I have been breaking the bank the last few weeks with repairs...

So the last three weeks I've pumped almost all of my revenue into my truck and trailer getting things done that needed attention.

I'll be down in Florida after Easter hauling the potato harvest north so you guys can buy you favorite potato chip in your favorite hang-out... (but first I'm taking a 4 day trip to Austin, TX for the LoneStar Round-up hot rod show!).

So I've had the "wing plates" replaced under the trailer along with 5 new cross members that were rusted too much to reuse. I also had the shop flip the landing gear box around so I can crank the gear down on the left side of the trailer. I unload on several "dumps" that require me to walk on a very narrow scaffold to crank down the gear if it's on the right side... most places have better access to the gear on the left side... safer, too.

I also had them replace all four shocks on the trailer suspension and installed four of my fresh retreads, too.

I also replaced the belts on the engine, tightened up the transmission flange and the front diff flange. I also replaced one spring brake canister and new shocks are going on the tractor, too. Two fresh cab shocks are on along with new bushings in the cab locating rod (actually a Panhard bar)

I serviced the tractor last week... still have to replace the speedo sensor. A couple fresh lamps on the trailer and one new brake light bulb and I should be ready to roll for a few weeks...

Ain't truckin' fun?

 

I do a lot myself or with my helper.

The wing plates and x-members I let the dealer do... I really like the fabrication part but I have a space problem here and it's difficult to get my trailer close to the shop so I can run my 220V extension to the welder.

I had planned on just adding some exterior plates to reinforce the landing gear but, after a closer inspection, I saw daylight thru the largest part of the steel... I drop this trailer on those potato dumps and i really don't want the gear to collapse and let the trailer flip over and drop 50' onto the pavement... too much paperwork.

 

Well it's breaking the bank compared to what I usually have to spend. Last year I did the power divider...twice! And, in 2010, I redid the engine.

As Black Dog sez it's better to spend it now than to break down on the road... which is what I'm trying to avoid. I run so much regional freight now that I can usually sneak home if I have a problem and avoid the Vaseline treatment at most truck stops and shops...