Pre-emissions Truck Questions

I can get into a older truck and expect it to run a certain way, the moment it gets sick, no computer necessary, you had your tool box and maybe the part needed to fix it or bypass it if possible until shop.

Todays newer trucks are a big headache, for every certain season they run, the more support by computer and shop are necessary.

You can also nurse a older truck through a situation like low coolant until you find a source of water or coolant to refill it and fix the leak or whatever. Today's computer truck trips a sensor if you lost a pint to protect the engine and it generates a whole other range of expensive support.

Yes the new trucks will do pretty good on fuel miles however there isnt much of a difference between 5 mpg and 8 mph in 300 gallon tanks for tractor and 100 for reefer. A little better in getting a bit further perhaps but not enough to matter. Considering fuel stops were a certain distance apart everywhere.

You tended to work on the older engines more. The more they are worked and taken care of the better it will pull for you when the chips are down and you need it then.

 

Hell, I remember when my 1997 truck was a new truck now it's called a old truck but it's as reliable as it was since 1997...

 

Wait what..?
Not much difference between 5 mpg and 8 mpg ?

Old trucks are maintenance trucks and downtime trucks..unless you go front to rear and rebuild it ALL then you "theoretically" should be able to run half a million miles or more before any major components need attention. But that's a serious amount of money and you're still sitting on something old.... Pre 2000 engine trucks would be my ONLY used truck choice trying to play that game

Don't get me wrong I love the simplicity of the older trucks and not having as much electronics and junk to deal with.

If the USED model actually showed that they were more profitable.. everyone ... ESPECIALLY the large companies would want to use them. No question.

Fact is that old trucks are like playing against the house at a casino. Occasionally people get lucky $$ but usually the house wins that's just the stats.., they're a money loser.

If you're a retirement, part-time guy and it's not needed full-time I can totally see how that would be desirable.

... Again, if you can easily afford to make a monthly payment on a new truck you are probably part of the *Problem* with the industry to begin with. Your truck payment and maintenance shouldn't be more than the first couple days of work every month. Revisit your rates, work schedule, business strategy, etc.

You should also easily have 6months+ of money saved to live on and make ALL your bill payments , heaven forbid that you get sick or injured... And gives you a buffer for vacation if you desire. But that's another topic.

 

You want a pre emissions truck? I have mine that will be in the market. Picture in the avatar, 1994 379 Ex, I will put any file you want in it, 3406E, 550BS in it now with 58’s. RTO 15613 just went thru it, 3:36 402’s.Owner op specs. All the gauges. CARB, forced the sale by the end of 2019. Will be taking bids soon.

Edit; 7 mpg’s all day long on the average. Seen high as 7.6, low as 6.5