Buying a Super Cheap Super Old Truck

The old iron is tough. No doubt about it, it was built to last. COEs can beat you to death, though. I'm too old an cranky to try that now !
But, iT is an inexpensive way to get started.

 

Maybe you guys can help me, Im thinking about financing my brother who has a 1997 freightliner 10spd but needs 11,000 in repairs because of a damaged piston. He has been driving for 25 yrs, with a spotless driving record. however when his truck went down he didn't have any money or credit to get it fixed. So I'm thinking of getting a long with my credit union for a good used truck for about 25k and finance it for 5 yrs. which one makes the most sense? thanks

 

i have often thought of wanting a old cab over. i would want a long frame cab over with air ride if i were to get one.

as far as air ride front goes, many new trucks still have spring ride front and i prefer spring ride fronts. only experience i have with air ride fronts is a volvo and i did not like the feel at all. the suspension bottoms out easily. they do ride marginally better on flat smooth highway but suck in side winds and rough roads. your steer axle weight doesn't change much so the spring rates on a spring ride front match the weight well. so they ride pretty nice. better cornering and driver feel in my opinion.

the issue with spring ride is when its in the rear. the spring rate is for the maximum load capacity witch in turn means it will ride rougher than hell loaded light or empty. it would be like always having 60psi in your rear air ride no matter the weight.

 

Ok $9500 in 2001, isn't the same as $9500 in todays economy

 

Being a 97' and with all the new regs today, And wanting to stay a O/O? I would look for something new, Unless he is a local driver, don't know the laws in AL. though, just a little off topic, My family on my father side is from Mobile, AL my uncle Conrad Jarman still live there, And a few cousins