Pete Air Leaf

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by rank, Apr 11, 2019.

  1. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    C4D8DCFA-FA6D-4473-8921-18FF99425427.jpeg 4C712748-D03A-405D-813A-A0D08F6C8DF0.jpeg Questions for them that know the Pete Air Leaf suspension on the 359.

    I have 10.5” of air in the rear bags but only 8.5” of air in the front bags. This gives me 2” of suspension travel in the rear before the Leaf spring U-bolts hit the frame rail and only 1” of suspension travel at the front leaf springs. This seems odd to me that they’re not equal. The front leaf springs are bottoming out on potholes and it’s not fun.

    Is the Pete Air leaf in a 1986 359 supposed to have a ride height valve on each drive axle?

    If not, how to I get it set up level?

    Is the air leaf different from a low air leaf?

    What year did the air leaf end and low air leaf start?
     
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  3. Cam Roberts

    Cam Roberts Road Train Member

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    It’s fine. I have same suspension on my triaxle 379.
    Your truck has a rake to it just like mine and every one else’s. I have more height in rear than front.
    Yes it has leveling valve but if they were close to same height, your rear axle would be off the ground
    Only has one leveling valve located at rear
     
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  4. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    VIN please......

    It appears you have Air -Trac and not air leaf. The ride height needs to be measured from axle center to the bottom of the frame. If set on level ground your bag height should be the same from front to rear drive and be close to the same height. My first thought is you are set too low. Should be 10.5 unladen. Post Vin and I will double check all this info for you.
     
  5. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Last 6: 202371

    I’m only calling it Air Leaf because that’s what is cast into the brackets that hold the rear of the springs. I really have no idea. Most of my time has been with KW 8 bag
     
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  6. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    .....does not appear to be an Air Trac. There is no lower longitudinal torque rod under the leaf springs
     
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  7. Cam Roberts

    Cam Roberts Road Train Member

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    I have air trac. Looks like mine. Defiantly not low air leaf
     
  8. Cam Roberts

    Cam Roberts Road Train Member

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    What is the issue you are having where you are questioning the height difference? It’s normal. If I wasn’t already kicked back with my boots off and a cold one in my hand I would go take same pics of height difference
     
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  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    There is air leaf, low air leaf and low low air leaf. Air leaf was the only option in 1986. Low air came out late 87. Low air also uses a Z spring. It is common for the front not to be as tall. Stretched u bolts and worn frogs cause a lot of it. If the suspension is constantly working when sitting still you have stretched u bolts or a cracked housing
     
  10. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Hoping to add some travel at the front to stop the bottoming out without adding too much height because I’m already real close to 13-6
     
  11. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    It should be good. I took it to the local heavy truck spring shop right after I bought it and they rebushed it. It’s just normal I guess
     
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