Can’t imagine they can be much worse than my company Western Star. Didn’t help you had 2 feet of nose hanging past the front tires. But the wheel always seemed like it was a whole turn from what it needed or was capable of.
Thanks for the responses. I will look into the couple trucks mentioned. What engine should I deffinelty stay away from. I think. Its called a prostate? I could be wrong thats why I'm asking. A man told me. In his life he has had several trucks. And there's only one that he regretted. But for the life of me I can't remember (I meant pro star note prostate. Haha)
One reason why the classics were the last of the real Freighliners is you could get any engine it you wanted. Cat, Cummins, Detroit and non emmisions. Not like now were you gotta take what they give you. In some tight circles they were considered a “large car” and were running along with the big dog W9’s and 379’s.
Might as well look at Western Stars too. They can be found at good prices for used. The resale really isn’t as good as they claim. Good Trucks, parts can be pricey, and hard to get. Even now, that they’re in the Freightliner system. It all depends on your budget, I’m guessing $50k? Or less. $30k, should get a nice Truck, if you look enough.
That would be the maxxforce in a prostar. 60 series detroit is a good choice. I personally like the n14 cummins. And the 3406 cat is about as indestructible as they come. Each has their pros and cons but its pretty well universally accepted that those are the go to engines. But with your year range you'll be looking at isx cummins, acert cats, and the 14l 60 series. The isx is good, they just usually eat cam lobes about the 500k mark but if you can find one with a recent oh and new head you'd be in good shape. The acert cat is a decent engine. Not the best cat there is but they are strong none the less. You can ditch the twin turbo setup for a single, back off the intake valve actuators so they don't actually actuate and put some lower compression pistons in and have a very strong reliable engine. Just dont turn up an acert in stock form. The 14l 60 series is just that. A 14l version of the good ole reliable 12.7 except it has egr. Which is easily taken care of by a Google search. It won't do as good on fuel as the 12.7 but its still worth considering.
I've owned my 01 classic xl for 6 years now. Been a good truck to me and still goes down the road tight and straight as an arrow. Yes the turning radius could be better but it's one of those things where after you get used to it you dont really notice it much. You pretty much know exactly where to maneuver the truck when rolling into a tight space. Personally I think when they are all cleaned up and polished they're as sharp looking as the rest of them.
Spent 4 months in my uncle's 02 classic XL 500 60 series, 13sp 3.42, 280in wb. I had no problem getting 7mpg running mostly pa/ny/nj I thought the turning radius was pretty good for a large car. Has more wheel cut than both of our CH macks. I can't comment about the ride quality because the suspension was in need of some TLC. 1.5 million, inframed around 1m mark, still going strong. Uses about 1.5 gal of oil between changes
is that the one you mentioned later down in the thread? I'm not really looking to put money down un till between January and may. Unless a crazy good deal comes along. Pm a price I won't make it public. This is the inframed one? honesty 30 t0 40. I love what I do. Thats why I wanna take it to the next level. But don't want to lose my house cause I love my im open to a good reliable more affordable truck that is land star approved. The years I mentioned where the body styles of the classics that keep catching my eye. hell ya Thats my targeted run area when I make the jump. Tween maine and Ga. Focusing from North east va. Some 77 in wv. Out to eastern pa. Then back up to maine. Mabye once twice a month stretch the legs a bit if I get a lucky load.