We swapped a 2005 Freightliner Airliner cut off onto a Kenworth W900 and stretched to 305" wheelbase! Fenders, T Bar and other goodies finished off the build! Feel free to subscribe and share!
My choice of cut off would have been a newer kenworth or a low air leaf. Ive been told that the best place to stretch a truck is under the fith wheel, supposedly theres to much flexibg going on in middle
i don't know that airliner would have been my suspension of choice for that truck. would rather see a full frame insert rather than just the fishplate but still very nice work.
Sure wish you would have talked about why you chose to mig weld the frame and what alloy wire you used. I’ve always stick welded truck frames to get penetration and keep the heat input down and used E11018. That said, I’m always willing to learn a better way.
the weld is only as strong as the base metal you're welding to. which isn't neccesarily 110KSI tensile. We can do a quality, efficient, and cosmetically pleasing job with a MIG welder that is just as strong. 30+ trucks done this way and no issues.
@@exoticfabrications4747 we do it the same way at Vanderhaags in Des Moines. No issues. But I HATE doing it that way. If it is tow truck, or heavy haul, I try to get them to do the inner liner. Industry standard is 2x distance past the cut as what the frame height is. 11" frame height = 22" each way past the seam. On tow trucks and oil field trucks I do 36" each way. Cut the frame at 90 degrees. Z cuts, and chicken beak, and 45 degree cuts is unnecessary bullshit. Mig welded with a 90 series solid wire, and "sleeves" and added frame rail is 100k steel.
putting in an inliner is a quick and cheapc way to make the whole thing far stronger and more reliable....only downside in my vieuw is that you will have to grind down flat the inner weld, which is a shame.
Mark, we notice you comment a lot of hate on our posts. Rest assured that we have had 0 issues with the 30+ trucks we've done. If you would like, come apply for our open fabricator position. we could use someone with your keyboard expertise.
I’m not expert or a hater, I’m just trying to learn the skills to do mine since everyone is too busy to take the job, but I was baffled at the “no double frame”. Please explain to me why it’s not gonna break. Just trying to learn skills to do mine.
How do the frames line up for measurement? All FL I’ve measured are 34.5 and rarely 33.5 but kw abs Pete are 34. If it’s wider I’m curious what you did
wow....giving up an 8 bag for an air liner? interesting choice. now that is how i do a frame splice. diagonal cut one way on driver side rail and the opposite on the passenger side rail. i like to put a liner inside instead of a fish plate but to each their own. turned out nice. long and low....
That 8 air bag is crap I have a 2000 W900 and can’t wait to stretch and get this bullshit off smh and don’t blow a airbag on the road smh that big nut on the bag is a bitch to get off smgdh
@@shawn2x45 usually that huge nut and huge air hose parts are rusted into one piece, so to replace 1 bag you buy at LEAST 2 overpriced air hose assemblies.
Did u just add a carrier bearing and a small shaft and left all the other ones there? My 06 w9 is a 272 and im going to do 305 and was wondering abojt my drive line if i needed another carrier bearing
Too many cross members dont allow for natural flexion from torque. Either the members will snap or frame will crack. Look at how many cross members are on shorter rigs.
Was you able to get the ABS working appropriately? I'm getting ready to cut a 1998 w900 & replace the 8 bag with a 2017 low air KW cut-off. Enjoy your videos
Dude unless im missing it where is the inner frame gusset???? I wouldnt trust just a frame weld, and much less on a longer wheel base!! I always add a inner gusset or fish plate to reinforce the frame.
Hey ma N since you’ve done this before I wanted to ask you … I’m doing this my self and a friend to my truck . My questions are bout the driveshaft , do I make it longer or ad a shorter extension? Where can I get those sleeves or gussets for the inner frame !!? Hopefully you can help me lol thank you
This is word for word how the law reads. CFR 393.201 The frame or chassis of each commercial motor vehicle shall not be cracked, loose, sagging or broken. (b) Bolts or brackets securing the cab or the body of the vehicle to the frame must not be loose, broken, or missing. (c) The frame rail flanges between the axles shall not be bent, cut or notched, except as specified by the manufacturer. (d) Parts and accessories shall not be welded to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Any welded repair of the frame must also be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. (e) No holes shall be drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer. We have the literature that allows us to know how to properly do the jobs at hand. We've taken the time to practice these standards and have them both destructively and non destructively tested. In other words, we got this.
