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Topic: Jacking front axle (Read 629 times) previous topic - next topic

Jacking front axle

Would like to know if it is acceptable or not to just unload the front tires by jacking in the center of the axle. This is to allow running the steering without power assist. I don't have a problem with jacking and blocking one side and jacking the other, but if it's okay to jack in the center it would save time. My gut feeling is no and I won't take a chance on damaging a axle unless is is acceptable. Didn't find any prior information on it.
Scott

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #1 –
I did it all the time on my crane but the axle is a 18,000 rating. Good question maybe a truck front end shop could give an answer. Our axles are not much different from OTR trucks.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #2 –
I have 2 6 ton hydraulic jacks (stubby ones) that will fit under each end of the the front axle to raise the tires (one or both) off the ground. I think one jack in the middle would be very difficult to get perfectly balanced to lift both sides evenly.  Probably not a good idea.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #3 –
I've master using a tape measure, well almost. Just trying to unload. Would prefer to use my remote handle air jack. Very low desire to jack one side up by hand

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #4 –
Your front axle is essentially a drop forged " I " beam, you will not damage anything by jacking in the middle, a balanced raise might be a problem but that's it. IMHO.
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #5 –
Probably wouldn't hurt but that is the way they adjust camber on a straight axle by bending in the center.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #6 –
Quote from: dsd –
Would like to know if it is acceptable or not to just unload the front tires by jacking in the center of the axle. This is to allow running the steering without power assist. I don't have a problem with jacking and blocking one side and jacking the other, but if it's okay to jack in the center it would save time. My gut feeling is no and I won't take a chance on damaging a axle unless is is acceptable. Didn't find any prior information on it.
Scott


Tips-to-jack-up-commercial-truck,-tractor-or-trailer
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #7 –
Just found a 12 ton short stand. Will put it on a 5/8 steel plate and jack and set them jack other side. Problem resolved
Scott

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Doug W. –
Probably wouldn't hurt but that is the way they adjust camber on a straight axle by bending in the center.
By chaining the sides down though
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #9 –
It is pretty hard to jack up one side of the coach on the front axle. I was going to do one side at a time and even though my  jack was close to a wheel, both front wheels of the coach came off the ground. :o
Don
Quote from: dsd –
I've master using a tape measure, well almost. Just trying to unload. Would prefer to use my remote handle air jack. Very low desire to jack one side up by hand
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Jacking front axle

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Don & Tys –
It is pretty hard to jack up one side of the coach on the front axle. I was going to do one side at a time and even though my  jack was close to a wheel, both front wheels of the coach came off the ground. :o
Don
Well possibly overthinking this then. Will know tomorrow either way, got the screw jack stand cleaned and lubed and ready to work. The perches are 36 inches apart and the lower I beam is reinforced below perches. Center is thinner.
Thanks Don
Scott