SELECTING A SOLID TRUCK!??? Cat vs CUMMINGS? Kenworth? Miles?

My UltraShift is nice, but the first generation had issues. Try to start on a steep hill
At times I would like to have a 13 speed, but then I would wish I had the auto.

Many are going to tell you to get the truck dyno'd and a oil sample, but many trucks had their oil changed before they got the sold sign. Be sure to get maintenance records. A properly maintained truck is worth thousands more as compared to a poorly maintained truck. Be sure to have a good mechanic go over the truck.

I don't think it matters if it's Cat or Cummins. Buy the truck that is the best value.

 

at 775K miles. Things I have learned on my Detroit/Century.

Engine Damper should be replaced. $450 for parts alone.

Check your harness from ECM to the firewall. It's important. My wiring harness has several sharp bends that wore through the insulation on the wiring. These are DATA wires. NOT electrical wires. It's critical that they not be compromised. $620 parts only. 6 hours labor when I did it myself.
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...2292-battle-mileage-2007-century-14l-egr.html

Kingpins. Just have them redone unless they can provide documentation they were done in the last 150-200K miles. And include a 3-axle alignment. $1100.

Have them verify that the A/C system is FULLY charged on both the truck AND The APU.

Verify the belts, engine mounts and wiring on the APU.

Replace both the air and cab filters.

Check your frame over good too. It's rare, but you never know.
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...htliner-stepping-away-cracked-frame-rail.html

 

Had lots of T600's , you will get use to visibility and its quite good. Had them new / used with CAT & CUMMINS and both gave good value for the $

 

It doesn't have to be one or the other. Eaton has a 13 and 18 speed Ultrashift plus (http://www.roadranger.com/rr/Produc...egory/Transmissions/UltraShiftPLUS/PCT_353894).

 

BigNature , sorry to hijack your post . I need to ask MNdriver about his truck. MNdriver when you say check the harness from the ECM to the firewall, what did you do to the harness. What was the 620.00 for (new harness o what?)Any info appreciated.

 

Follow the link above.....explains it all.

 

Depends on how that CAT was maintained and driven. I see them in truck paper all the time with less miles than that for sale, and they've been overhauled.. Oil sample will tell the tale as long as whoever is selling it hasn't dumped the oil and put new in it. Mine had 759,000 on it when I bought it and made it to 1,111,000 before it had to be overhauled. Definitly replace the crankshaft damper. Vibratek makesa good one for $500. Do not use a CAT replacement damper, made in China, poor quality silicone in it. Wire harnesses should be in good shape KW does a good job on that stuff.

 

Any way you cut it its a gamble. If you buy this truck, are you financially ready if it needs an overhaul in say a few months? Even new trucks are a gamble, not so mich as the cost to fix but the downtime due to emissions problems. It just becomes a matter of when you are ready to take that jump.

If this truck has relatively low hours and obviously wasnt idled excessively and the rest of the truck is in good condition, I would take a shot at it.