Thank you so much for the clarification. It was not doubting you. It was a need to know. I bought a truck that has a 2 foot long piece welded on the inside frame and it failed inspection cause of it. So I was looking for info on if it's legal or not. Based on what you sent it is not. Thank you for your time. By the way great job on the Kenworth. I wish you were closer to see if you could fix my issue.
@@exoticfabrications4747 I have a theory that the idiot that designed the KW 8 bag, is the grandson of the guy that designed the torsion bar suspension.
Naw I disagree I have a 2000 W900 with that 8 airbag bullshit I’ve had it for 7yrs now I can’t wait to stretch and get this shit off of here lol and I’ve owned trucks with other suspensions! And let’s not talk about removing them goofy ass air bags off that shit lol smh
Everyone keeps pointing out that my 8 bag is junk/sucks whatever when I'm in the parking lot but nobody seems to be able to tell me why. And my truck is nearly 20 years old now and the suspension has never given problems, they don't ride bad like the rumor says. I see no reason to change it, if I stretched my truck I would leave it 8 bag.
What years freightliners will work on a 07 900L ... Been shopping around for my truck .. Believe you guys are in Ohio correct ? Like a rough quote for a job like this .. Thanks
A beam welded together is never as strong as a solid one . I dont care who says what ! Do a weight and pressure test and you will absolutely see it for yourselfs . No inner plate and straight cut and welded is a liability. No ifs ands or buts about it .
O-h-m g you took the easy out if you want to do it wright unbolt 8 bag roll it out add the rear of fln frame to use 1/2 of suspension bolt pattern then drill the front suspension,you forgot a x member .couldn't see how long of a insert you used?? Legally 24" each side of weld .you roll across the wrong scale (commercial cop) they will park you !
§393.201 Frames. (a) The frame or chassis of each commercial motor vehicle shall not be cracked, loose, sagging or broken. (b) Bolts or brackets securing the cab or the body of the vehicle to the frame must not be loose, broken, or missing. (c) The frame rail flanges between the axles shall not be bent, cut or notched, except as specified by the manufacturer. (d) Parts and accessories shall not be welded to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Any welded repair of the frame must also be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. (e) No holes shall be drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer. [53 FR 49402, Dec. 7, 1988, as amended at 70 FR 48055, Aug. 15, 2005] This is how the FMCSA law reads. Where's your opinion from? Did you want to see manufacturers hand books I what's advisable and what isn't? We have this literature on hand.
Pankajpurush Ram its gonna ride 10x better. Im in the market for a nice newer cut off too. To get rid of the 8 bag. Its rough granted i love it. Its just rough for general freight
@@YaBoyBaby916 yeah but they call it freight shaker for a reason ..go and check the new Cascadia it the same suspension that the old truck have.....I would have put a Pete cut out on the back of the kdub which is a low ride suspension and a whole lot better than the freight shaker.. but it all good people have different taste.. n I respect that..
airliner gets put on alot of stretches. rides good, easy to maintain and parts are everywhere. freight shaker was a 70s acronym. they've come along way since.
@@oregonfordguy9812 no go and look at the 2000 suspension systems and what they have on the new Cascadia and it the same thing .. they didn't change no suspension components in the back
This wasn't meant to be an instructional video. anyone who spent the time for an education and years of experience to do this type of work wont give out information on how we do this from start to finish. This was for entertainment purposes only. thank you for your comment.
When I get ready to stretch my 03 I’m comin to you guys! Nice work!😎👊🏾👏🏾
Awesome craftsmanship. If i ever need a stretched out rig, i know who to look up god bless. Subscribed
My choice of cut off would have been a newer kenworth or a low air leaf. Ive been told that the best place to stretch a truck is under the fith wheel, supposedly theres to much flexibg going on in middle
i don't know that airliner would have been my suspension of choice for that truck. would rather see a full frame insert rather than just the fishplate but still very nice work.
