Monteagle claims another one today.....

It wasn't that common, but I drove a late 80s IHC 9700 series with the Eagle package. It had a pneumatic lift, which was nice as long as you had air pressure. If not, there was a valve like a tire valve to air up the system,

 

Or bang your head walking around the truck if somebody left the door open. However the later Freightliner's doors would swing all the way down so they weren't sticking out like wings at eye level.

 

Actually, not all that different than today. Most trucks I drove had a Fuller 9 or 10 speed and 13s & 15s were popular with owner operators. I didn't become familiar with 18s until the 90s (I had one in my second Pete) but they may have been around before that.

Also Spicer had some weird setups. I drove a Spicer 7 speed single stick, no splitter, in a 1983 Freightliner cabover. Spicer also had a 12 or 14 speed.

 

Wow, I can't believe I found this. See how the door opens all the way out?

Also notice the smooth, flat, metal surface? That's how most company truck interiors were except for some padding on the dog house.

This truck did have an air ride passenger seat for running team. Otherwise, single bunk, spring ride suspension, 300 Cummins with Spicer 7 speed, 3:70 axle ratio. Would go 67 mph at 1900 rpm. Not bad with a 55 limit but most trucks went at least that fast.

 

COE w/ the air start & a 9 spd. always fun. 18 spd started around 88-90 in trucks.

 

CF was big on the air starts. Big tank on back of cab. Famous for waking anybody up trying to take a nap nearby.

 

The lot lizard you forgot about starts screaming as she hits the windshield...too funny.

 

Wups,TMI on the Cornflakes. Hated those 9 spds. slam the hand right into the dash.

 

I just do not understand why any driver thinks there're going to make time or more money by going down any grade un-safe. How much time do they save? Or is it the poor training they get either in the CDL school or the company? It's just stupid to me and makes no sense.

 

where's the 4th of july at?