Old (pre 2000) Trucks vs New Models

I totally get where you're coming from and agree with a lot of what you're saying but unfortunately that's all we got. We don't have the ATA's lobbying power. My old platoon sergeant used to tell us "If you're not part of the solution then you're part of the problem".

 

Get a mechanical CAT and a decent p pump. You'll be happy. The people talking about CATs being astronomically higher than Detroit or Cummins are wrong. It's only a couple thousand more and that's because their Platinum kits come with extras like an oil pump. What's a measly couple thousand dollars if you're running your business properly you should have the cash for it.

They do hurt more on fuel but that's also because of their displacement. Many people compare a Series 60 to a 3406 and that's not right. It's like comparing a 454 to a 350. Of course the big block will consume more fuel as opposed to the small block.

 

I haven’t read much on the speed thing and maybe it’s been mentioned but I think it’s the Megas not so much government that wants us all on there same page

 

New truck, struggle with emission problems.

Old truck, chasing worn out parts, shoddy wiring, rotten airlines, leaks etc.

Catch 22. Only plus is the older trucks are simpler to repair or troubleshoot.

 

That $60,000 should be on parts that won’t need any more attention for awhile
Once you do say king pins you’re good and now repair X and you’re good
You won’t have that same $60k year after year. At some point you have a truck that is reliable and you know every inch of it and what’s been done

Sorta like a new family. At the beginning they need everything. Sofa. Dining room table etc
Down the road the needs become wants. They want a new sofa even though the one they have is like new etc
The operating expenses go down

 

My very first truck out of CDL school was a Pete with a CAT C15 and a 13 speed manual. It was a drop nosed Pete not a 379. I averaged around 6.5mpg in that truck which was good enough and had tons of pulling power going up hills. The door seals weren't very good in that truck so it was pretty noisy then later they "upgraded" me to a newer KW with a Cummins ISX and a 10 speed. It was more plush and quiet in the cab and got better mpg's but definitely lacked power. Next was a Volvo with an ISX that was absolutely a gutless wonder and I spent more time on the side of the road then on it.

 

That makes a lot of sense.

 

You can make any interior more, "plush" but nothing pulls like a big block CAT. Lot of power can be had from one fairly easily. Look at what the pullers are running at the track. Pretty much says it all.

 

I had a c15 twin turbo. Ran into a guy who put a single larger turbo on. Said he went up 1mpg

At least that’s what I think the story was
I have A.G.E and High Definition Attention Disorder
So there’s all that!!

 

I agree, if only I could get that power train from that Pete swapped into that KW then I'd have the perfect truck. Our head mechanic says the 3406 is his favorite engine. If an old senior mechanic likes it then it must be easy to work on.