can I switch to a larger front axle.

[eveready]

1993 Mack ch613 has a 50 ton wrecker body on it. has a 12k lbs front axle, went to have it aligned and was informed it was going to have to be replaced,. My question can I change it to a 18 or 20k axle,.. also would like to have bigger front brakes. 

 

 

[terry]

I am pretty sure but I believe the DM front axles are the same from center bolt to center bolt, I have been told guys have taken dfront axles from a DM and put under a CH.     terry

[Vladislav]

I doubt on that DM axle possibility.

Axle beam castings look generally the same along R's, RW's, MH's, DM's e t.c.

But they might have different location of holes for U-bolts.

Depending on the frame width and probably front spring width Mack drilled beams different.

At least R-model axle has less of distance between the U-bolt holes (left to right) than RW/MH one.

And sure R-model beam (and DM as follow) has 3-1/2 wide front springs so the holes on each side are spiced 3-1/2.

RW/MH has 4 inches there and I suppose a CH do the same.

[gearhead204]

most of the larger axles I have seen have dual steering gear,  but I want to say their was a 16k axle that was still single gear.

 

[TeamsterGrrrl]

IIRC, heaviest front axle offered on a CH was 14k or so. You could hang on a heavier axle, but the CH frame was never designed for higher weights.