Dumb transmission question

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by dommac, Jun 17, 2021.

  1. dommac

    dommac Bobtail Member

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    So I’m really looking for some help here because I haven’t got a clear answer yet. I own a 1989 Peterbilt 379 with a Caterpillar 3406B paired with a Eaton 10 speed trans. I need to swap out the 10 speed for an 18, but there are so many different codes and variations when I’m looking at the remanufactured 18’s online, i’m scared I’ll buy one and it won’t fit on the truck. Does anybody know which eaton 18 speed I can pair with this motor?

    Thanks in advance
     
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  3. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Any. Depending on gearing. They do make direct drive 18's, so make certain if you need direct or o/d. They'll fit. Top plate designation is your only concern. What is your drive axle ratio?
     
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  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Should be able to fit just about any heavy truck transmission up to that engine. Most flywheel housings are standardized. Driveshaft will require shortening as an 18 is longer than a 10.
     
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  5. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    RTLO14618B or RTLO16918B are what is normally matched to a 3406B or 3406C.
    The 14618 can be rebuilt to a 16918 with the right rebuild kit and the only difference is the bearing size as far as I know.
     
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  6. dommac

    dommac Bobtail Member

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    Thank you all so much! I’m not a mechanic by any means and these shops down here in Florida definitely take you for a ride if you don’t know what you’re talking about lol. To answer @MLC Adventures ,it has 3.70 rears at the moment but I may change that depending on how the 18 does. I like to be able to cruise in the sweet spot at around 85 and just split up the top two gears
     
  7. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I'd go with a higher torque RTLO then. Probably is a 1400 torque from the factory, but I'd go at least 1600. Most manufacturers aren't even making the lower torqued trans anymore. 1700 minimum.

    If you're buying used, verify torque specs.

    Gonna be hard to run 1550 at 85 with those gears. May get close with tall 24's, but I'd bet you end up around 78mph.
     
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  8. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    You’ll need 3.36’s and 11r24.5’s to get to 85 at 1600 but why you wanna drive so fast?
     
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  9. dommac

    dommac Bobtail Member

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    Man you’ve taught me so much already and just these two threads. After seeing this I’m definitely going to go with the RTLO. And that’s good to hear higher torque trans are more common in the market. The truck is getting an inframe right now so I figured I’d go all out and spec it how I’d like. The pump is already turned up, it’s getting a performance turbo and bigger nozzles so something durable is a necessity here. It also looks like I’m going to have to re-gear it, that shouldn’t be much of a problem though. I really appreciate you
     
  10. dommac

    dommac Bobtail Member

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    smaller gears are definitely in the question at this point but I’ve never ran tall rubber, would probably be a good idea though for the extra ground clearance. As for the speed, I run out west alot and take very good precautions, if you know if I mean lol
     
  11. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    Yes tall rubber is kinda essential at those speeds. Helps dissipate the heat. Look at all the bullhauler trucks and you’ll find all the spec’s you’re looking for. Also if you’re not familiar with the ole B model she’ll like a little higher cruising RPM then the newer electronic engines.
     
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