81 western star suspension.

[81westernstar]

I recently bought a 81 western star dump that has neway air ride suspension when it's loaded the truck drifts all over the road Im constantly having to counter steer it all the tires are in great shape and properly inflated I have no idea what going on with it any help would be greatly appreciated.

[stranger]

Check the bushings on the trailing arms. The arms that connect the axle to the frame mount. Your truck may have a track arm from the frame rail to the top of the axle. Check these bushings also.

The Neway system mounts similar to the old Hendrickson walking beam suspension. Tight bushings mean everything.

If all bushings are OK, then replace shocks, which might not be a bad idea anyway.

The large Neway air bags mixed with dump bodies don't make for the most stable of suspensions.

I have seen drivers put two ride height valves on to stabilize the truck.

One mounted to the far right of the axle to control the right side air bags, and one on the far left to do the same for that side.

[81westernstar]

Thanks for your reply I was thinking the bushings needed to be changed the truck has 341,000 miles and there starting to show some signs of wear. Someone has already put the two ride height valves on it but Im not sure if there working Im taking it to the shop today to have someone look at it I will probably have a spring suspension suspension installed.

[yoopr]

Might want to check your Levelers.
Maybe one is out of Whack.

[81westernstar]

Thanks for your reply whats the best method for checking the levelers. Im sorry about all the ?'s but I have no clue what Im doing when it comes to air ride.

[Mackman]

I will probably have a spring suspension suspension installed.

In a dump truck that is the only way to go.

[81westernstar]

Thanks for all of your replys I've decided to replace the trailing arm bushings and the shocks the torque rods and bushings have already been replaced. The shop I took it to said it would be $2600.00 for labor does this sound about right.

[special k]

Where I live thats about right. I'd stay with the air ride a lot of new dumps are coming with air because they save the truck from so much pounding. If it's actually unsafe or you're breaking a lot of parts then think about changing it but if it just drives different than spring than I'd stay with it. Don't forget there is different weight raings for neway if your's is a light one you might be able to upgrade it to the heavier type.

[81westernstar]

Do any of you know of a website I can order trailing arm bushings and shocks from.

[bob h]

Thanks for all of your replys I've decided to replace the trailing arm bushings and the shocks the torque rods and bushings have already been replaced. The shop I took it to said it would be $2600.00 for labor does this sound about right.

no