New 11-5/8-inch frame rails are now available for the Peterbilt Model 379, Peterbilt Motors Company recently announced. The new frame rail option provides enhanced frame strength for severe duty applications.

"This new frame rail option further increases the Model 379's versatility, and is ideal for applications in which the frame rail is an integral part of the vehicle body, such as frame-mounted cranes and wreckers," Peterbilt Assistant General Manager Dan Sobic said. "The new frame rail option will accommodate all engines, transmissions, hood lengths and sleeper sizes available for the Model 379, and is also a weight-saving option when compared to other severe duty frame rail options."

For instance, Sobic says, a customer can save about 120 pounds versus 10-5/8-inch frame rails with suspension inserts on a Model 379 spec'd with a 220-inch wheelbase and 53-inch overhang. The 11-5/8-inch frame rails were previously available only for the Peterbilt Model 378 and Model 357.

Sobic added that the 11-5/8-inch frame rails are a good choice for vehicles spec'd with multiple pusher axle configurations.