Trade or maintain?

The only thoughts I have on the subject is you know what you have now. Trading does not guarantee something better it only guarantees a payment. I own a heavy equipment repair and truck shop, and haul cattle for fun. Any way I looked on the last series 60 we done the "In frame" with reman head was 2500.00 labor and 2800.00 for parts. the next month guy brought it back to do bull gear just to be safe they do fail, but wasn't any noticeable slack the ticket was 1250.00 labor and he brought parts with him but I am pretty sure that 800 will catch the bull gear. I'm not trying to hustle business in any way the boys in the shop have more than they can stand now I am just trying to give the OP some figures and options. I wouldn't do the pistons and liners without the head, as the head has to come off to do either and your paying double labor if you just do part of it and come back later to finish. The bull gear how ever makes since to do either before or after, depends on current condition because you don't have to go back where you already been so to speak. I understand how tuff trucking can be running local, that 100 dollars saved can be used other places.

 

If you're not using a lot of oil, put rod and main bearings in, run the overhead and keep running. Have the bull gear slack checked before doing that. But first of all, do an oil sample to see what metals you have in the oil and post it on here for others to analyze.

 

30 minutes, If it were up to me, I would baby the truck the best you can. Start paying off your debts, then start a maintainence account. Remember, if you buy a newer truck, it is still going to need some repairs. Then you will have a truck payment, and repair costs. Its a lot easier said than done to save money. You are not on your own as far as not being able to afford an overhaul right away. I work in a shop, and daily people have trouble paying for repairs, so dont get down on yourself.

Best of luck

 

Ok, I'm assuming that you have a 12.7 Detroit. A 12.7 Detroit is a very good motor. 1.6 million is a lot of miles. Im sure you have a significant amount of blow by. One of the other posts suggested doing the top end. Meaning new or remanded head. That won't help blow by and most likely will increase oil consumption because the top end will be tight.

How is the rest of the truck? The rears and transmission will have 1.6 million on them as well unless they have been rebuilt. So you have to ask yourself is the truck worth rebuilding the engine. Also $17k to rebuild a Detroit 12.7 is EXTREMELY expensive! It should only cost you between 10 and 12k at the most.

 

exactly...For 12k, You can get an in frame PLUS a reman 10 speed and Clutch..... my old 3406b can overhaul for around $2,400 in parts plus labor

 

10 to 12 is still outrageous parts and labor with a reman head and bull gear 7500 to 8000 and 5 days down time