What should I expect.

This is VERY GOOD ADVICE OP. PLEASE USE IT. I know some people think this is people pushing BS but it is not. If you have never owned an emissions truck then you need to learn before purchasing that truck. If truck was spec'd right for emissions then it might not be all bad but those miles are gonna be the bigger issue with the emission system. More than likely they did not take care of the truck and only did min maintenance on the truck.

Who was the prior owner of the truck? Was it a fleet truck? Does it have an APU on it and does it work? If not I would run regardless of how it is. Lots of idle time will kill all the emissions systems.

 

I would take a non emissions truck with heavy mechanical issues way before I got into an emissions truck with emissions issues...

Emissions crap is very expensive to repair properly. Most mechanical stuff can be repaired fairly easily by you... If you have tools, know how, and a little common sence.

 

I have an emissions truck, don’t have a choice since I’m in Commiefornia. These emissions engines are like any other engines, once you figure there peeves, maintenance, it ain’t so bad. Don’t get me wrong, they Suck big time, but it’s like any new technology that comes out, it time they figure the bugs. In reality, and hard to say……. This is the New Era(future).

 

2012 is an emissions motor. Anything 2010 and newer are emissions motors. You seem desperate, who knows why. Goodluck.

 

Got a friend who just bought a 91 Pete 379!with 3406b sounded good and no blow by when he bought it first week gallon and a half oil a day in it so be careful with whatever you get

 

Dude....that sounds even worse then the last truck....also why are you even looking at rigs with a light up check engine light? I dont CARE that they say they are working on it. Buying a truck like that means your buying someone elses junk.

Also that gearing is crap. You will have ZERO power. If you are that desperate for a truck go look at something like this.

https://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/1992-PETERBILT-379-5023646305. High miles yes but its got a Detroit 60 in it, and while rough around the edges you can get a rebuild kit for around 20-30K for it and you would be FAR more likely to succed with something like this.

Honestly i would STILL recomend against it as trucks that beat up your going to need a rebuild and a whole buncha parts ASAP. however for a local run and if your decent with a wrech i think you would be well served by that type of rig. And keep in mind that was literally the first result to pop up with a D60 under the hood. There were several others in much better condition in the 60-80 range as well as many 3406D and E models as well as several C15s and even a few N14s. Sadly i cant recomend ANY used emissions rig atm with how scarce parts are, used emissions rigs are a surefire way to lose your shirt. So either go old iron or brand new.

Honestly mate you need to step back and get your emotions out of the picture otherwise you are going to make a HORRIBLE mistake. Trust me i nearly bit the dust and that was being as cynical as i could. And guess what i got a lot of this same advice and ignored the "dont buy used emissions" bit and even checking every other box still stepped mushroom first into a wood chipper. And its MUUUUCCCCHHHH worse now.

 

Just following this thread, I have never been good with vehicle mechanics. I was hoping to look at some pre-emissions pete 379s in a couple years after I get some recent driving under my belt and some money in the bank. From what I have researched the DD60s and older cats (even rebuilt) are still going strong. With a proper maintenance account, 40 to 50k, would my idea still be viable not being a wrench turner, or am I in the pipe dream realm? This is an honest question, I have never been an O/O, but have that goal.

 

Your correct i fat finged D on my phone instead of C and didnt even notice lol. I wrote that without my eyeballs on.

 

I own two 89 Pete's and a 2000 KW. All have Cat engines.

Cons:
All trucks require maintenance, but you will need to be handy with minor repairs and simple electrical issues because older trucks require constant attention. Fuel mileage will not be as good as new trucks.

Pros:
In my experience, parts availability is still good, repairs are much simpler, there is no issue diagnosing and maintaining emission systems, no month long waiting period for sensors, and less reliance on computers. Some of the horror stories one hears are probably due to recent supply chain issues though, and likely to improve in the future.

I use our trucks in support of our construction company, and the old trucks are the most cost-effective solution for the limited number of miles that we run. In an over the road application, unless you have the passion and love for old iron, I believe you need to look at newer aerodynamic trucks.