Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85450
CUSTOM RIGS PRO TIPS Stretching the limit Q Dean Bugg stretched the frame of his log-hauling Peterbilt 359 to 339 inches and, appro- priately, named the truck Low & Long. What is the best method for cut- ting the frame when stretching the wheel- base by 4 to 5 feet? We have seen several types of angles and the cuts made in different locations, from right behind the cab to just forward of the drivers. — Bob Talle, Warren, Mich. When going that long we would order new frame rails with all the holes pre-punched from PG Adams. This is the most durable route to go but does require more work. If you are confident in your fabrication skills, though, stretching is best done adding onto the rear section of the frame. Stagger the cuts so they are not directly across from each other. You will want to install liners where you have made your extensions. We use 10- to 12-foot frame liners for reinforcement. Put in new cross- members, which do double duty to hold in the liner. Then move the suspension back to the new rails and remount and tighten all your bolts. — Alex Gobel, Outlaw Customs A POWER PLAYS Missing muscle Q know the turbo-boost readings on level ground and pulling a hill, as well as exhaust gas temperature readings. Your truck will need a turbo boost gauge and a pyrometer for these readings. They can be added if your truck doesn't have them. When you have those numbers, a diagnosis is not far away. For example, if the turbo boost is A reading low and the EGT is reading high, then you have an air problem — a dirty air filter (turbo failing, hose or clamp leaking going to the charge- air cooler), leaking charge-air cooler, cracked intake manifold, blown intake manifold gaskets or a leaking gasket on the air compressor. If both EGT and turbo boost are low, then there's a fuel starvation problem. Potential causes: algae in the fuel tank (which is common with biofuels), a restricted fuel line, dirty fuel filter, low fuel pressure, worn- out fuel pump or bad injectors. — Bruce Mallinson is the owner of Pittsburgh Power, an engine Bruce Saxonburg, Pa. performance shop in My truck is losing power — it just won't pull. I changed the fuel filter and it still won't go. What do you think is wrong? — Liam Melton, New Brunswick, N.J. First, we need to know what kind of engine you have. Next, we need to 68 | Overdrive | October 2012 Text INFO to 50298 or visit ovdinfo.com Text INFO to 50298 or visit ovdinfo.com