What are the miniumum engine specs to look for?

It depends on a number of factors. Mainly what and where you pull. If it's a box or reefer, go with a condo. All 48, I would look for a thirteen speed. Motor wise, if you don't care about getting to the top first or fastest, a Detroit will be just fine. For rears, I would take 3.70s just because I had them on my second truck and think they are good. They are high enough to get over hills well, but low enough to run fast across the desert. Then again, I also had a cat in that truck. The Detroit will be a good first motor, especially a 12.7 thanks to Schneider. There are tons of shops and parts available for them. Truck wise go kenworth or freightliner. For freightliner get any one will do unless you want mpg. Then get a century, Columbia, or Coronado. Kenworth wise go T2000 or t600, unless you don't care about mpg get a w900. The t2000 is a good truck and parts are easy to find because there are so many.

 

A freightliner will fall apart, but is the cheapest to run............

 

I know the dd13 has the power to pull a hill at a respectable pace. They pump out more HP per liter than the big motors. And with light carbon block to boot!

it all goes out the window when some big company bean counter has a say in how the ecm should be programed.

 

For fuel economy i would suggest a 3.36. rear end with a 13 speed. It keeps your rpm lower at crusing speed saving fuel, but being able to split gears wont sacrifice much pulling power.

 

Don't step over the socialist (possibly gay) liberals without giving them a second look. If they pay a good or great rate, I'm sure you could learn to like them. Your bank account doesn't discriminate.

 

I agree a freightliner is an awful choice. I have a 1994 FLb Frieghtliner that Is getting its 2nd overhaul now at a little over 2 million miles. Same transmission rears and clutch for the 13 years I have had it.3406c cat will have somewhere between 750 to 800 horsepower this time. Like the man said Frieghtliners will fall apart and Detroit is the engine to have? The 1st overhaul was a little over 600 horsepower and it only lasted 900 thousand miles. Stay away from freightliner and caterpillar.