E450 Front Axle Upgrade
I've been intrigued at the possibility of increasing the capability of our front axle and brakes. A visit to a CAT scale showed that the axle was at 99% of its 4600 pound capacity. So... a number of p...
Forum Discussion
TEST RUN!
Drove about 20 miles out and back. No wind today but truck disturbance seemed to be a little less. Tracking seemed better but again no crosswind today. The ride of the front axle seemed improved, whether it was the airbags or shocks who knows. And, oddly, quieter. Maybe the Radius Arm Bushing setup offers more isolation from the frame.
Braking was very smooth and strong. The ABS was showing a warning light till I drove a few hundred yards with a couple stops. Then the PCM decided everything was really OK I guess.
I hoped the AirLift 1000 Series bags would provide a little height increase but if they did it's not enough to measure. That was at 40-PSI and max is 50.
The Tie Rod Ends and Drag Link were replaced fairly recently, so I didn't replace them on this project. That should have left Toe where it was before, and I believe it did because the steering wheel is still centered. The new axle came with offset bushings which I left in place. Haven't decided if/when/where I might have alignment checked/caster increased. Another trip or two first.
FYI, I did not use a Tie Rod Separator tool. The pickle-fork type would damage the boot seals, and the local auto parts didn't have the screw type in their loaner crib. Instead I removed the nut and turned it upside down, running down till the bottom of the nut matched the end of the stud and smacked it with a hammer. To whacks broke each side loose.
Bryan, THANKS!!! Every tip you gave me was spot on and very encouraging in this big project. It's a trip but if we get your way hopefully we can visit. And if we do there's dinner in the offing.
Drove about 20 miles out and back. No wind today but truck disturbance seemed to be a little less. Tracking seemed better but again no crosswind today. The ride of the front axle seemed improved, whether it was the airbags or shocks who knows. And, oddly, quieter. Maybe the Radius Arm Bushing setup offers more isolation from the frame.
Braking was very smooth and strong. The ABS was showing a warning light till I drove a few hundred yards with a couple stops. Then the PCM decided everything was really OK I guess.
I hoped the AirLift 1000 Series bags would provide a little height increase but if they did it's not enough to measure. That was at 40-PSI and max is 50.
The Tie Rod Ends and Drag Link were replaced fairly recently, so I didn't replace them on this project. That should have left Toe where it was before, and I believe it did because the steering wheel is still centered. The new axle came with offset bushings which I left in place. Haven't decided if/when/where I might have alignment checked/caster increased. Another trip or two first.
FYI, I did not use a Tie Rod Separator tool. The pickle-fork type would damage the boot seals, and the local auto parts didn't have the screw type in their loaner crib. Instead I removed the nut and turned it upside down, running down till the bottom of the nut matched the end of the stud and smacked it with a hammer. To whacks broke each side loose.
Bryan, THANKS!!! Every tip you gave me was spot on and very encouraging in this big project. It's a trip but if we get your way hopefully we can visit. And if we do there's dinner in the offing.