My brother has one on his A model he loves it.
I agree, fishplate wouldn't be my first or second choice.
airliner, = cheap to maintain, simple to fix, parts available almost anywhere and rides pretty decent
I put Airliner on my Kenworth. Not real happy with it.
Awesome job!
Sure wish you would have talked about why you chose to mig weld the frame and what alloy wire you used. I’ve always stick welded truck frames to get penetration and keep the heat input down and used E11018. That said, I’m always willing to learn a better way.
Yep
the weld is only as strong as the base metal you're welding to. which isn't neccesarily 110KSI tensile. We can do a quality, efficient, and cosmetically pleasing job with a MIG welder that is just as strong. 30+ trucks done this way and no issues.
No inner liner rail? Thats pretty brave.. should have a liner rail at least 3’ both directions of the weld. And bolt it in there.
Thank you for your concern on this matter. However, we've done 30+ trucks this way with no issues.
@@exoticfabrications4747 we do it the same way at Vanderhaags in Des Moines.
No issues.
But I HATE doing it that way.
If it is tow truck, or heavy haul, I try to get them to do the inner liner.
Industry standard is 2x distance past the cut as what the frame height is. 11" frame height = 22" each way past the seam.
On tow trucks and oil field trucks I do 36" each way.
Cut the frame at 90 degrees. Z cuts, and chicken beak, and 45 degree cuts is unnecessary bullshit.
Mig welded with a 90 series solid wire, and "sleeves" and added frame rail is 100k steel.
@@exoticfabrications4747 I think it awesome you do it. Make it look factory.
putting in an inliner is a quick and cheapc way to make the whole thing far stronger and more reliable....only downside in my vieuw is that you will have to grind down flat the inner weld, which is a shame.
Nice work
No double frame?
I know wonder how long it lasted till it broke
Mark, we notice you comment a lot of hate on our posts. Rest assured that we have had 0 issues with the 30+ trucks we've done. If you would like, come apply for our open fabricator position. we could use someone with your keyboard expertise.
I’m not expert or a hater, I’m just trying to learn the skills to do mine since everyone is too busy to take the job, but I was baffled at the “no double frame”. Please explain to me why it’s not gonna break. Just trying to learn skills to do mine.
How do the frames line up for measurement? All FL I’ve measured are 34.5 and rarely 33.5 but kw abs Pete are 34. If it’s wider I’m curious what you did
Where are you guys located and whats the range of prices to stretch a semi, I have a 99 FL Classic
absolutely love it. we just did a 46" stretch on my 99 liner. and added a lift axle. job well done.
Hi
Welding the cut is just for looks. The Integrity is in the inner-rail when doing a stretch.
Did they install an inner rail? I didnt see one
@@tommygibson4677 nope lol no way I wouldn’t of put a sleeve I’ve seen them crack and break like that better not be hauling no weight!!
Congratulations ,Top !!
wow....giving up an 8 bag for an air liner? interesting choice. now that is how i do a frame splice. diagonal cut one way on driver side rail and the opposite on the passenger side rail. i like to put a liner inside instead of a fish plate but to each their own. turned out nice. long and low....
Happens fairly regularly here!
Is there a science to frame twist and which direction you cut the 2 sides?
That 8 air bag is crap I have a 2000 W900 and can’t wait to stretch and get this bullshit off smh and don’t blow a airbag on the road smh that big nut on the bag is a bitch to get off smgdh
@@shawn2x45 usually that huge nut and huge air hose parts are rusted into one piece, so to replace 1 bag you buy at LEAST 2 overpriced air hose assemblies.
Now is freightkw900. New model
Did u just add a carrier bearing and a small shaft and left all the other ones there? My 06 w9 is a 272 and im going to do 305 and was wondering abojt my drive line if i needed another carrier bearing
Why the change from kenworth 8 bag to airliner? Customer request or preference?
Great job.
Stay Safe
Frames are heat treated.
Seems like there should be one more cross member in it?
