Next on the agenda - New front leveling valves

[ScottRussell]

For those who may have followed the last thread, I was able to correct the ride height and solve the mystery roaring noise at highway speeds. A relief to say the least, as I had feared ring & pinion gear problems.

Next on the agenda was to locate a very audible compressed air leak in the front of the coach. It didn't take long to track it down to a driver's side front leveling valve. The top of the valve itself was cracked where the 90 degree quick disconnect air line fitting threads into the top of it.

I did several internet searches for valves that had the identical appearance to the (apparently) OE valves installed by Spartan from the factory, with no luck. There seem to be a few used ones out there, but nothing new.

I called Spartan Chassis directly and spoke with someone very helpful, who with the VIN of the unit, was able to tell me the original part number 7423 valves were discontinued (apparently due to the issue I'm having with this one). The part number was 8295, and they are a complete kit for $127.63 each.

I did some internet searching, it looks like the KN27000 valve is about the same and I can buy it (also a complete kit with linkage parts included) for $55. Freightliner Kenworth Peterbilt Leveling Valve Height | eBay

I've searched a read a ton of threads on here (Google always seems to lead me here LOL), and I read a lot of things saying that basically any valve you can get mounted and linkage rigged up will work. I find that a little difficult to believe based on the fact that not all vehicles these are installed on are the same weight. I would think the valves need different bleed/fill rates based on how heavy a vehicle they are trying to keep leveled. Is that true? or are they really as generic as people seem to make them out to be?

I hated to spend the additional money, but it seems somewhat comforting when the part number supplied was based on the VIN of the coach from the coach chassis manufacturer. I went with the Spartan valves (I'm replacing both fronts, because in my experience, when one side goes, the other probably isn't far behind). I'm gonna be sick if Spartan sends me the exact same kit I could have bought on eBay for $110 for the pair, after I spent $255 with them. I guess if that happens .. oh well, lesson learned.

While I'm here, does anyone know for sure the exact point to point measurement points for front ride height on this 97 Spartan Mountain Master chassis (I beam front suspension)?

I found a spec chart on here that shows 8" for the front suspension, and 9.5" for the rear, but I'm unsure where that measurement is taken from.

Any help is appreciated.

[Bangorbob]

Scott,
I am looking at the same problem with the same valve P/N 8295. What part did you receive from Spartan?

Thanks, Bob[


QUOTE=ScottRussell;1849232]For those who may have followed the last thread, I was able to correct the ride height and solve the mystery roaring noise at highway speeds. A relief to say the least, as I had feared ring & pinion gear problems.

Next on the agenda was to locate a very audible compressed air leak in the front of the coach. It didn't take long to track it down to a driver's side front leveling valve. The top of the valve itself was cracked where the 90 degree quick disconnect air line fitting threads into the top of it.

I did several internet searches for valves that had the identical appearance to the (apparently) OE valves installed by Spartan from the factory, with no luck. There seem to be a few used ones out there, but nothing new.

I called Spartan Chassis directly and spoke with someone very helpful, who with the VIN of the unit, was able to tell me the original part number 7423 valves were discontinued (apparently due to the issue I'm having with this one). The part number was 8295, and they are a complete kit for $127.63 each.

I did some internet searching, it looks like the KN27000 valve is about the same and I can buy it (also a complete kit with linkage parts included) for $55. Freightliner Kenworth Peterbilt Leveling Valve Height | eBay

I've searched a read a ton of threads on here (Google always seems to lead me here LOL), and I read a lot of things saying that basically any valve you can get mounted and linkage rigged up will work. I find that a little difficult to believe based on the fact that not all vehicles these are installed on are the same weight. I would think the valves need different bleed/fill rates based on how heavy a vehicle they are trying to keep leveled. Is that true? or are they really as generic as people seem to make them out to be?

I hated to spend the additional money, but it seems somewhat comforting when the part number supplied was based on the VIN of the coach from the coach chassis manufacturer. I went with the Spartan valves (I'm replacing both fronts, because in my experience, when one side goes, the other probably isn't far behind). I'm gonna be sick if Spartan sends me the exact same kit I could have bought on eBay for $110 for the pair, after I spent $255 with them. I guess if that happens .. oh well, lesson learned.

While I'm here, does anyone know for sure the exact point to point measurement points for front ride height on this 97 Spartan Mountain Master chassis (I beam front suspension)?

I found a spec chart on here that shows 8" for the front suspension, and 9.5" for the rear, but I'm unsure where that measurement is taken from.

Any help is appreciated. [/QUOTE]

[ScottRussell]

Just to bring anyone else watching this thread up to speed, the part number on the Haldex leveling valve I received from Spartan was 90555105 (Spartan part number 8295), which as it turns out, does interchange with the generically available KN27000. In reality, it's the same valve. Looks like I could have saved myself quite a chunk of money , but at least now others can know for sure.

[t55watson]

Send the Spartan valves back and order the cheaper ones.