Fitzgerald? Not sure what to do with aging truck

GM sold to Penske. Roger designed the new Detroit’s with Electronically controlled injector timing with the help of an engineer he hired from Cat. Cat sued Detroit for stealing intellectual property they settled about 10 yrs later. Meanwhile Detroit became the # 1 selling engine leaving Cat to trying to catch up with technology. Sounds like a Truckdriver story to me!!! Check it out I remember it well.

 

Sounds like your Cat does about as good as most Detroit’s .You can’t beat the torque. My old 425 Cat would out pull either of the 12.7 s I’ve had on a Hill. I know that comment is going to upset many. As far as pushing it . Detroit did not want to design a larger engine in response to Cat and Cummins horsepower race.They tweaked the 12.7 to 500. But fuel mileage did suffer. The 430/470 has the best fuel mileage. The 500s at first had problems w/ wristpins And 2 pc pistons coming apart about 750k.Detroit added oiling tubes to wristpins.late 90s . Also had problems with upper cylinder scuffing never seen on old older lower hp engines.They added upper cylinder cooling jackets. In my opinion did push it too far. I’ve had 2 of them both failed at about 825 k due to dropped cyl sleeve. I was told by a Tech they started seeing that on the newer design upper cooling jacket liners.Notice when Detroit came out with the 14L it was a 500 12.7 were no longer avail in 500 hp. That’s how I remember it I could be wrong. Keep that Cat . Put it in another Truck. Be carefull when buying parts for engine I hear a lot of problems with even original parts. Lack of factory support etc. Still it’s such a good engine still a lot of people skilled to help IMO

 

For about half the cost of a glider I believe you could build a very nice older truck to go with that Cat.Meanwhile you probably need a truck to run I suppose. Lots of choices.Good Luck to you.

 

Just thinking of all those big numbers makes my head hurt.The potential problem I would be concerned with is residual value and wether the truck would even qualify for a loan for that amount after 3 yrs.Lease pymt has to upwards of $2500 mo.Then a 3 yr loan of at least 60 k another 1500 mo.Not to mention next July is a long time a lot can change.Im not trying to shoot you down. A lot of People are doing exactly what you are contemplating and seem to be happy with it .Trying to put myself in your position.I think I would look for a nice used Kw900 that has a Cat setup already. Something close to spec including the year of your Cat. Spend what you have to on it bringing it up to par.Run it and keeping other for a back- up. Once you know what you got with the new Truck . That is when time is right Overhaul Cat either one and sell other motor/ Truck whatever is not needed. If done right with a little planning. I believe you can build a very nice Package for Probably less than half the $$$. In 4-5 yrs resale value will probably be close to Same on either scenarios.Theres a lot of kw and Pete’s out there in Immaculate condition that need to be overhauled soon or just upgraded due to age or even Tax depreciation requirement of Owner. With all the $$ spent on Glider I personally would rather build a nice almost worthy of A Show Truck

 

You could always find a used sleeper truck that needs a new heart, might be about the same cost as a glider by the time you're done though.

 

You need to put any HOPED for mileage improvements over the Cat up against the money for a new truck. It sounds as if you need a little bit of power. What are you pulling? You should be able to find something that you can refurbish/rebuild for a lot less money than a new truck. It will also most likely give you fewer headaches than this new crap. I don't think you need to be afraid of a Detroit. I think you just had bad luck with the 2 trucks you mentioned.

 

I understand My first truck 92 wS miles@500 k $40 k. Same time friend of mine bought same truck new 96 wS $80k After 4 yrs I had spent $40 k he spent oil tires . My pymt $1000 his pymt $1950 I came out a bit ahead But with more headaches. He kept truck put 1.5 million and overhauled all in all he came out way ahead

 

I don’t have much use for warranties Times like these the waiting line at Dealers and Deductible. If still costs you. Any Truck you drive will probably break down less. I did it once $70 k for a I yr old repo $1732 mo great at first fuel savings low maintenance but that last year was tough with rising maintenance.A true open lease wouldn’t be bad. It’s just my opinion You could get a very nice Truck for $30 k and have a ton of cash for any repairs if needed and pick and choose any preventative repairs or upgrades.I usually spend around 12k for truck and trailer maintenance and repairs. Last yr only 7k Didn’t buy any tires all year. I should probably sell it as is cause I’m way ahead of the game. But what will I get? Been putting off bull gear radiator and rears for a long time Needs OH and clutch is almost gone . Gonna keep running like I have since I bought it 9 yrs ago for $21k had a fresh motor. Even if it blows up and sell for pars I’m way ahead. Just took 3 weeks off should have took 2 and had clutch done!! But It’s my choice no payment. I can have Motor trans and rears all redone for about $25 k. I’ve made all the mistakes and probably still making some time will tell.Meanwhile I do the math and try to hang on to every $ and stay out of debt . Having choices = freedom. Sorry for long post but with the $$ your talking I’d build a very nice truck all new stuff that’s your warranty