Air ride cab

[Tonkatuff]

This may be a little out there but I believe it is possible.

I propose to remove the rubbers from the existing cab mounts and replace them with a bush to allow the cab to move. Then put stops at the ends of the bushes or aeons. Then mount 2 airbags near the existing rear cab mounts with a shock on each.

Any brilliant insights would be appreciated

 

[DzlToy]

not sure about brilliant, but there is some info in here and I have in my notes somewhere a small air bag from a commercial truck (lorry) like Kenworth or Peterbilt. It may be in that thread, not sure:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/tow-rigs-trailers/922321-air-ride-superduty-cab.html

It should be relatively simple, suspend the cab with the bag and use a "shock" or strut to dampen and control vibration frequency and harshness. An air strut may be an option too.

not sure about Oz, but its very common to see commercial trucks here with air ride cabs:

http://www.linkmfg.com/cabmate/cabmate.html

http://www.palmtruck.com/upload/userimages/image8941414524986506610.jpg

 

[Tonkatuff]

Thanks for the link, air ride is common here but not a lot of people retrofit them (in Sa anyway).

That thread is really interesting, he used a strut from a inter prostar that is a combo strut/air bag that eliminates the need to stop the cabs lateral movement. I rang inter oz and they want $700 ea for them so might try going straight to the US.

 

[Tonkatuff]

Just found the continuation of this Guys thread

http://powerstrokenation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76026&referrerid=0

I found the struts that he used

http://www.justsuspension.com/monroe-gas-magnum-cab-shock-66128.html

I cant see why you cant invert the rear cab mounts and make a bush to suit the bore of the Shock.

What could possibly go wrong?

 

[mog]

It should be relatively simple, suspend the cab with the bag and use a "shock" or strut to dampen and control vibration frequency and harshness. An air strut may be an option too.

On my Iveco 18-14 the rear cab mount (the single point were the cab is unlatched to tilt forward) has 2 shocks mounted as part of the factory setup. I'm not sure why as the front pivot mounts (were it tilts) are solid. I'll take some photos of that rear shock equipped mount and post them here.

 

[kerry]

I can't remember his screen name off the top of my head, (sorry I'm getting old) but the Fuso owner from Texas who posts here used air bags off a cab as part of his pivot mount I think. He also added shocks. He may have useful info for you.

DontPanic42

 

[John E Davies]

You might prefer to use a combination of basic parts like separate bags and shocks, but there is a much more elegant and tunable solution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=OJwegsAeMWQ

http://www.ridetech.com/store/shockwaves/

Adventure Trailers in the USA is using these or a similar type on their independent suspensions. You can read about them at here:

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html#tass3

Of course you have to balance cost and ease of installation with availability. I wouldn't travel anywhere without at least one set of spares.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Tonkatuff]

Thanks for the link John, I'm still leaning towards the Monroe 66128 I suspect that these will take minimal modification and at $180 ea landed in oz they are cheaper than the OEM mounts

 

[Tonkatuff]

Just spoke with Monroe oz. They said they said they can get these shocks from the states but 14 week wait. Mmmm reckon I'll just get them direct.

Any of our Yankee colleges live near a Monroe dealer?

 

[kerry]

Is this what you are looking for. Pretty pricey.

http://www.sears.com/monroe-66128-g...6316588907?PDP_REDIRECT=false&s_tnt=39869:4:0

 

[kerry]

Much cheaper here:

http://www.justsuspension.com/monroe-gas-magnum-cab-shock-66128.html

 

[kerry]

http://www.northernautoparts.com/ProductModelDetail.cfm?InventoryId=266744

 

[John E Davies]

Have you thought about ordering directly from a US supplier? This one has them listed for US$159 ea and will ship worldwide.

http://www.stengelbros.net/66128_p_8541.html

http://www.stengelbros.net/International-Shipping_ep_36-1.html

I don't know anything about Bongo, but I suspect it works best with lightweight items. But if you travel abroad, it might make sense to spend the US$5 one time fee to have an account set up for emergency parts:

https://bongous.com/shipping-rates.php

Summit Racing in the USA ships Internationally and lists this part for US$227. Their prices are usually steep, but their customer service is A+++ and their paper catalog is worth a couple of hours time, just for browsing.

http://www.summitracing.com/customerservice#

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[John E Davies]

Is this what you are looking for. Pretty pricey.

http://www.sears.com/monroe-66128-g...6316588907?PDP_REDIRECT=false&s_tnt=39869:4:0

Sears is always the very LAST source that I would check - their prices are terrible. I'm really surprised that Sears has continued to survive.....

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Tonkatuff]

Thanks John and Kerry I'll give this bongo thing a whirl.