Too many cross members dont allow for natural flexion from torque. Either the members will snap or frame will crack. Look at how many cross members are on shorter rigs.
Don’t see a problem with that but they really should’ve double railed it
Awesome
Hey guys can the z cut have a plate over it that runs along the side giving the frames some extra protection???
Hey kmann4443, nice call on the cabover. was not sure if it was a mack or a white.
Anything is better than an 8 air spring suspension .
Nice job, I just noticed a white Mack cabover when you guys were backing the Kdub out of the shop. What are you doing to the cabover?
In a few words, it's becoming a mid engine rat rod build. stay tuned!
Whatvwould be the approximate cost to do a cutoff swap on my w9? If I had the cutoff.
question, what welding wire did you guys use? 0.35 hardwire?
How much does it cost to do this??
No sleeve?
Was you able to get the ABS working appropriately? I'm getting ready to cut a 1998 w900 & replace the 8 bag with a 2017 low air KW cut-off. Enjoy your videos
Yes, ABS is fully functional
How much does it cost to do a stretch like that? Approximately?
I payed 5600 here in oregon. including addition of a lift axle I had.m
@@oregonfordguy9812 where in Oregon?
What all was needed to convert back axle to park brake axle..?
Dude unless im missing it where is the inner frame gusset???? I wouldnt trust just a frame weld, and much less on a longer wheel base!! I always add a inner gusset or fish plate to reinforce the frame.
Hey ma
N since you’ve done this before I wanted to ask you … I’m doing this my self and a friend to my truck . My questions are bout the driveshaft , do I make it longer or ad a shorter extension? Where can I get those sleeves or gussets for the inner frame !!? Hopefully you can help me lol thank you
Nice ken worth my skin worth
How much was the bull for that ?
No sleeve ? Gnarly
What the cost for that stretch job
Great job !! Gotta come see ya. How far out on jobs are y'all?
We're 4-6 weeks currently
Wonder what all that cost ???
Maybe double frame the splice....I've seen trucks come apart like that... JS guys
Thank you for your concern, but this is what we do for a living. We've got this.
That straight cut off weld is a truckers worse nightmare 😫
I almost thought that too however halfway through the video the shop did the proper z cuts (45degree )
How long is that stretch?
Isn't welding on a chassis illegal? Can someone please confirm this?
This is word for word how the law reads.
CFR 393.201
The frame or chassis of each commercial motor vehicle shall not be cracked, loose, sagging or broken.
(b) Bolts or brackets securing the cab or the body of the vehicle to the frame must not be loose, broken, or missing.
(c) The frame rail flanges between the axles shall not be bent, cut or notched, except as specified by the manufacturer.
(d) Parts and accessories shall not be welded to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Any welded repair of the frame must also be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
(e) No holes shall be drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer.
We have the literature that allows us to know how to properly do the jobs at hand. We've taken the time to practice these standards and have them both destructively and non destructively tested.
In other words, we got this.
Thank you so much for the clarification. It was not doubting you. It was a need to know. I bought a truck that has a 2 foot long piece welded on the inside frame and it failed inspection cause of it. So I was looking for info on if it's legal or not. Based on what you sent it is not. Thank you for your time. By the way great job on the Kenworth. I wish you were closer to see if you could fix my issue.
So it rides smoother with the airliner or just to make it lower?
Ride quality mainly. Night and day difference
@@exoticfabrications4747 I have a theory that the idiot that designed the KW 8 bag, is the grandson of the guy that designed the torsion bar suspension.
@@haroldphipps3457 I Totally agree. I flipped (rolled) a KW with the Torsion Bar Shit. It was not a fun ride.
Why do they stretch the frame?
😎 cool factor. U wouldn't understand lol
This shows if someone has the cash to spend, someone will do what they want done. No different than drug dealers.
What does the average stretch cost out of curiosity?
Feel free to contact us directly for pricing information.
@@exoticfabrications4747 what state are you guys based out of?
