When I said lower gear I meant lower number. I know how gears work I just cant find any prices. I would, of course, request oil samples, coolant samples, check the rear end dope myself etc before I buy one. I was a lead man in our shop before I started driving. There isn't much I cant do on these trucks so that is a plus for when I go to inspect one. I know what to look for and where to look. I will have to call and have a lengthy discussion with them about a few things. The last batch they sold, some of them had warranties and some already had the CAT platinum done. Some of the warranties went out to 2 years/150k miles. Those trucks went quick.
Dont forget dedicated has more empty miles and thus better mpg. The 3.36 is better if your trying to go 70 mph tho.
I was not dedicated, just specialized. I would go out loaded and work my way back with loads, Dedicated would just go out(usually to a port) and get back as fast as possibly empty to grab another. The only times I would go long distance empty was with an RGN and that was not everytime just some. With a flat and step I was loaded all the time no matter what it was! I do agree that the 3.36 is much better trying to run 70 and keep your RPMs low, obviously, but it was just that much of a difference between my first truck and my second. Also my first truck would burn maybe 2 gallons of oil at the 40K mile mark and my specialized truck would burn about 3. The first would not need a gallon until I hit my 18-20K mile mark then every 10K after and my specialized truck would need one every 10-15 depending on what time of year and my idling since I was out 2-4 weeks instead of my 1 week at a time where I never idled unless it was below that 15* point.
I wouldn't buy a used TMC truck ! Maintenance program isn't what you think . Plus unless the particular truck your looking at was based near or regularly routed through Des Moines , Indy,or Gaston it probably saw less than stellar maintenance even by TMC standards ! Stop looking for a Cadillac truck and get something that will put money in your pocket . Remember "Chrome don't get you home "! JMHO JD
