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Kenworth quality

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by allan5oh, Sep 14, 2014.

  1. Sep 14, 2014 #1
    allan5oh

    allan5oh Road Train Member

    1,557
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    Jan 6, 2010
    Winnipeg, mb
    0
    I've been told for years Peterbilt and Kenworth were a step above all other makes. I'm not convinced.

    All trucks have their flaws and quirks. I owned a 99 Volvo 770 before this 2002 T800. Some things that bug me about the Kenworth:

    - It is *LOUD* compared to the Volvo. Probably has to do with aluminum vs. iron
    - The gaskets are definitely lower quality. Around the doors (which leak), windshields (which also leak) and rear glass.
    - The cab shocks are a royal PITA to do, you almost have to take the tanks out
    - The rear air bags and shocks are a huge huge PITA to do compared to almost any other truck. #### KW 8 bag. Doesn't even ride that nice either
    - Steering box adjustment. No hole in the frame to get at the adjuster so you have to remove the box.
    - The local KW dealer does not carry many parts, and its a week to get anything in unless you pay air freight which is huge $$$. The Volvo dealer almost always has parts in stock, and if they don't have it you get next morning air freight for free.

    BUT there are a lot of things I like about this truck:

    - It is flexible. Multiple bunk sizes which you can swap, rear or side exhaust, etc.
    - It is lightweight. I'm the lightest in the fleet emptry weight.
    - It is easy to grease. No stupid fairings that my growing belly can't squeeze under.
    - The 8 bag suspension keeps the driveline angles straighter than any other suspension
    - It goes down the road NICE. Straight as a dime, the brakes feel really good, it is just an easy truck to drive
    - Warmth. It kicks the #### out of any truck I've been in. Even down to freezing I'm comfortable over night. The bunk heater can keep me warm at -25C
    - The cab won't rust like a Volvo
    - Clutch linkage, I like it old school. Hydraulic linkages do not belong on a big truck

    Overall I'm pretty happy with my purchase, but the truck has needed a lot of work and still needs a bit more. Very happy with the Detroit engine.
     
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2014
    allan5oh, Sep 14, 2014
    allan5oh, Sep 14, 2014
    #1
    Lepton1 and cabwrecker Thank this.
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  3. Sep 14, 2014 #2
    Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Nov 23, 2012
    Yukon, OK
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    I got back into trucking teaming with my brother on a '03 T2000. I concur with what you say.

    It is so loud that we had to shout to have a conversation. The scream of the turbo alone was something to get used to.

    My brother went to Home Depot and plumbing supply stores and bought adhesive backed strips of foam in a variety of dimensions and profiles. After experimenting with several we found one that plugged the door seals to get rid of the banshee screaming whistle whenever running with a hard cross wind. However, it never solved the cold air pouring through the doors in the winter.

    That T2000 had a rough ride. It wasn't until after I got off the truck (driving modern, quiet trucks with Swift) that he discovered the air bags for the cab were flattened. After getting those repaired he said the ride was greatly improved.

    I wasn't a fan of the clutch in that truck. It was a real workout in heavy LA traffic. I'm a big fan of hydraulic clutches.
     
    Lepton1, Sep 14, 2014
    Lepton1, Sep 14, 2014
    #2
  4. Sep 14, 2014 #3
    snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

    19,779
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    Jul 6, 2009
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    I liked the 96 t600, I drove. the only thing that sucked was the super 10 trans.

    having inflated air bags makes a world of difference.

    that truck was easy to work on.
     
    snowwy, Sep 14, 2014
    snowwy, Sep 14, 2014
    #3
  5. Sep 15, 2014 #4
    magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    Jun 11, 2011
    st malo mb canada
    0
    Do you have the big airline kit on your 8 bag .. The small factory lines were too slow so ride was rougher after installing the bigger lines ride was way better
     
    magoo68, Sep 15, 2014
    magoo68, Sep 15, 2014
    #4
  7. Sep 15, 2014 #5
    allan5oh

    allan5oh Road Train Member

    1,557
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    Jan 6, 2010
    Winnipeg, mb
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    No I don't the problem is I did my airbags and all the fittings and even got everything painted, then I learned about the airbag kit. I'm guessing the fittings are larger as well as the lines.
     
    allan5oh, Sep 15, 2014
    allan5oh, Sep 15, 2014
    #5
  8. Sep 17, 2014 #6
    Down under trucker

    Down under trucker Light Load Member

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    Jun 22, 2012
    Brisbane, Australia
    0
    The newer cabs have much better noise insulation. My 08 is heaps noisier than my 12 and the new 14 is much better again. The 1" air lines for the airbags greatly improve the ride and response. They aren't as comfy as say airliner, but they handle a lot better
     
    Down under trucker, Sep 17, 2014
    Down under trucker, Sep 17, 2014
    #6
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