This message is for COWPIE1 or anybody else with info regarding a GLIDER TRUCK..=)

Keep what you have. Drop a reman in it when needed. 1 week after you start making payments on the glider your regular run will be underbid by another carrier and you will be forced to run 2-3 weeks otr again. Not a good plan for someone e with a young family. Stay out of debt as much as possible.

 

You guys don't have a clue....13 and a 18 speed both have the same gears the only difference is you can split the low side on a 18 speed. Unless your off-road or heavy hauling you don't need a 18speed in fact I never split all my gears on a 13speed.

If it was me I'd go 12.7 13 speed 358 rears on LP22.5s just being able to split your top gear would help lots.

 

Man don't get right into another truck payment right away. Pay yours off and enjoy having no payments for awhile. Slow down if the the fuel bill is too big. Save some money. The more down payment you can put on the glider the smaller your monthly payments will be.

 

I almost got a glider I was working with JT at Fitzgerald at the end I was giving $119,500 and still had a 1650tq truck like my 05 was so what was I really gaining a new body and a rebuilt drivetrain? I was putting $24,k down and my nots were $1,860 a month for 60 months.......I did upgrade to a better spec truck for what I'm doing and best part is it's paid for!!!

 

You dont know what they are.

Its not.

I would not like to argue with you, but. The 18B has a much better low with a lower reverse also. Both things that will make your entire drive line last longer. The 13 and 18 have the same extra parts in them, so if your going past the 9 speed, the 18B is the way to go, if you know. If you cant handle the extra gears to split on the low side, just put the red handle on it.

Now to get back to the OP. What you want to do is cool, but you said you need to watch every dollar because you need to support your family. So why do you insist on not fixing what is wrong with your truck and your driving? A paid off truck HAS TO make you more money to bring home. As soon as you put your faith in the dealer to "tune" your emissions engine to run the best, you have lost. A few members stated to get a hold of a shop that knows how to get that thing running right, and you dismissed them. Why do you ask for help, then only want to hear what you want? If you know, dont ask? Harsh, I know, but meant in a constructive way.

 

So you spend most your time in reverse? Again I've never had to down shift in the low side so why would I need a 18?

 

Most damage to your clutch, drive shaft, trans is done when you first move, forward or reverse. Again, it has nothing to do with splitting the low side.

 

You know what a clutch is used for....ya to take off ONLY I always start in low and always point my truck to the gate before I get loaded it has lots to do with the way you drive also!!!