To in-frame or not?

An in frame only covers the motor, what about trans rear ends or suspension and frame. all of those can add up real fast a clutch is over a thousand a trans is several thousand. Just my 2 pennies

 

When you buy a million mile truck think of all the components besides the engine that have that many miles on them . The age of of the truck may also further limit job opportunities

 

Any company that won't take an older truck is not worth working for....

 

I probably wouldn't unless I had a trusted mechanic lined up to do it. The guy we're leased on with has a semi retired mechanic that used to work for Cummins working for him and owns his own tow unit, so that's what he does. He'll find a truck over here, an engine over there, a transmission over here, and go get it all himself for his guy to put together for him.

20k is high, though. He'll go find one for $6k and go from there. And even then the mechanic will tell him whether it's worth messing with or not. You can't just buy any old thing because it's cheap. You have to know what you're looking for.

 

I would say the best way to go lies in the middle somewhere. Get a truck that is a little long in the tooth but not completely worn out that you can go to work with and then with a little luck you'll be able to keep the thing maintained and running as you work.

 

Maintenece records. I would not hesitate to buy a truck that was in good condition with maintence records that has a million miles. Transmission, rearends can last over two million miles if maintained and driven properly. Plus those trucks are usually cheap. You can find them inframed already for less than 20k.

 

You'll have to replace all of the little things.

I'm looking at a '93 T600 with tons-o-miles on it. The 3406 had been rebuilt a few years ago.
I know this truck needs all the rubbers in the suspension replaced. All 8 air bags are showing cracks, and the shocks are worn out. I'll probably start replacing all of the braided fuel lines, belts, hoses, thermostat, fluids, and inspecting everything electrical. I'll also assume the clutch is on it's last leg, but I'll keep my fingers crosses for the time being.

Ill also need to inspect the wheel bearings.

On a positive note, the frame shows no rust and is still powdercoated. The hood, cab, and sleeper are damage free, but the cab extenders are trashed. The side skirts could use a bit of TLC.

 

Get ready for disappointment. This is trucking and stuff breaks. That 700k mile truck could need a rebuild before that million mile truck. Maintance records and paperwork is the key to buying a good used truck. Without records it isn't even worth the minutes on your cell phone.