Peterbilt 379 changes?

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by southbaydad, Apr 13, 2014.

  1. southbaydad

    southbaydad Light Load Member

    281
    34
    Dec 10, 2009
    Arizona
    0
    Looking to buy 1996-2003 379

    BUUUUTTT

    I would hate to buy a 97 or 98 only to find out later that a 99 or 2000 model was the year that something that was a previous design had been changed and made better --- then i would be bummed that i didnt look for that year instead.


    So does anyone know what changes (if any) were done in these years (1996-2003)
    things like:

    - any body /hood changes / lights etc

    - different gauge design or dash layout etc

    - different seats or sleeper storage areas etc

    - what years did the side sleeper door get replaced with the storage access door and window

    - were there any suspension , air bag, springs etc redesigned or modified

    - any other particular things that might want to make a guy look at 2000-2003 vs 1996- 1998


    Feel free PM me if you (or someone you know) have one you are selling


    Thanks
     
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  3. The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

    894
    561
    Jul 18, 2010
    Akron,Ohio
    0
    Can't think of any body or hood changes in that year spread, pretty sure the dash changed in 2004, seats depend on how the truck was speced out or ordered,same with the storage, access door goes with the 63" sleeper, the side window goes with the 70" sleeper, if the truck was speced or ordered with the man door on the right side of the sleeper you lose one closet. Suspension got a major change in 2008 as I remember.
     
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  4. southbaydad

    southbaydad Light Load Member

    281
    34
    Dec 10, 2009
    Arizona
    0
    Ok
    thanks for the reply
    every little bit helps
     
  5. dirthaller

    dirthaller Heavy Load Member

    937
    10,626
    Sep 22, 2011
    Coloratah
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    The Ultra sleeper was available then, it's rare, 70" only, has a dinette. Has windows and door on passenger side.
    99 and 2000 are the only years you can get a 70 pin Cat with the old dash.
    I prefer the 01 and newer dash but it's more chintsey (cheaper quality) built.
    2003's built after 10/1/02 have the problematic emission motors.
    You can actually get a 70" without windows but not with American Class interior. Werner had a bunch.
    The only suspension changes were in the Low Air Leaf. You could get Flex Air on the later years.
    Don't recall when they started offering single rectangular headlamps as an option versus dual rectangular(which was always available).
    BTW, I can't think of a single thang on a 96 that isn't available on a 94 ( when they debuted the Unibilt)
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2014
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  6. kyletg23

    kyletg23 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 10, 2013
    0
    2000 last year for the old style dash ( Much more old school looking although Iam a bit biased ) I think the dashes changed a few times between 2001 and 2007. If your looking for one with a cat, I know some 94,95 and 96 even, snuck out with 3406c which is probably not what your looking for. It does seem that the early Unibilt models had less problems with corrosion on the bunk.
     
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  7. dirthaller

    dirthaller Heavy Load Member

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    Sep 22, 2011
    Coloratah
    0
    Ya, I have a buddy with a 95 that has a mechanical C. I speced a 97 KW with a N14 but the old C was an option even then.....must have had a lot of carry over engines. 93-97 were available with a C or an E!
     
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