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Should I buy this KW?

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by mofarmtrucker, Dec 24, 2014.

  1. Dec 24, 2014 #1
    mofarmtrucker

    mofarmtrucker Bobtail Member

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    Dec 24, 2014
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    Hey guys I'm new to this site... new to a semi as well. We currently run an old KW with an M11 in it and pull a hopper bottom and sprayer trailer with. I'm looking at a 93 T600 with a 60 series Detroit in it, rated 425/475. It says it has a newer transmission, clutch, and turbo. If I buy it, I'm gonna stretch the frame and put a 20 ft grain bed on it. For 12,500 this seems like a pretty cheap buy. Truck looks really clean and well kept. However, I know nothing about Detroit engines.... and if you guys have any other pointers to throw at me for ANYTHING else... I'll listen. I'm new, so be easy.
     
    mofarmtrucker, Dec 24, 2014
    mofarmtrucker, Dec 24, 2014
    #1
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  3. Dec 24, 2014 #2
    201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    Hi Mo, welcome aboard. the 60 series is a great engine, I've heard of million mile Detroit's. While this doesn't sound like a bad deal, stretching the frame is a huge PITA, and I think for the same money, or a little more, you can get the truck that you need with so much less hassle. If you've never stretched a frame, it's not for the faint of heart.
     
    201, Dec 24, 2014
    201, Dec 24, 2014
    #2
    bullhaulerswife and mofarmtrucker Thank this.
  4. Dec 24, 2014 #3
    mofarmtrucker

    mofarmtrucker Bobtail Member

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    Dec 24, 2014
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    Semi... thanks for the quick response! and let me be clear... I don't plan on doing it myself... but a truck place I spoke with wanted 37,500 for a truck with a bed on it. They took it on trade. I asked how much it would be to stretch one of my own and put a 20 ft bed on it. He told me 25k would more than likely catch it with him doing the labor and a brand new aluminum bed. So the way I look at it on one hand there's this truck set up (essentially the same truck I'm looking at but a year older and a little less clean), or I can buy a truck I like the looks of (newer trans, clutch, and turbo along with looking sharp) and pay essentially the same money.
     
    mofarmtrucker, Dec 24, 2014
    mofarmtrucker, Dec 24, 2014
    #3
    "semi" retired Thanks this.
  5. Dec 24, 2014 #4
    201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    Hi Mo, well, it's up to you. I've had experience with shops stretching frames and basically, making a truck into something it really wasn't designed for. It started out ok, but months in, problems began to appear. Stress cracks, wiring issues, improper handling. Like I say, it's up to you, but I've found, it's better to pay a little more and get a proven unit, and you're not bothered by downtime when things begin too go wrong. Again, I'm not bragging, I want to help people with my years of experience, and I'm not saying it can't be done, but again, my experience is get the truck you need right off the bat, and start trucking. One more thing, looks should be one of the last things to go for, not that it isn't important, but the truck will really cool sitting in the shop for the 3rd time, because something is wrong. Remember, these shops, while reputable, want your money, and you aren't really sure who's doing the work. Again, it's up to you.
     
    201, Dec 24, 2014
    201, Dec 24, 2014
    #4
  7. Dec 24, 2014 #5
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Hard to go wrong with a t-600 & detroit.

    Good Luck
     
    123456, Dec 24, 2014
    123456, Dec 24, 2014
    #5
    DrtyDiesel Thanks this.
  8. Dec 24, 2014 #6
    The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

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    I would start by breaking down the no's. How much does a box like that cost? Then how much to stretch the frame? How much are you adding to the frame? How much weight are going to put in that box? Maybe you could find what you want with a factory frame. I would do some shopping rather than rush into something you later regret.
     
    The Admiral, Dec 24, 2014
    The Admiral, Dec 24, 2014
    #6
    "semi" retired Thanks this.
  9. Dec 24, 2014 #7
    White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

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    Pulling a Hopper with an M-11? Wow! I would hate that job. Weakest engine EVER, and pulling the heaviest freight. Buy the KW with the Detroit, and pull the Hopper with that, and stretch the one with the M-11.
     
    White Dog, Dec 24, 2014
    White Dog, Dec 24, 2014
    #7
    123456 Thanks this.
  10. Dec 24, 2014 #8
    magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    st malo mb canada
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    T600 is a fairly light truck which should net you more product in the box .. I'm sure if it's a reputable frame shop they will do the required strengthening needed to put a box on it ... Series 60 are great engines being a 93 I wouldn't be surprised if it's a 11 litre engine which are known for longevity
     
    magoo68, Dec 24, 2014
    magoo68, Dec 24, 2014
    #8
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