Hendrickson SOFTEK® Front Axle
10,000 – 12,000 lbs.
The advanced spring design of the Hendrickson SOFTEK integrated front mechanical suspension and steer axle system produces increased roll stability during cornering and crosswinds, creating a more stable platform. Utilizing a system approach, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and Hendrickson worked together to optimize the SOFTEK system for bus chassis applications to deliver enhanced ride, stability and handling characteristics while reducing weight and maintenance.
Proven Durability
- Tested and proven in heavy-duty applications
- STEERTEK NXT Axle – The box-shaped cross section resists horizontal, vertical and twisting forces more effectively than traditional I-beam axles. Continuous beam architecture minimizes stress points for added durability.
- Enhanced clamp group – innovative design distributes pressure around entire axle section for a secure, reliable axle connection
Reduced Maintenance
- Spring and rear shackle bushings – heavy-duty design for maintenance-free operation
- Two-piece knuckle assembly – allows for easy disassembly of knuckle without removing kingpin
Weight Savings
- The SOFTEK suspension, combined with Hendrickson’s STEER NXT formed and robotically welded axle, weighs less than traditional forged axle and steel spring designs.
Enhanced Ride and Handling
- Heavy-duty parabolic leaf spring – optimized two-leaf spring design and premium shocks result in an outstanding ride
- Jounce bumper – integrated design enhances a smooth and comfortable ride
- Optimized steering system performance – delivers an industry leading wheel cut of up to 55 degrees, resulting in a tighter turning radius and outstanding maneuverability
For more information on Hendrickson SOFTEK® front axles, take a look at their brochure.
Taper-Leaf Spring Front Suspension
9,000 - 12,000 lbs.
FCCC’s taper-leaf spring front suspensions are available rated up to 12,000 lbs., providing a solid, smooth ride.
Airliner® Air Ride
Airliner® Air Ride's ingenious, no-maintenance design saves weight and operating costs while superbly cushioning you, your vehicle and your load.
- Compared to steel suspensions, the AirLiner delivers greater comfort and, consequently, provides better handling and protection for the load.
- Because the AirLiner suspension systems has substantially fewer parts than competing systems, they offer greater reliability and need less servicing attention in the long run.
- They require no lubrication, which means little or no routine maintenance.
- Resale price comparisons prove that trucks equipped with air ride suspensions command a higher resale value versus trucks equipped with standard spring suspensions.
- AirLiner’s proven combination of trailing arm leaf springs and self-leveling, rolling-lobe air bags provides a uniformly soft spring ride, smoothing the ridges and filling the ruts like only a premium air suspension can.
- The AirLiner is also designed to reduce sway when turning or negotiating curves, further providing superb ride and handling.
Elastomer bushings that insulate your profit margin.
Elastomer bushings ensure that the metal parts of the AirLiner suspension won’t rub together, resulting in longer product life. And since there’s no wear surface to lubricate or replace, the AirLiner performance is never compromised—leading to a continued comfortable ride and a very comfortable bottom line.
A height-control valve that keeps drivelines in line.
To produce the relatively constant spring rate necessary for optimum cushioning performance, an air ride suspension must maintain a relatively constant ride height. AirLiner utilizes a premium rotary valve to fulfill this height-control function. Why a rotary-type valve? Because the efficiency of a conventional, rubber-seat valve can deteriorate with age, altering not only the spring rate but also the driveline angle, possibly shortening the driveshaft life.
Suspensions that aren’t afraid of the scale.
AirLiner air ride suspensions are lightweight champions. These suspensions are naturally lean because there are fewer parts to begin with. And they feature aluminum brackets on all but the 23,000-lb. models.