GMC Topkick Dump truck

[fatjay]

Looking at a single axle dump truck. I'm mechanically minded, but thought I would ask for suggestions on what to look out for. Obviously rust, patch jobs, hydraulics, engine, brakes, tires. Ad says it has a cat motor. Says new tires and brakes. I'll be asking if it has air brakes. front axle is rated at 6k, rear at 15k, so i should be in the clear as far as no CDL but correct me if I'm wrong on that one. Truck looks solid, I'll be calling tomorrow to try and set up an appointment.

 

[4570Man]

I’m not a big fan of the cat motors in those trucks. They’re hard to work on and weak. I’m not a fan of the hydraulic brakes either. They work but I’d rather have air. My biggest concern would be a good bed. A lot of those trucks were salt trucks and complete junk. I’ve got a Topkick with a 366 with a 5-2. I wouldn’t have one without the 2 speed rear either. The 366 ain’t a bad motor and moves along better than you’d expect but it’s thirsty. My suggestion if you’re going to work it very much is to find a truck with a Cummins.

 

[fatjay]

This won't be a work truck, more like a weekend warrior truck. I move dirt, stone, tree's, things like that around my house, for my parents, and other family members. Mostly it would be on my property, but on occasion within a 20 mile radius of my house. Stone is cheaper from the quarry, mulch yard, etc.

Other thing I wouldn't mind is the 5-2 trans. They don't say what transmission it has, but if it's the cat diesel i'm hoping it's the bigger one. I'm also hoping for air brakes, so I can watch the meters. I'm a firm believer that the driver should be an active participant of the driving process, not a bystander while hte vehicle does everything for you. More buttons and dials and knobs the better.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Air brakes or 26k lbs plus, if its private use only, there my be a way around CDL requirements. 'Not For Hire' decal on the drivers door, for example... check your local laws, but if there is proof it's for personal use only, you may get around CDL issues.

 

[ruffdog]

I’m not a big fan of the cat motors in those trucks. They’re hard to work on and weak. I’m not a fan of the hydraulic brakes either. They work but I’d rather have air. My biggest concern would be a good bed. A lot of those trucks were salt trucks and complete junk. I’ve got a Topkick with a 366 with a 5-2. I wouldn’t have one without the 2 speed rear either. The 366 ain’t a bad motor and moves along better than you’d expect but it’s thirsty. My suggestion if you’re going to work it very much is to find a truck with a Cummins.

I worked on lots of c60,c65,c70 trucks in the 70's with the 366 gasser.

Here is a gasser on CL:
1992 gmc dump truck - farm & garden - by owner - sale

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Looking at a single axle dump truck. I'm mechanically minded, but thought I would ask for suggestions on what to look out for. Obviously rust, patch jobs, hydraulics, engine, brakes, tires. Ad says it has a cat motor. Says new tires and brakes. I'll be asking if it has air brakes. front axle is rated at 6k, rear at 15k, so i should be in the clear as far as no CDL but correct me if I'm wrong on that one. Truck looks solid, I'll be calling tomorrow to try and set up an appointment.

Air brakes are good on these vehicles. Like you said, no CDL required. Stay away from liberty engines especially the turbo liberty engine as they go through head gaskets. Navistar engines are good.

 

[Hay Dude]

Looking at a single axle dump truck. I'm mechanically minded, but thought I would ask for suggestions on what to look out for. Obviously rust, patch jobs, hydraulics, engine, brakes, tires. Ad says it has a cat motor. Says new tires and brakes. I'll be asking if it has air brakes. front axle is rated at 6k, rear at 15k, so i should be in the clear as far as no CDL but correct me if I'm wrong on that one. Truck looks solid, I'll be calling tomorrow to try and set up an appointment.

Which CAT motor? They built some junky Diesel engines, too.
What brand of truck is it?

In a single axle 26-38k dump, I’d say a DT466A or an 8.3L Cummins would be the best in the smaller vocational truck diesels. If I were buying another single axle diesel dump, I’d start looking for one with the 8.3L Cummins. A really nice, bigger small displacement engine with millions of hours of use in agricultural tractors and trucks.
Youll love it.
If you want big power, just get a single axle road tractor with an M-11, N-14, bigger CAT or Detroit diesel with about 350-450HP and put a 9 or 10 foot dump box on it. Lots of fun to drive, pull anything, but loves fuel :laughing:

 

[4570Man]

My Topkick is gas. It drinks plenty of it but it’s not that bad for an occasional use truck. The 366 has proved reliable and cheap to work on. It’s still a pretty cheap way of getting work done. It’s way better than 3 trips on my ton truck.

 

[RickB]

Probably a Cat 3116 and hydraulic brakes. I’m not sure I’d want that Cat and I know for certain I don’t want hydraulic brakes on anything that size.

 

[4570Man]

Probably a Cat 3116 and hydraulic brakes. I’m not sure I’d want that Cat and I know for certain I don’t want hydraulic brakes on anything that size.

I’ve only seen a handful of non tandem GMCs with air brakes. The vast majority of them are hydraulic.