Class 6 Truck

[powerstroke444e]

I am looking at doing same thing as SoutherX but having a hard time finding the right truck. I have been looking @ F650 & IH 4300 with boxes on them and priced getting the frame shortened ($800+)then I was going to build a new flatbed dump that would still haul the overwieght gooseneck. I just need to find the right truck.

New I was looking @ $53,000 from ford for new 08 f650 extended cab 6.7L cummins air ride & air brakes on 19.5 low pro tires 12' flat bed dump with gooseneck and air brakes to the rear.

I liked it but think I will go used as the truck is only going to get 10k year on it locally.

Also would like to blame Builder for talking me out of a F450/F550.

 

[SouthernX]

I am looking at doing same thing as SoutherX but having a hard time finding the right truck. I have been looking @ F650 & IH 4300 with boxes on them and priced getting the frame shortened ($800+)then I was going to build a new flatbed dump that would still haul the overwieght gooseneck. I just need to find the right truck.

New I was looking @ $53,000 from ford for new 08 f650 extended cab 6.7L cummins air ride & air brakes on 19.5 low pro tires 12' flat bed dump with gooseneck and air brakes to the rear.

I liked it but think I will go used as the truck is only going to get 10k year on it locally.

Also would like to blame Builder for talking me out of a F450/F550.

I'm glad to know that I can get a unit shortened for $800. Most all of the class 6 trucks I come across have a wheelbase on the longer end of the scale. I think I'm going to just overlook the wheelbase and have whatever I end up buying shortened to what I want. I'm thinking I probably want a wheelbase under 158".

 

[LoneCowboy]

I'm glad to know that I can get a unit shortened for $800. Most all of the class 6 trucks I come across have a wheelbase on the longer end of the scale. I think I'm going to just overlook the wheelbase and have whatever I end up buying shortened to what I want. I'm thinking I probably want a wheelbase under 158".

You better check on that, that seems AWFUL cheap.
Maybe after the axle about that much money
but between axles, I think much more money is going to be involved.


also, if you want to run a hitch, that's not going to be cheap either. (you'll need a hitch, power, signal lights, etc)

Better get some estimates FIRST.

 

[Duffster]

You better check on that, that seems AWFUL cheap.
Maybe after the axle about that much money
but between axles, I think much more money is going to be involved.


also, if you want to run a hitch, that's not going to be cheap either. (you'll need a hitch, power, signal lights, etc)

Better get some estimates FIRST.

Friend of mine shortens/lenghthens trucks on a daily basis

$800 is about what he charges to shorten a wheelbase, it is a pretty simple job

 

[powerstroke444e]

I have found that they want more to take the old box off than to shorten the frame. The biggest expense it the drive shaft and it can cost extra $100 or $200 if placement comes out wrong.

 

[Duffster]

The biggest expense it the drive shaft and it can cost extra $100 or $200 if placement comes out wrong.

What do you mean by "if placement comes out wrong"?

 

[powerstroke444e]

If they need to change more that just remove one section of the drive shaft or if they need to move crossmembers to move the carrier bearing. As most drive shafts on these longer trucks are more than a 2 piece shafts.

 

[Groo]

I didn't read all the previous replies, but here are my 2 cents.

My current company has Sterlings in classes A,B and C. The cabs are definatly roomier than the older Internationals and freightliners we used to have mixed in with the fleet. The seats are cheap and wear out kind of quick IMHO. get one with an air ride drivers and a bench for the passenger. The bench will suport the drivers seat and keep if from gettting wobbily. The auto shifter is cable actuated, so I could probably be mooved to a better place without too much work.

They've all got Mercedes deisels in them. The Cs are automatics, with I think 250 hp motors. they get a bit doggie near their 26k limit. I'd think they'd be slow, but usable with another 9k added in the form of a trailer.

we used to have a tandem axle with a 165hp rated Cat and a 9 speed. what a joke it was.