trying to make up my mine

[Hoss]

I am trying to make up my mine on which Tri axle dump truck to buy.The first one is a 1979 autocar with a brand new 400HP cummins engine and a 13 speed fuller eaton trans. This truck is very solid,but only has a single frame.The second truck is a 1989 Ford L9000 with a 350 HP CAT engine and a 8LL trans.The CAT engine has about 280000 miles on it and it has a double frame.which truck would you guys have more faith in the Ford L9000 or the auto car???

[Jeff D.]

Hoss,I think I'd lean towards the Ford.Cab/dash parts would probly be easier to get,and it's 10 years newer.Do you know what model Cat engine it has?If it's a 3406,Then another plus too me.I would've preferred the 13 speed though,over the 8LL.

If it's really close to you between the two trucks,I'd narrow it down by driving both,if you haven't already,and see which one you preffered driving.Also the tire condition,brake pad condition,sloppiness in the tranny,and such could help you decide.

If everything was equal,I'd personally lean towards the Ford.

Good luck on your decision!!

[dayexco]

definitely the ford, they're laying all over, parts are very easy to come by, and inexpensive.

[dayexco]

speaking of dump trucks, i've gone all to allison automatics. no more smoked driveshafts, rear ends. drivers? if they have a cdl, know where the gas pedal and brake is...here we go!!!..seriously, i can overhaul the allisons for damn near the same money it takes to go thru a 13 spd. and we've found out we can get an automatic in and out of sites we'd never get a stick tranny out of.

[cat320]

The ford may be nice but those autocars seam to run forever.They use them here for concrete transport and they are probably early '70's and still on the road.

[woberlin]

All things being equal, the practical choice would be the Ford, but I bet you'd really rather have the Autocar. I know that I would.

[Cat420]

Another vote for Autocar here.

My uncle had an 84 Autocar tandem boom truck. It had a 400 cummins with an 8 speed transmission and he said it was one one the strongest trucks he ever drove. I imagine the 13 speed can only help. He said it only ever needed normal servicing, but never anything major. On top of that he said it handled like a dream.

[Ford LT-9000]

I would say the Ford but you have to watch out for cab rust on the Fords. As for Autocar I don't know anything about them they are non existant here in B.C. Can all what is around here is Kenworth,Western Star,Pete,Ford,Sterling,International,Mack and Freightliner.

You say the truck has a 350 Cat it sounds like its the odd ball engine I think it had the 3176 designation. If you want Cat power you either want a 3406 or if you want 300hp 3306.

A 1979 truck is a little too old to be used everyday sure its got a new engine but the rest of the truck will need work. As for frames it all depends on the thickness and depth a single frame is okay if its thick enough and has inserts at the stress points.

Myself I would rather find a T-800 Kenworth they are a little better truck and you can't beat a Kenworth dump. I like Fords but they are a biatch to work on I spent quite a few frustrating hours working on old Fords. The engine is the worst as half of its under the cab the old 400 Cummins shoved under the hood.

The LT-9000s are not bad the L-9000s are a well can't say the words here :eek2

Fords do have a good turning radius they will get into a tight spot where other trucks struggle. Where you would take a 222wb Ford you would ever dream of getting a old R model Mack with a similar wb. The old Fords seem to have a little more traction to even with open diffs some of the driveways here have 12% grades.

Fords were never really a truck you would keep for a long time not something you would keep rebuilding and repairing compared to a Kenworth.

Its your decission keep looking you will find a good truck.

[Hoss]

I really appreciate your help in making my decision Thanks again Hoss. :usa

[Hoss]

Thanks for that awesome feedback .I am trying to find a strong 80's vintage tri-axle that is going to take any thing i throw at it I hear the older Macks are the way to go .Do you agree?? Thanks again!!!!!!!!! :usa :drinkup

[cat320]

My freind still runs a '70 dm mack 6 speed with the 235 ten wheeler used to have a dump on it but now it's crack fill truck with 3K gal tank .I have driven it and it is a best . but don't look to win the indy 500 with it .

[Ford LT-9000]

Old Macks are good you just have to watch out for rust buckets Mack cabs rust off pretty good. If I was after a Mack it would be a RB model with the set back axle 350 Mack engine Mack 12spd 18,000lb front axle 44s or 38 Mack rears on Camel back.

Stay away from the old 285 powered trucks with the 6spds or twin sticks you want a truck with some decent power and a good transmission.

[Dwan Hall]

Nothing wrong with the L9000 Like was said parts are avalable most everyware. I picked this up and it had 374K on it and a cat 315hp. I figure it will out last me now that I know the truck. True the Autocars were tough and keep on running Like my old REO but the ford does require less work. Pulls strong and gets the job done ware as the older ones seem to be funner to drive. But I know some of you arn't in this type of business for the fun like am. Like was recomended drive them both then make up your mind.
Picture of my L9000 (http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/Forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=303&stc=1)