@@exoticfabrications4747where are you and how do I contact.you? I want to do a cutoff swap on my 99 w9
8 Bag on lower pressure will out ride 4 bag any day. anything rides better stretched.
Naw I disagree I have a 2000 W900 with that 8 airbag bullshit I’ve had it for 7yrs now I can’t wait to stretch and get this shit off of here lol and I’ve owned trucks with other suspensions! And let’s not talk about removing them goofy ass air bags off that shit lol smh
8 bags suck.
Period.
End of story.
Everyone keeps pointing out that my 8 bag is junk/sucks whatever when I'm in the parking lot but nobody seems to be able to tell me why. And my truck is nearly 20 years old now and the suspension has never given problems, they don't ride bad like the rumor says. I see no reason to change it, if I stretched my truck I would leave it 8 bag.
What years freightliners will work on a 07 900L ... Been shopping around for my truck .. Believe you guys are in Ohio correct ? Like a rough quote for a job like this .. Thanks
most semi cutoffs are interchangeable with each other with modifications it depends on what you want
A beam welded together is never as strong as a solid one . I dont care who says what ! Do a weight and pressure test and you will absolutely see it for yourselfs . No inner plate and straight cut and welded is a liability. No ifs ands or buts about it .
Hello l am from Algeria I want learn that can you help me please
It’s not a kenworth anymore, it’s a kenliner.
pretty sure i wouldnt have a frame stretch done here....
Thank you for your reply. Only took us 3 months to see your comment because we're so busy working.
Cowboy engineering
O-h-m g you took the easy out if you want to do it wright unbolt 8 bag roll it out add the rear of fln frame to use 1/2 of suspension bolt pattern then drill the front suspension,you forgot a x member .couldn't see how long of a insert you used?? Legally 24" each side of weld .you roll across the wrong scale (commercial cop) they will park you !
While we believe you have some skewed information on what's legal and what isn't, I would like to thank you for your opinion
What info do you have ???
@@exoticfabrications4747 what info do you base your opinion on ????
§393.201 Frames.
(a) The frame or chassis of each commercial motor vehicle shall not be cracked, loose, sagging or broken.
(b) Bolts or brackets securing the cab or the body of the vehicle to the frame must not be loose, broken, or missing.
(c) The frame rail flanges between the axles shall not be bent, cut or notched, except as specified by the manufacturer.
(d) Parts and accessories shall not be welded to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Any welded repair of the frame must also be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
(e) No holes shall be drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer.
[53 FR 49402, Dec. 7, 1988, as amended at 70 FR 48055, Aug. 15, 2005]
This is how the FMCSA law reads. Where's your opinion from? Did you want to see manufacturers hand books I what's advisable and what isn't? We have this literature on hand.
@@exoticfabrications4747 from
With all respect.. it a totally disrespect to take put k dub suspension and put a freight shaker suspension..the work is phenomenal..
Pankajpurush Ram its gonna ride 10x better. Im in the market for a nice newer cut off too. To get rid of the 8 bag. Its rough granted i love it. Its just rough for general freight
@@YaBoyBaby916 yeah but they call it freight shaker for a reason ..go and check the new Cascadia it the same suspension that the old truck have.....I would have put a Pete cut out on the back of the kdub which is a low ride suspension and a whole lot better than the freight shaker.. but it all good people have different taste.. n I respect that..
It was probably the cheapest cutoff they could find. I have a 2012 t800 with air leaf. I would have just stretched the frame but I like the 8 bag
airliner gets put on alot of stretches. rides good, easy to maintain and parts are everywhere. freight shaker was a 70s acronym. they've come along way since.
@@oregonfordguy9812 no go and look at the 2000 suspension systems and what they have on the new Cascadia and it the same thing .. they didn't change no suspension components in the back
WTF...why
Lost the stupid headbanger music and I mite finish watching it
There's a mute button at the bottom left corner of your screen. Thanks for your concern.
Absolutely pointless video at that speed and focal distance...
This wasn't meant to be an instructional video. anyone who spent the time for an education and years of experience to do this type of work wont give out information on how we do this from start to finish. This was for entertainment purposes only. thank you for your comment.
Horrible music
Thank you so much for your input.