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Suspension 'Tune'

This is a public forum to discuss Eagle related technical issues. If you are having a problem with your Eagle, this is the place to find help.
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rhbelter
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 110
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:22 pm
FMCA #: F92654
Bus Model: Eagle -01 1967 Cummins M-11 10 spd OD RR
Location: Carmel CA

Suspension 'Tune'

Post by rhbelter »

Ahoy, Eagles,

I just finished a Torsilastic suspension ‘tune’ on my -01 Eagle.
(It is SERIOUSLY ARDUOUS work).

Here are the results:

Ride height: 13 5/8” +/-1/8”
Loads:
L Front 4200#
R Front 4380#
L Main 8220#
R Main 8420#
L Tag 2260#
R Tag 2620#

As you can see, I’m very light at 30,100 lbs. That’s full, less about 40 gallons of fuel. As I finish up the inside, I’ll probably gain ~~1500 lbs. I purposely lightly loaded the tag to reduce front axle loading. I am heavier on the right side, but the bus drives just fine with the right side load bias and light tag load.

My tag has always been lightly loaded. I don’t have ABS, but to prevent tag tire skid, I did install a ‘brake modulator valve’ (?) on the tag. It is normally used on the front axle of trucks. When braking, it puts a few lbs of pressure on the tag brakes to keep them functional, and then no more until above ~~60 psi -- a panic stop -- and then comes in with the main braking pressure. Works just fine, with no skid of the tag before the rest of the wheels.

I offer this to let other EagleFolk know what I have found acceptable.

Enjoy /s/ Bob
Bob Belter Carmel CA ---- Eagle -01 /w/ Cummins M-11/ Roadranger ten speed RTO1110
User avatar
Dreamscape
Posts: 3046
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:03 pm
FMCA #: F391238
Bus Model: 1968 Silver Eagle Model 01
Location: Full Timing - On The Road

Re: Suspension 'Tune'

Post by Dreamscape »

Hi Bob,

This is good information, something I really need to do myself soon. How did you weigh the axles independently? Only thing I'm worried about is my drive axle torsalstics are about at the end of their adjustment. :(

Tag axle brake modulator is a good idea too, had not heard of anyone doing that. Do you have a part number? Where is it installed? Any pictures?

Enjoying the Breaux Bridge Rally this weekend. Our first Eagle Rally and we're having a ball!

~Paul~
Paul Lawry
Dreamscape
1968 Eagle 01 #7443
Silver 8V92 HT 740

Dreamscape Build Blog: https://dreamscapesilvereagle.wordpress.com/
User avatar
rhbelter
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 110
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2008 12:22 pm
FMCA #: F92654
Bus Model: Eagle -01 1967 Cummins M-11 10 spd OD RR
Location: Carmel CA

Re: Suspension 'Tune'

Post by rhbelter »

Ahoy, Paul,

No pix, no numbers. It is buried so I cannot see the numbers, anyway.

Getting one should be no problem at any big truck place, since they are commonly used on 18 wheelers to prevent front brake lock up on slippery roads.

I did the weights with a borrowed electronic scale, which worked just great.

I did my first set-up some years ago using a hydraulic jack with a pressure gage. I found that there was a LOT of friction hysteris plus a sensitivity to side loads, such that I did NOT get a very good job.

Enjoy /s/ Bob
Bob Belter Carmel CA ---- Eagle -01 /w/ Cummins M-11/ Roadranger ten speed RTO1110
User avatar
Dreamscape
Posts: 3046
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:03 pm
FMCA #: F391238
Bus Model: 1968 Silver Eagle Model 01
Location: Full Timing - On The Road

Re: Suspension 'Tune'

Post by Dreamscape »

Bob, That's OK, I'll check it out. Anything to help cut down on a bogie/tag slide is helpful. I haven't noticed that happening, but then again I've never had to make a hard panic stop either!

~Paul~
Paul Lawry
Dreamscape
1968 Eagle 01 #7443
Silver 8V92 HT 740

Dreamscape Build Blog: https://dreamscapesilvereagle.wordpress.com/
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luvrbus
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 2981
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:50 pm
FMCA #: F262917
Bus Model: 05

Re: Suspension 'Tune'

Post by luvrbus »

Paul, those are used on trucks for the front wheel brakes in bad weather.Look in the cab and it will be a switch that has dry and slippery on it some have the valve built into the switch. good luck
User avatar
Dreamscape
Posts: 3046
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:03 pm
FMCA #: F391238
Bus Model: 1968 Silver Eagle Model 01
Location: Full Timing - On The Road

Re: Suspension 'Tune'

Post by Dreamscape »

Clifford, I think that is the same valve and switch that is being discussed on the MAK Board, at least it sounds like it.

Thanks,

~Paul~
Paul Lawry
Dreamscape
1968 Eagle 01 #7443
Silver 8V92 HT 740

Dreamscape Build Blog: https://dreamscapesilvereagle.wordpress.com/
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akroyaleagle
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 486
Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:11 pm
FMCA #: F180747
Bus Model: 1978 Model 05
Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Re: Suspension 'Tune'

Post by akroyaleagle »

Paul, longer adjustment rods are available from Eagle. They will work fine.
Joe
Joe Laird
'78 05
Sioux Falls, SD
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