Advice, please?

Definitely! Really want an Eaton 13 speed, but a solid 10 speed will be more than enough. However, manual transmissions are by far easier to check and test with a decent test drive.

In the age range I'm looking at, automated transmissions are a no go. Most of them are Eaton Ultrashifts, which are (in my opinion) absolute junk.

Just where would this Volvo be located?

 

Warren is definitely within travel range. Can probably stop through sometime next week or the week after. My current carrier runs through there on a regular basis.

 

Oh my great googly moogly!

Found an immaculate Columbia with a C15 CAT!!! Owner sell, and the owner has already pulled a recent oil sample. Interior looks brand new, and you could eat off this engine.

Looking at it tomorrow. Stay tuned!

 

OK troops!

I really should quit shopping, but it paid off this time!

2004 KW T800. Short wheelbase, 60 some inch aero sleeper, brand new virgin tires all around. Cummins ISX 475 engine, Eaton 10 speed, 3.55:1 rears.

$26,100 out the door!

I test drove the frogsnot out of it. No paperwork, but that motor is either within 2 years of its last rebuild or has been meticulously maintained. Only fault on the motor I found is the A/C system needs recharged. Also has the tractor ABS light on, but 90% of the time that's either a bad wire or bad sensor. Not a problem to get fixed.

The transmission is tight. The détente springs on the stick are a bit loose, but the shifter itself is hitting the gears nice and solid without any slop.

No leaks, seeps, drips ANYWHERE. Brakes are more than 65% on the shoes, drums are showing their age but nothing concerning.

Engine will hold 65 mph at just under 1400rpm all freaking day. Little squirrelly squirrelly running bobtail, but she stops straight in moderate emergency braking conditions on slick roads (not a normal test for me, but good to know! Tractor is considerably lighter than I'm used to, especially running without a trailer.)

Motor is very strong, and ready to go to work. Honestly, its in better condition than the last three new trucks I've driven as a company clown.

Next step is to take her off to her new mechanics and pull an oil sample and blowby. I've already pulled the trigger on buying the truck. For the price, I can afford a complete inframe if necessary. But I don't actually think I need to.

Hoping to have her on the road by the first week of August.