lots of questions about medium duty trucks.

[4570Man]

I have a Ford F-800 with a good ole diesel and air brakes. I don't remember what I paid, but it was way less then $10,000.

 

[JJZ 109]

Would also reccomend the International 4700 with the DT 466. Our fire department has one with a 6 speed and air brakes under a 1800 gallon tanker body; an ex Penske rental chassis with 560,000 km (over 300,000 miles) and the unit works flawlessly with lots of power. Tranny is getting sloppy but we are extremely happy with the package.

I drive a similar unit 3 days a week at my part time job for a US Mail contractor. The 466/auto/hydraulic brakes has 476,000 miles on it and runs like a champ every day. I think it started life as a Ryder truck back in 2003.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

The most highly regarded IH/Navistar medium duty engines from the late 80s to mid 90s would be the DT360, DT408 and DT466. I think there is also a DT530, but I'm not as familiar with it. These are all inline 6 cyl. Next would be the DT466E, available until the mid 2000s. If looking at auto transmissions, definitely go for a Allison MT643 or its replacement, the MD3060.

Agree, try and stay away from the older electric controlled engines, wiring issues will eat your lunch. IMO, IH seems to be more open with there manuals, repair information and software. I think you can get there for the price you want. You may need to get creative. Consider van body truck and putting dump bed on it. Easier said than done, move the box and hoist from old truck?

 

[Toddao]

DT360s not too bad, a smaller 466 , parts availability is dropping off thought, As long as you use it on regular basis, sitting is not good. Lot rot.

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[ModMech]

The DT/DTA360 is regarded by most as the "best" medium diesel ever, it's larger brother the DT/DTA466 was available in the higher HP/Tq ratings and so are more common - MUCH more common. Interestingly, about 70% of their parts interchange, obviously some of the castings and stuff don't, but parts are readily available for either. Point is, not to discount a good deal on EITHER.

Everything changed in 1994 with the advent of electronics, the engines last longer but the cost per mile (or year) actually goes up because of the wiring, sensors etc that is affected by time even if they sit. FF to 2004 and things got even worse, performance of all diesels went WAY UP, but the reliability has not been favorable for any of the brands.

If you want a nearly bullet proof diesel, for reasons that are well beyond this thread, it would be an IH, DT/DTA 466 with an Eaton transmission and air brakes; given the loads you want it to work with.

Having said all that, I would not pass up a Ford 429, GM 366/427 or IH 392 gasser in that size truck for the right price (~1/2 of a diesel). Again, RUN from any manual that does not say EATON on it!!!!!

If you are at all masochistic and have excellent luck in Vegas, you *could* opt for an older Ford or GM with an 8.2L diesel, they sell for almost gasser money and with good reason

 

[QRTRHRS]

fourwheelinj1

If I understand your first post and your replies, I would recomend buying a truck with the bed or body that you need be it a dump or a flat. When it comes to auto vs a stick, usually it's the clutch/clutch brake if equiped with the stick where as with an auto who knows. You mentioned the 8.3 Cummins and the ~466DT. Don't forget the other option, the 3126 CAT, though you want to stay below about 400k.

A six or seven speed will be fine for your limited use. If you were wanting to put alot of highway miles not so much. You just would not have the gears to run efficiently. As far as braking going down a hill, neither the auto or the stick will make much difference. There is not alot of back pressure with the engines we are talking about so you need good brakes. An exhaust brake will help a bit.

That said, to be legal and safe (spring brakes (parking/emergency) can kill if you don't know what you are doing), you need to be certified to legally work on airbrakes. If you are not up on airbrakes, it may pay you to get someone to help check out any potential purchase.

Someone mentioned Ryder for used trucks. In my experiance, Ryder maintenance blows. Penske is much better.

 

[fourwheelinj1]

So how many miles would you you guys try and stay under when buying a used truck. I have been trying to stay under 150k but it is hard to find. It is easier to to find a 250-275k mile truck. Our current gas f700 has 100k so my dad thinks it is crazy to switch to something with 200k plus but I keep telling him that a good IH with diesel is a lot better built than old gasser, Lucas girdling brake f700.

 

[Buppies]

Ryder might be a good place to start your search

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Get a diesel with under 300k. Run away from the Gas motors unless you don't mind 4mpg. As long as the truck is in good shape and not leaking fluids it should serve your needs well. I would try and find something setup for your needs from the get go unless you want to customize things with time and money. Again, I would be looking at a dt466 or dt530 if at all possible with higher hp motors being more preferable. 215 hp isn't going anywhere very fast. I have a dt530 with 275hp and I could use some ponies climbing the mountains on the interstate. Don't get me wrong, I get there and get there safely, sometimes it would be nice to not be in the slow lane with the semis! I would also not shy away from the Allison MD3060 trans but I would steer clear of any of the MT Allisons. I would look for the trucks with the engine retarder and the exhaust brake if at all possible. I found out the exhaust brake on my truck was long ago disconnected and I'm working on getting that back up and running.
My trailer puller!

 

[Red Horse]

Lot of good advice here about the benefits of the DT 466. I do believe though from the beginning you mentioned $10,000 as a target number?? If so, I would not rule out looking for an older Mack R or U model single axle- in particular a 237 Maxidyne. these old girls are bullet proof if you find one that is not a complete rust bucket. And if you get one with a 6 speed vs. the usual 5 so much the better.

And if you got real lucky, you might find one that was a fire truck. A recent 80's vintage went in this area for under 5-absolute home run-like I said if you get lucky.

I also wouldn't rule out a Ford with either the Ford 7.8 or a Cummins 8.3. Again, depends on the price and parts are not that bad a situation-in particiular when you look at the number of those trucks that were sold back in the day. Plenty of "donors"still around.