Need spec help

I'm looking at used trucks for local work and the occasional overnight trip on the east coast loads up to 40k. Considering 10 or 13 sp, 430 to 485 hp and 335 to 355 rears. Can you guys help with the best specs for this type of running? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

More gears and more power rarely dissapoint. Just because its there doesnt mean youve got to use it all the time. Id be very sad without my splitter.

Appalachia has a lot of hills. PA/WV are almost entirely hills. Big ones. Deeper rears means easier on the clutch and driveshaft. And a splitter makes them less work on you.

 

Thanks very much!

 

What kind of loads and what kind of trailer, kind of hard to spec a truck without knowing what a guy will be pulling around.

 

1. What kind of trailer are you pulling? Flat, van, sea-can chassis, tanker, etc?

2. What kind of hills will you be encountering?

3. You are looking at overnights, how many nights in a row, what comforts do you want?

Need some more details. 40k lbs, local and a manual, literally any truck with a small coffin sleeper will work. You'll want cheap, reliable and easy to repair.

 

Pulling vans maybe some flats mostly east coast. Worst hills I'll see are PA, and Mt Savage in MD otherwise just, Jersey to the Carolinas, and Midwest.

 

Some flat, though mainly van and reefer max 40k Northeast to Carolinas and Midwest.

 

Then you'll be good with almost anything 13L at 450hp/1700 lbft at 3.55. 13-speed on 22.5 tires will give you good pulling power in the hills and about 73 mph at 1500 rpm.

3.36 with a 10-speed will be about 76 at 1500 but will dog it on steeper grades.

If you aren't planning on going over 70 on cruise, definitely go with the higher rear end ratio.

Are you looking for pre-emissions or pre-elog? Pre-emissions there are tons of reliable options, especially the Detroit Series 60 12.7L. Perfect for vans, gets over 7 mpg regularly in a square hood truck on flat interstate. If you go with an aero truck, you could crack 8 on flat ground.

 

Looking for pre emissions and definitely an aero truck. Partial to KW but it's not a necessity. Thank you so much for the advice!! Definitely appreciate it!