Pete 335

[Hay Dude]

Here is my IH4800 4WD
Drove just like a 2WD over the road and gave me increased traction on muddy work sites. Great truck. Never should have sold it.

 

[Hay Dude]

More than the Pete, this is what I am really looking for. All I have found for sale are on west coast or Deep South. I see them here & there in my area. All have digger derricks on them.

Here’s an older 6x6 for sale fairly close by with an automatic, but it has a puny 250HP DT466. Just too low on power for my liking.

However, the Pete is offered at a good price. Just have to get comfortable with the method of lengthening the frame. I don’t like the cost of moving the axle back.

 

[Panik]

Not a huge commercial truck guy so I really don’t have a dog in this fight.

OP, sounds like the Pete you first mentioned meets most of your desires and utility. Could be wrong, but it also sounds like you have some personal, not strictly utility, coolness factor interest in the idea.... which is great if that is the case.

My general thought would be if you can move the axle and build it out to your liking, without exceeding the monetary costs in terms of time and labor of finding a better option, then go ahead and do it.

Semi-related concept, I have a ‘14 GMC 1/2 ton that gets used locally to tow an equipment trailer loaded to 6-7.5k a couple times a year. I installed a wireless air bag system in part because of this. Strictly speaking there are other less costly ways I could have gone. On the other hand I got and still get enjoyment out of having done a custom install and the benefits it brings in towing.

There are costs we incur out of necessity and those we incur for strictly pleasure... Some of the best are those that are a little of column A and a little of column B... even if it is for a business.

 

[Big Barn]

Anyway you could compromise and use existing wheel base with a 14 foot deck?

 

[fried1765]

More than the Pete, this is what I am really looking for. All I have found for sale are on west coast or Deep South. I see them here & there in my area. All have digger derricks on them.

View attachment 713922

Here’s an older 6x6 for sale fairly close by with an automatic, but it has a puny 250HP DT466. Just too low on power for my liking.

View attachment 713923

However, the Pete is offered at a good price. Just have to get comfortable with the method of lengthening the frame. I don’t like the cost of moving the axle back.

My 2 cents: Wait to find the truck you REALLY want!

 

[RickB]

Still waiting for a response to my final drive question.
It's almost like that info doesn't matter.

 

[Hay Dude]

Still waiting for a response to my final drive question.
It's almost like that info doesn't matter.

Oh, sorry to keep you waiting…do you mean front/rear axle ratio?

 

[civilian]

Dumb question. Could you lengthen the frame then install a tandem drive axle package from another truck? (Like that second picture above?) Jon

 

[4570Man]

Dumb question. Could you lengthen the frame then install a tandem drive axle package from another truck? (Like that second picture above?) Jon

In theory but it would be more expensive than it’s worth especially if you got the GVW re certified.

 

[Big Barn]

It's possible that the existing frame on the single axle is lighter than one designed for a tandem axle.