Jaydrvr Posted January 19, 2021 Report Share Posted January 19, 2021 (edited) 21 minutes ago, Randyretired said: I am not familiar with drive axles that lift. Is that possible? For off hwy use it seem the lift axle would need to lift pretty high. I don't see how you could have a lifting drive axle, but of course there are lifting tag axles.. But then you only have half the drive tires. Jay Edited January 19, 2021 by Jaydrvr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overthinker Posted January 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2021 1 hour ago, Randyretired said: I am not familiar with drive axles that lift. Is that possible? For off hwy use it seem the lift axle would need to lift pretty high. 1 hour ago, Overthinker said: Let me check with the dealer again but I’m almost sure its an option even in 6x4 configuration but I’m easily confused😀 You are correct, can’t have liftable drive axle. Learn something everyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyretired Posted January 19, 2021 Report Share Posted January 19, 2021 15 minutes ago, Overthinker said: You are correct, can’t have liftable drive axle. Learn something everyday. I wasn't sure. Good to be looking though before you order it. Quote Randy 2001 Volvo VNL 42 Cummins ISX Autoshift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moresmoke Posted January 20, 2021 Report Share Posted January 20, 2021 4 hours ago, Jaydrvr said: I don't see how you could have a lifting drive axle, but of course there are lifting tag axles.. But then you only have half the drive tires. Jay Volvo does offer such an animal in Europe. The rear axle has a clutch in the differential that disengages the axle. They call it a liftable tandem axle. To the OP if you are shopping a new truck, ask about rear suspension options. The standard Volvo/Hendrickson air leaf is not the greatest for axle articulation. The old style walking beam suspensions set the standard for off road use, but not something you want on your RV hauler. A suspension like the Hendrickson Primaxx EX will give you the axle movement you need to keep all the wheels on the ground. Not sure what Volvo would offer for options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted January 20, 2021 Report Share Posted January 20, 2021 One reason our tandems don't like uneven ground is the sizing of the air lines to the suspension bags. They act like Donvel fittings, restricting transfer of air between the bags. Go look at the lines on other trucks, and you'll likely see bigger fittings. Bigger lines=faster axle articulation in uneven conditions. Every KW I've looked at had them. My Mack had the small lines, and I had to go very slowly over rough ground to let the axles get happy. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted January 20, 2021 Report Share Posted January 20, 2021 Kenworth AirGlide AG230 (single) AG460 (tandem) AG690 (tridrive) is a pretty decent air suspension if it is the flat spring steel links on the end of the sway bars style (vs the earlier "wishbone" style). Folks that have to slang name everything call it "8 bag" even though it has 4 air springs (not bags like the exploding accident safety dealies) per axle not 8. Bob tail it will articulate over at least a frozen horse tird vs most air suspensions that will spin you out on a bottle cap... Driver controlled locking diffs are the key to happiness if you are messing about off pavement. Not just the interaxle lock but actual locking diffs. Quote "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted January 20, 2021 Report Share Posted January 20, 2021 Thanks Noteven. If I were buying new, and intended to get off pavement, it would be a KW or Pete. Much as I like our Volvo, in uneven terrain, it sucks. It simply wasn't designed to be off the hard stuff. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted January 21, 2021 Report Share Posted January 21, 2021 AirGlide (230 and 460) is a 4 link suspension meaning the axles travel parallel to each other in the up and down axis vs a slight arc. The u joint angles stay parallel. The sway bars are connected to the axles with a flat spring steel connection that allows the axles to track side to side a little bit so they “steer” a little so the truck tracks better on rutted pavement etc. Thes suspensions put power down to the ground without all the frame jacking and wheel hopping and shuddering drama. Quote "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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