IS THERE ANY COMPANYS THAT HAVE W900 or Pete 379

Ya know, that's a good question. When I was customizing my last Pete I went to a smaller steering wheel and it felt a lot better.

Back when FordMotorCompany made big trucks, they incorporated some of their pick-up truck components into the big trucks.(Door handles, dash switches etc.)
At my first job they had two cabover Fords, 70s vintage. The steering wheel was identical to the one in my F-100. I always thought it felt kind of sporty.

 

I remember getting a new job and going from a 300 Cummins into a 400 Cummins with a 9 over. Man, I thought I was big time then.

 

Learning on a harder-to-drive truck benefits you. That means you'll be better prepared when you get out of school and get assigned your own tractor. I got the same benefit because my trainer had a W900.

That said, the main reason these trucks are harder to drive than typical fleet trucks are:

- Generally longer wheelbase and wider turning radius, making it hard to maneuver in tight spots
- The large hood DOES limit visibility (some people mount extra mirrors on the fender to show you what's directly in front of the truck)
- This is minor, but: It is more common to see 13-speed, 15-speed and 18-speed transmissions, which can take a little getting used to for someone used to a 10-speed

Other than those factors, they're a truck like any other. They're nicer, but driving them isn't that different.

 

I know this is an old post but , What do you do when the power steering goes out? Unless you got hulk hogan ape arms it's going to be pretty tricky. I rode with a driver for a van line and the whole thing died. Saw him struggle to get it off the road safely and he had huge arms from being a mover.

 

That's a valid point, but I don't know what kind of truck that was.
In today's trucks, the power steering is mechanically(no belts) driven.
Even if the engine dies, as long as the truck is coasting and you leave it in gear, you will have power steering.

 

Devil's Advocate here: what about jake failure resulting in a valve meeting the piston and engine no longer turns? Or if there is a problem with oil delivery and the engine seizes?

Smaller steering wheels would also likely increase the outside diameter of those larger truckers, 'cause there'd be more room! hahaha

 

Athough not an everyday occurence, a valid point nonetheless.
Yeah, some of those guys need all the extra clearance they can get.

 

You ain't even made the down payment. i put 3 years in a 1972 White Freightliner, 156 in WB, spring ride, no power anything. Texas to nothern Alberta, Calif to philly and everywhere in between.

but I do have a 379 with everything now.

 

I bet you remember torsion bar suspension. I drove a '77 KW K-100 for several years with it. A real backbreaker.

What was worse was that rubber block suspension. Don't remember who made it.
I drove a mid 80s Volvo/White that had it. Like no suspension at all really.