Tractor First, Right?

Ok, 1999 w900 kw. 1mm cat engine modifyed ( I use three different serial # when I work on the engine) 22918 spd. Spl drive line. 46 rears on neway suspension 4:11 ratio. I'm not double framed because I don't need it with a short wheelbase (271in) modified front cross member for dragging in and out of mud. ( but I don't use it unless all other options are exhausted) 84 inch 5th wheel slider 52 inch high 5th wheel. Reason for that is swing clearence on rear fenders and tires. 14000 lb front axle modified springs and spindles. Let me see..... oh 4 row radiator with 80 tubes per row staggered for better heat disapation. Trans cooler mounted in front of radiator for better temp control. I have cross members every 2 ft after trans. This helps with minimizing frame flexing. There is all kinds of ways to go on building a heavyhaul truck. It is just how much you want to spend and how extreme you want to go to fit the job. Oh almost forgot I have a pusher axle rated at 25000 lbs. Air up air down controlled axle spacing of 55 inches.

 

Clutch forgot the clutch. I use a Lipe clutch, but it has been modified as well. Can handle up to 4000 ft lbs of tourqe. My knee is sore at the end of the day. LOL

 

The person to answer that would be @rank. The E was the first Cat I had experience with. In the 90s, at the beginning of the horsepower war, I was a huge fan of the 12.7 500 Detroit.

 

B and c models are good. I like the E- models more. In order of preference if the serial # starts with 2ws, 1mm, 7cz, 6nz, mbn, bxs, mxs, nxs. The last three are acert engines.if you come across the early e-models of 5ek, 6ts, 5ds, or 1lw don't be afraid of them.

 

I don't think you'll have to worry about coming across a 3406A powered heavy spec truck that's work ready (or even driveable lol). I think '82 was the last year of the 3406A's. They had 2 different variations. Earlier ones had pre-cups and the later ones were direct injected. 3406A I don't believe had a jake option, only the retarder (which normally leaks like a sieve).

Personally, if I were ever to buy a truck for work, these would be my specs (bearing in mind I like to be versatile):

14,600 steer axle.
46k rears, 3.90 ratio, full lockups.
Neway air ride.
3/8" frame rail thickness.
Minimum 475 hp.
18 speed.

 

The acert engines are in a simple word problematic. Compared to the E models. That's my opinion. Vvas, studs fail high comp pistons that make headgasket fail prematurely. I don't know what your needing in a truck. If you are going to run in the woods alot short wb and sturdy specs. Down the road not so much. To do both. There is a fine line on spec in a truck. Alot also depends on who drives it. The trucks I have built over the years need to have the right driver. When I have sold one I have derated them to survive. Some have others not so much because the boys around my area know me and think they know how to drive them. Most of the time it is a failed atempt.

 

Belive it or not, I had a 1980 model pete cab over double bunk that had an A - model with jake and retarder. LOVED that combo. Hardly wore the brakes out.