Tractor First, Right?

Not sure, but it would keep up with us. Same with the paccar motors. Based on the year it would have been an isx

 

8LL is a fav of triaxle dumps and loggers around the northeast (I'm not a fan) according to the fellows I know that have them "there's less shifting and enough gear to get going and maintain momentum off-road"
(From what I understand the LL on a 8 speed matches the speed of the pacer box as well which is good for the equipment when paving up or down hill)

If you're off road up logging paths quite a bit you want a stout tranny that will limit the abuse possible on it if you have anything but experienced hands running your equipment.

 

I've heard about an 8LL a buddy of mine that has a sod business has one in their truck. What exactly is it?

 

We have 2 trucks with 8LL trans in them. As you know a 13 speed for example, gives you the ability to shift your thumb button ( direct / OD ) ONLY when you have shifted into HI range. On a 8LL, the thumb button gives you LO / LO LO, and the normal flip button for LO / HI range. While in LO on the 8 LL you can shift the thumb button forward to go into LO LO, basically like shifting your 4X4 pickup into LO on the transfer case, once you shift into LO LO it locks out the front LO / HI button, you cannot shift it. Just like a 13 SPD locks the thumb button ( DIR / OD ) when you shift the front button into LO. For pulling heavy in bad conditions they are very good, or for the extra slow speed if needed. In a sense they are similar to having a normal 8 SPD with an auxiliary transmission if that makes sense lol. Of course a 18spd or a 5X4 twin stick would be good for heavy and off road too in my experience of them in the drilling business. And I'm not talking drilling in Texas where it is flat, here in WV with a D7 hooked to you helping drag the drill into location. The 5X4 we had in the twin screw Louisville with a C-P rotary drill on it, did a fine job, all the lower gears we needed and highway speed when needed. With the right gears / differentials a 8 LL is hard to beat. When I'm Hirailing on the tracks, the 8LL in the Freightshaker gives me ability to go into lower gears and move equipment / trailer around at slower speeds when workers are standing close by.

 

Nate, can you show him a better pic of your truck? With a big load behind it?

 

I ran that model transmission all 48 and Canada for years. On road, off-road, wherever. It doesn't have the deep reduction, but unless you're pulling lots heavier than 100k, or just like to have the ability to change the rotation of the earth, the low gears on a 13 will suffice.

 

It's a heavy duty 9 speed with deep reduction, but unlike a 13 speed you can't split the gears and unlike a 15 speed your not supposed to use the deep reduction in anything but low. A 9LL you can use deep reduction in low and 1st.

 

Looks like your average highway truck doesn't it? Spec'd right where it counts and goes off-road on a regular basis right now unfortunately... lol

D9
http://s567.photobucket.com/user/nate980/media/7DA14F15-7958-45F2-8333-47CE371D5B21_zpsp292xgbu.jpg.html][/URL]

Up over 180k
http://s567.photobucket.com/user/nate980/media/72119271-A0BF-43AC-900D-961F48F4E4CD_zpsm9mhxxz2.jpg.html][/URL]

 

Personally I dislike 15 speed trannies- whether direct or with. Single .86 final od: you have essentially 13 available gear ratios.

Irregardless of my likes n dislikes, for on and off-road applications with considerable weight:
8LL
9LL
13
18

Are what I would consider the options for the service you want to put said truck into.
With the right operator, near any transmission will work. Some will last longer than others: but that's true with anything: all dependent on operator.

475(+) hp
1850(+) torque
46k full locker rear differential
16k(+) front axle
Pusher(?)

Heavy frame