things to look for when buying a 379

You have to look at the same things on every truck, It's going to depend on the year, how many miles, how it was treated, etc. Yes I know some trucks do have those little problem areas but take your time and look at everything several times and listen to your gut.

 

For sure. Look at the frame and drive train first. Suspension bushings especially front spring pins and bushings. The later ones like from 07 down to like early in the 2000's had more plastic than most inside and the latest ones used a CCD link for gauges that was problematic. The ones with the older dash hold up better IMO. The first American Class interiors had a real wood instrument panel. They are bad about corrosion under the carpet or mat as well

 

Older 379 like 2003 with cat engine is the way to go.. No DEF solid trucks.. frames do rust so that's something to look at , go with 18 speed also.. I had an 03 379 70" sleeper 270 inch. Wheelbase 18 speed truck ran like a dream never a breakdown pm every 10k. Truck will last a lifetime.

 

Where are you located? If you're in the rust belt or buying a northern truck check front cab mounts and rear air bag and shock brackets to the cab. Check for water leaks down into the fuse panel. Or corrosion where the treadle valve bolts to the floor. Peterbilt uses lots of aluminum brackets on the frame. On old northern trucks they just rot away. On double frame trucks frame separation is a very real issue. Or frames rotting and cracking where the suspension bolts to the frame. These are mostly problems with northern trucks where they salt and spray the roads a lot.

 

Rusted frames are only really an issue if the truck doesn't get a good wash regularly. Lot of people don't bother taking the time to wash the insides of the rails or the diff housings.

 

check the clutch linkage pivots under the cab above the air tank, mine are pooched, going to have to drop the battery box someday and somehow re bush it

 

You just buy the two links on the end and the rod they screw on to usually. It's not that high really

 

Open up the fuse box door. If you see water or rust, turn away and run, run fast and don't look back!

Windshields are rope in with a putty gasket. They are more difficult to put in with the putty in there. If it's not in there they will leak. I have seen many people install them without said putty gasket.