Buying a 2004 Western Star!

I have a 2007 Western Star,14L Detroit,515hp. & 702,000 miles. We bought it new. It has been a great truck. Had to replace the turbo and v-pods at 650,000 miles. Other than replacing the alternator that has been it for repairs. The truck gets 6.5 to 7.5 Mpg. That is hauling 25,000 to 45,000 lbs. on a regional run of 2500 miles a week.

 

what rearend ratio does your truck have? what type of terrain is the run? thanks.

 

I would research that particular motor. I would talk to a few mechanics they should know the usual quirks of that motor. All engines have their quirks. The mechanic will also give you their thoughts on the Western Star's which is made by Freightliner.

 

My 1st truck was a '82 Western Star, which at that time was basically a White product. It is now owned by Daimler AG, which Freightliner is a division of, I believe. It's probably hard to compare my truck to a modern WS, but I had great luck with it. It had a BC Cummins, but I drove a Freightliner with a 500 Detroit, and it had like 840K miles on it, and was never opened up. I've heard of million mile Detroits. If the price is right, I'd go for it.

 

My truck has 3:58 rears with a eaton/fuller 10 speed. I run mostly flat ground. I run Indiana,Kentucky,Illinois,Missouri,and Ohio.

I try to run around 60 to 64 mph. I use the cruise control as much as possible.

 

The other posters on here are correct.

Western Stars are made by Freightliner. Parts are easily to get through Freightliner.

A 14 Liter Detroit can give you some problems with EGR valves and EGR coolers.

Try to get some history on the truck. Try to determine if it has had a turbo,egr, or other major repairs.

Also, check out the radiator. They can be expensive and a 2004 with 700,000k is the right age and miles for a radiator.