Espeefan's slow motion Peterbilt Heavy Hauler build

[Espeefan]

Thanks Rick! I really appreciate that. Here are the details on the lift axle mods.



What I did was mill two notches or 'steps' into the center section of the axle. I did not cut the axle in half, but rather milled a notch on one side, flipped the axle and milled a second notch. Where the notches met in the middle, the axle became two pieces. Once the halves are over lapped, the axle is effectively narrowed.



I drilled some holes through the modified center section, and tapped the lower holes for some 3mm screws. When assembled, the two 'stepped halves' of the axle seat against each other, and the 3mm screws just keep the halves solid.





Now what I didn't think about was how I would make an upper link mount, and how I would secure that to the axle as well. Originally I thought I'd bolt a mount to the top or bottom of the axle, but I wanted to keep it really clean looking. So I went back and milled the center keyway into both axle halves. Then I machined the 4 link mount to match the keyway. When it's all assembled, the mount is totally captured in all directions and it's solid as can be, even though the screws do not pass through it. The whole assembly is 'lightly' press fit together and very strong.

Hope this gives you some ideas! If you have any questions, let me know!

[ihbuilder]

I like it Nathan I just may have to get a wedico front for the next steerable I do when I made mine I didn't have the mill yet

[Espeefan]

Hey thanks Steve. You know, I was thinking this idea would work just as well with a Tamiya steer axle too. They are pretty similar to the Wedico steer axle. No reason why it couldn't be done also!

[Rogue]

Originally Posted by Rogue

Nathan my friend, what can I say?

This truck is absolutely beautiful, even un-finished. Your attention to detail, along with your fab skills, is amazing.

Do I really need to say it again?

Thanks for the inside look at this. Should be a bombproof design.

P.S. Your photo skills are just as impressive as your building skills. It really makes it a pleasure to watch your updates.

[ihbuilder]

Nathan , the tamiya axle does not have the center drop like the wedico thats why I did what I did on my Paystar . It came out alright just need better links .