Lift Axle Operation on Triaxle

Ok, here is the switch. I don't think this is full lockers. Seems like at a stand still or less than 20mph, you can flip the switch and your in according to what I have read. If anyone has a specific T800 2007 owners manual, I would love one.

That would be the power-divider lock.
You’ll get power to both axles but each axles diff will allow wheel spin- just two drivers spinning instead of three.

I’ll kick that in if going up a gravel incline to lessen wheel-hop and washboards gets the drive.

So can I put that on and back up with it? Sounds like if I'm dumping a load and I need to back up into a grassy area, I should put it on. What is the difference between power divider lock and full lockers. Which is better?

Differential let’s one side turn faster than the other on turns.
Full lockers keep everything turning same speed- truck will want to push you straight forward....
Locking power divider when off road is fine.
You’ll figure out how your rig does on different surfaces.
Loaded, you can probably go most anywhere.
Empty, that’s usually another story.

Be careful, people will ask you to dump in crazy spots.
Walk the area if in doubt.
Watch to see if you’re leaving ruts if ground too soft. Keep length of truck up/downhill. Don’t dump on sidehills.

thankfully never happened to me but, sticky loads can hang up on one side of box- if on sidehill can tip you.

PeterG said:

So can I put that on and back up with it? Sounds like if I'm dumping a load and I need to back up into a grassy area, I should put it on. What is the difference between power divider lock and full lockers. Which is better?

Click to expand...

You'll learn as you get more experience in your truck. The more situations you navigate, the more familiar you'll get with what your truck, and yourself, can and can't do.
Yes you can use it just as you described. If you're coming into a job and they say hey dump over there and you see something that looks questionable, you should flip your lock in as you're approaching the spot. You'll have a much better outcome if you're locked in and can keep momentum going, vs if you spin to a stop and then try locking in to get moving again. Just be mindful of where you're trying to get into and make sure you have a plan for getting out as well. Some situations allow you to be a little more aggressive than others, ie is there a machine there to drag you out after you dump and can't get moving?
Another note, your truck is tough but not meant to be abused. If you're trying to back up a steep hill of loose material you may find that it wants to start spinning on you, even locked in. Just be ready for this, or for a soft spot, or whatever, and be prepared to stop before something goes really wrong. If it starts hopping just stop before you break something. If you're backing in somewhere and start seeing your drives sinking out of sight, just stop. Pull back out if you can. If you can't, dump the load and get a machine to help you.

Back to the lift axle. Upon further inspection there is some welding needing to be done on the frame, and there is some slop in the kingpins. How much slop is ok on a steering lift axle before it needs to be an immediate repair? Hoping to do it next year. We don't drive the truck that much.

Well you probably don't want to see any slop in the kingpins. Something like that could be the cause of uneven wear on those tires.

The tires do have some cupping, although the tire dealer didn't think they were two bad. There is a lot of tread and the tires are not that old. I thought the tire wear was related to the air pressure and load on the lift axle. Besides air bags leaking, what are the major signs when to replace the air bags. I assume you do it as pairs. Mine have some cracks but no leaks. One of the air lines to one wheel was a bit tight/short in the length and will be replaced. It's a nice truck, but a lot of little things to fix and correct. I can't imagine getting an even older truck.

Most people replace the bags on a lift axle right after they hear a BOOM

Understood. Best to wait until there is a loud noise and fireworks. Apparently this was the previous owners maintenance schedule.

I don’t run dump trucks, but do run trucks on our farm. If I have a poor looking bag, I get it ordered and carry it in the truck. If it blows, I have the part to fix it to minimize down time.