Freightliner Classic XL

My issues were early morning or late afternoon sun double bright the Flat shiny hood was like a Mirror. Mine turned like a Pig, and Backed Like one too. but hey the Challenge was what made me a Better driver, after that I could back a Century or a Colombia like they were toys. Going down the road she was a Killer Diller. Rode smooth as long as the roads weren't to bad.When I first drove an XL the hood and other aspects were intimidating a bit, till I got my own, now that will never be and issue. there is some adjust ments that can be made to get them to turn a little better I hear. The dash Works fine but that cup holder was made for certain size cups (mainly Ceramic cups like you would have at home,and Cans) not to go cups. Certainly not any Large plastic, Styrofoam, or paper cups bottles etc. I had a Detroit 60 series. The blown Plastic storage in the Sleeper sucks unless you had the Cabinet doors. Good storage space under the Bunk even with the Qualcomm system and bunk heaters. I had a Condo most of the time to myself but would occasionally have a Co-driver for a few weeks(loved making the Money). I would be out for 2 months then 3 days home. I had a Lease with England 06 through May of 07 and I did not come out Rich but I survived with some money and goodies (stuff like Cb, inverters, Coolers, Satellite Radio, etc.) Would I lease again maybe the freight market is get good and Stable. would I drive a Classic XL again in a Heartbeat as long as I was running 48 or depot(terminal) to depot(terminal).

 

On a diesel engine its all about the ability for the engine to breath. Dual stacks and dual airfilters are where its at.

If freightliner made a Century style dash for the Classic I would seriously consider it for my next truck. Granted still looking for first truck. Hard to do with zero cash flow.

 

I have to agree about the XL. I drove a 2002 XL for about a million miles and it was a great truck. A whole lot better than the POS Columbia I have now.

It doesn't turn for crap, and the cupholders suck. But other than that it cruises very nicely.

 

It was a decent truck and it's a shame they don't produce them anymore. i drove one all the way to L.A.

My only complaint was the loose steering---too much play. Most fld series had this problem. Freightliner has since, apparently, corrected this issue in their current models.

My ideal classic would not be an xl. It would be a 120 bbc with flatop 48" or 72" or if available 84" sleeper.

 

Drove my 99 Classic for 10 years an 1.45 million miles. Loved the truck. A lot has been said about the turning radius, and I agree, but if you adjust the stops in carefully, it can be improved on. Just make sure that you check as you go and make sure the tires don't rub anything. They don't have the resale of say a 379, but they are no where near as pricy to buy either. I've driven both, and I prefer the room in my ole Shaker, Pete cab was just too cramped.

 

How to adjust the stops?

 

Your too young to appreciate the older trucks we had to drive and are spoiled,power steering,suspensions that were weak. I owned an xl for two years,with the big green moter that showed up some peterbuilts, that thought I had a CAT were they surprised . But I liked the century class model better. More room. My dream was to buy a volvo 770 Now that is a truck, Best rideing truck made..

 

I'm driving one now and really don't like it. I've driven spring ride trucks that ride better. It bucks so bad that the crossmember where the cab shocks attach is separating from the cab. Every freightliner I've been in has had door problems whether it be rattling or locks not working or cold drafts. One of the complaints I hear from others is about the "million mile" hubs on the front that are about $900 ea to replace. In a nut shell,,, cheaply made. Better to spend extra on a quality truck.

 

Those are all relatively easy fixes....

Sounds like someone put to much air in your cab air ride, that is causing the bucking. Check suspension too.

The doors are an easy fix also. It comes from to many people using the door to pull themselves in and not taking care of stuff.

If the hinge is shot, replace it. IF the plastic piece across the top of the door is cracked, replace it. Also replace the seal.

I've got a 93 FLD that you have to crack a window to shut the door cause of the seal in the cab... So its all in how you take care of it.

 

Square headed bolt on the back side of the spindle with a jam nut. just turn em in a couple turns and check both sides for clearance. they can go in quite a bit. helps a lot for those parking lot maneuvers