Opinions on Diesel Trucks???

Chief · Jun 27, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

Doesn't International make the 444?

SageBrush · Jun 27, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

Yep, International makes the Diesels to fords specs. I think the new 6.0 is also an IH engine.

cowboydoc · Jun 27, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

The 6.0 is International. International has produced every diesel for Ford from the beginning in 1983 starting with the 6.9, 7.3, 7.3 turbo, 7.3 powerstroke, and now the 6.0 powerstroke.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jun 29, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

I really don't want to start a big debate here on which engine or transmission is best so I'll try to answer you with what I would get for a particular purpose. Understand I'm not saying it's best, only it's what I would buy for a particular purpose based on my knowledge, experiences and biases at this moment and are subject to change as my experience changes.

For pulling loads I might otherwise try to pull with a class 3, 4, 5 or 6 truck, I'd probably go with something like a single axle day cab with no more than a nine or ten speed transmission. The super-10 would be a good way to go as would something like an Allison automatic if you could find one.

I'm in Indiana so hills aren't much of a concern at all. I can't imagine needing any more than 300 HP to do anything I'd want to do. If I had no idea what'd work for me, I'd load up my trailer and pull it around with some different HP options I was considering. Once I found that point below which I was unhappy with performance pulling my load, I'd simply avoid those when I was shopping. I know that sounds pretty simple ... and it is. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I don't worry about rear end gearing unless it's way out to either end of the spectrum. Something at or near 3.71 would be fine for me. As to suspension, air ride. I'd make sure I had an air ride seat, too. If I were going to have a passenger, I'd make sure I got air ride on both sides. That's pretty common, anymore, but I'd look just to make sure.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jun 29, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

 But I like chrome, so the trucks I would buy would be the classic rigs with chrome gauges, bumpers, metal hoods, lots of after market stuff.... 

One of my favorite lines comes to mind...

"Chrome won't get you home, but it sure looks good when you're sitting along the side of the road." /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I'm surprised you didn't mention Western Star at all. If I were going to buy something to drive (and wanted to really chrome it out), that'd be the one I'd get.

ScottAR · Jun 29, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

Thanks for the comments... Most dumps around here start at about 300hp and I thought that would be ok. Not like I've got a schedule to keep. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif A tandem axle would be sweet, 16-18ft. dumping flat with about 30" removable sides.
That's about 10yds I think. Shouldn't have a problem with overloading that way.

I'd like a dump truck sometimes but insurance is about 3 times what a "flatbed" costs. At least it was the last time I checked.

Nevermind you can put sides and a hoist on a flatbed and it's a dump truck. Should make hauling trash and odd stuff like stumps easier too. Need a bundle of 2x4s? no problemo, take the sides off.

As an aside, I just went to ford direct and got the MSRP on a 550 XL with most of the payload/towing options, $37,500.
AI CARUMBA!! I can buy one heck of a truck for near $40k even if the tags and insurance are higher...

Enough rambling for now... Look where this thread is going... started with pickups and now we're to road tractors!
Not that I mind... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

SageBrush · Jun 29, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

Not too many western stars around here... they do have nice sleepers. That "Starlight" sleeper that I saw was roomy.

The peterbilt 359 is my favorite for looks. Never owned one though., probably never will. I like the intergrated stand up types. I hate bending over all the time. Volvo's and Internationals are what I'm accustomed to Plastic specials /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif , but I perfer the old style dashes with the seperate "chrome" gauges...

The Volkswagons are great trucks, but I still wouldn't buy one of my own....too much plastic... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

For farm work 300 hp should be fine in a dump running around town. Most dumps in the southeast have 300 hp. Its really all you need..... wanting is a different matter. But, I would recommend a engine like a C-12 or in an old truck an L-10 and a plain ole 9 speed. That low first gear has always been good enough for me. The 8LL will give you those super low gears like the heavy concrete trucks. Those 7.8 230 hp fords and the like are no fun if you want to get some where with out killing the engine with a load of gravel etc.. The L-8000 / 9000 trucks used them a lot. Many people love them, but I hate struggling up hills and hammering pistons. I would get a L-10 cummins or bigger. Its the torque in the larger engines that count. 99% of all the dump trucks I have been around were 300 to 350 HP. A class 8 tandem 350 hp truck with the 8LL or 9 speed and 4.11's (or lower) would do me just fine. That would be enough to maintain 65 mph loaded.

I'm kinda shopping for something just under CDL with air brakes for the farm. Or maybe I could convince my father to get his class A CDL..... We have concluded that a one ton would be a waste of money for our tree farm, so we are looking at the - 26k trucks. If we hook a trailer over 10K will still be in CDL territory /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 I wonder what Daryl/5030 hauls with his Star? I guess its heavy or you guys have major weight restrictions.

SageBrush · Jun 29, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

"Look where this thread is going... started with pickups and now we're to road tractors"

At the rate the pick ups are growing we may all be driving the big monsters /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Who would have thought we would have 325 hp diesel pick ups with 14K trailer ratings that cost more than most cars.

"Chrome won't get you home, but it sure looks good when you're sitting along the side of the road."

So true it hurts /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Brings to mind (older) Harleys.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jun 30, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

 I'm kinda shopping for something just under CDL 

You'll probably get a much better buy on something just over CDL. There are so many people looking for the 'just unders' that the market there is high.

For what it's worth, here in Indiana, farmers don't need CDL's for hauling their own freight within 150 miles of home. Additionally, they're completely exempt from weight restrictions on all "first haul from the field" trips. Who says this is a 'farm state'? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif