Zacklift

[Truck Shop]

I have been looking at putting together a tow unit for the trucking company I work for. And I think the
best way to go is build a truck with a Z353 Zacklift with 25,000 lb stiff legs and a 30,000 lb drag winch.
Looking at a 2000 379 Pete with a 450 hp Series 60 and 10spd with 3:55's. I will stretch it to 300 WB.
And just install some tool boxes and tandem fenders. Sort of like this one. But it will be a permanent
mounted lift.

Truck Shop

 

[crane operator]

Several of the wrecker and heavy truck scrapyard guys by me have gone to this: http://www.protote.com/

No wheel lift on them, but saves pulling axles and drivelines, when you pick up rears. If you pull front bumper I think you can front tow, but it would be hard not to damage the grill with it.

 

[Truck Shop]

I've looked at those but as you noted it's hard to use from the front without damage. Between NRC and Zacklift they make the only ones that set forward in
the frame close to rear drive housing to put more of the load toward steer axle. And I will probably go with the Zacklift because there built here in
Washington St. But thanks for the idea.

Truck Shop

 

[hvy 1ton]

This is probably a stupid question, but what advantage do you get with a permanent mount lift?

 

[Truck Shop]

This is probably a stupid question, but what advantage do you get with a permanent mount lift?

The wheel lift is mounted closer to the rear drive axle on the permanent mount. Moving the weight closer to the drives and takes less weight off the steer.
Plus it is just a better set-up overall.

Truck Shop

 

[td25c]

Spotted this 84 W 900 with Holmes 750 & Zack .
As usual it's on the opposite end of the country from Washington State .

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bfs/6093575412.html

Be interesting to see what the cat's asking for it ?

 

[Truck Shop]

I will send them an e-mail and see what there asking. Thanks td.

Truck Shop

 

[RZucker]

Not a bad looking rig.

 

[td25c]

I thought it looked pretty nice as well with the 750 & Zack already mounted .

Seen this dilemma from both sides . One side is buy a truck & then dismantle it to then build it up to what you want . Stretch , double frame , mount wrecker bed & so fourth .
That's what we did with our 84 KW wrecker . Quite a bit of time & material doing it that way but get what you want & know what ya have .

Then on the other hand there is merit buying a truck already set up close to what you want for the rite price even if it needs a little work .

About like buying an existing home verses building a new one ?

 

[Truck Shop]

Going tomorrow to look this one over for a permanent mount tow unit. It's a 248 wheel base so by adding a short section of frame I can move the front drive to where
the rear drive is now. With a 52" spread I will have the 300" wheel base I want. It's a 85 359 extended hood with 660,000 original miles, 7FB 400 Cat, 13spd. Hopefully
they will dicker with me on price. Front fenders are new. Engine has had work done.

Truck Shop

 

[Junkyard]

Pretty clean lookin JWAC motor. I like the 359's. I'm about half tempted to go buy my old one back. What kind of money they asking for it? You see them priced all over the range.

Junkyard

 

[Truck Shop]

If your looking for another 359 here's one in Pixley CA. Out of framed air to air 425 Cat 1986 model with rebuilt rear drives, drive lines and 18sp. $30,000.
100,000 miles on rebuild.

Truck Shop

 

[Junkyard]

I see retarder parts....I love me a brake saver!

Not a bad lookin truck. I need another like a hole in the head lol. I have two trucks on the yard I need to get back into to shape to use or run.

Junkyard

 

[RZucker]

I gotta say I like the red one. It really needs the proper single round headlights and the proper swan ornament on the hood. Otherwise that's pretty graceful... JMO.

 

[Truck Shop]

Well I didn't by that Pete,I bought this 94 W900 instead. Series 60 430 hp. 13spd, 40-145 R rear drives on Reyco 4 bag air. 300,000 on factory reman Detroit same on rears.

Truck Shop

 

[hvy 1ton]

I have a lot of love for flattop KW's. One of my friends in ID converted his to unibilt style cab suspension and it sure works nice.

 

[td25c]

Sure looks like a good foundation to start from Truck Shop , I like it !

 

[Truck Shop]

Some pics of the KW I bought to build a tow truck out of. Finished up with some repairs today, tomorrow we will remove the rear drives and suspension to lengthen
frame. It's 230" WB now when done it will be 300" WB.

Truck Shop

 

[hvy 1ton]

Excited to see where this goes. Never did mention that you're reasons for a permanent mount lift make sense.

 

[Truck Shop]

Excited to see where this goes. Never did mention that you're reasons for a permanent mount lift make sense.

When you have been in the business as long as I have the one factor you always remember. {Dispatchers} If there is a tractor in the yard with a fifthwheel-they can't help
themselves, they will put a load on it. Most are paid a base with commission so they will grab anything that barely rolls no matter what. No fifthwheel No problems.

Truck Shop