
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  9. n4ane

    n4ane Light Load Member

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    Wheel base is 300
    Thats what I was thinking was rear suspension and in between drives and front suspension I mean that a lot of space for there to be nothing
    Its got the old neway air ride

    Also If I am going to go thru the trouble I will get the correct medal and from the sounds of it should be qt100
     
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  10. n4ane

    n4ane Light Load Member

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    Well every state is different they will let me out at 59k gross my empty weight is 23,300 I wont load it that far I personally thing that's to much on 3 axles to stop. It has a 15k beam (figured that out when I put king pins it) but still has the 12k leaf springs
     
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  11. W923

    W923 Road Train Member

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    300 measured front axle to center of drives or center of rear drive axle…either way your big time asking for trouble without a double frame or heavy single frame. And I have to agree with oxbow that 17 is probably more than leagal but idk. Most trucks in Illinois like yours would be lucky to be leagal with 15
     
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