Looking at a truck, need opinions

duunoit · Jan 31, 2008

I'm not an expediter, but you guys have more info and experience on the trucks I'm looking at than any place I've seen. I'm looking at a 1999 FL70. It has a 230hp 3126 and a spicer 7sp. I know some of you are already cringing. The truck has 448k on it. I'm planning on removing the 24' box and shortening the frame and using it to pull my boat with. The boat on the trailer weighs less than 10k lbs. The guy (dealer) said that he had the top end checked out when he bought it and that it was ok. I was planning on putting it on the dyno and having an oil analysis done on it. We're at $8450 (without any negotiating) and he will remove and keep the box. Opionions? Thanks

Chris

duunoit · Jan 31, 2008

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, the truck has a 28" sleeper that I was going to convert to additional seating.

arkjarhead · Jan 31, 2008

Do you know any truck mechanics? If you do I would try and get one that YOU trust to check it out. Just my thoughts on it. I would go get the oil analysis and dyno check done to.

duunoit · Jan 31, 2008

Joe,

I'm guessing from the screen name you're a former Marine? Me, too. I was a 3051 (supply). Anywho...

If it checks out, how does the money look? Thanks

Chris

cheri1122 · Jan 31, 2008

Ok, I'm not very knowledgeable on the truck you're considering, but I have towed boats, and I have a question: if you don't want the box, or the sleeper, why buy a truck? It sounds like using a shotgun to shoot a hummingbird.....

Jefferson3000 · Jan 31, 2008

I'm guessing you must be getting a killer deal on it. The conversion is going to cost something as well. Have you looked at anything that is already similar? here's one example I found:
eBay Motors: 1998 FREIGHTLINER FL 70 (item 140202974383 end time Feb-02-08 22:29:45 PST)

arkjarhead · Jan 31, 2008

Yeah I was an 0331 (machinegunner) unitl I got hurt then I became a 1369 and they sent me to the mailroom. I can't tell you what a 1369 is on the public forum but if you really want to know you can pm me and I'll tell you. It's a little profane and we got to keep it clean in case a kid finds his way here. Semper Fi and Lou Rawls.

duunoit · Jan 31, 2008

Jefferson3000 said:
I'm guessing you must be getting a killer deal on it. The conversion is going to cost something as well. Have you looked at anything that is already similar? here's one example I found:
eBay Motors: 1998 FREIGHTLINER FL 70 (item 140202974383 end time Feb-02-08 22:29:45 PST)

The frame shortening is going to cost me $500 with a new driveshaft. Like I said we're at $8450 right now (he has it listed for $8950 and said that he'd credit me $500 if he kept the box). I would think that it could be bought for $7500-$8000. The one I'm looking at is the blue one. I would be converting it to something like the white one.

duunoit · Jan 31, 2008

arkjarhead said:
Yeah I was an 0331 (machinegunner) unitl I got hurt then I became a 1369 and they sent me to the mailroom. I can't tell you what a 1369 is on the public forum but if you really want to know you can pm me and I'll tell you. It's a little profane and we got to keep it clean in case a kid finds his way here. Semper Fi and Lou Rawls.

Yeah, that probably shouldn't be said here

greg334 · Jan 31, 2008

OK, two questions -

Have you ever driven a truck before with this trans?

Have you ever driven a truck before?

Here is my advice, forget that one. I would look for one with an Allison transmission because the spicer would be a pain to pull a boat with. There are plenty of them out there with small boxes and allisons and a sleeper can be put on them cheap without having to mess with the frame. The transmission will make it a better ride and you may find one with Air Ride which will make it a better truck.

As for the frame shortening, does that include an alignment by a good reputable shop. No matter if it shorten or lengthen, the alignment is very critical to the longevity of the tires and drive line. Don't fall for the cheap cut and re-weld stuff, that will mess everything up and be unsafe.

bluejaybee · Jan 31, 2008

If you like the truck, I would say the price is in the right range. Of course the cheaper you can get it, the better the deal. My only thought is the shortening of the frame. It is no big job anymore, but, if not done by a quality tech, it can turn out to be a nightmare. I would not be afraid of the truck nor the shortening job. Go for it.

piper1 · Jan 31, 2008

Spicer 7 sp with those miles is going to turn into an anchor for your boat very soon.

duunoit · Feb 1, 2008

Here's one of my other options..

1997 WG42T 618k on a M11 330hp with a RTX-13710C. This was a Penske truck. I can get in it pretty right considering it has already been setup.

duunoit · Feb 1, 2008

bluejaybee said:
If you like the truck, I would say the price is in the right range. Of course the cheaper you can get it, the better the deal. My only thought is the shortening of the frame. It is no big job anymore, but, if not done by a quality tech, it can turn out to be a nightmare. I would not be afraid of the truck nor the shortening job. Go for it.

Post Trailer here in Knoxville is highly recommended. Also Landmark International gave me the same quote.

duunoit · Feb 1, 2008

greg334 said:
OK, two questions -

Have you ever driven a truck before with this trans?

Have you ever driven a truck before?

Here is my advice, forget that one. I would look for one with an Allison transmission because the spicer would be a pain to pull a boat with. There are plenty of them out there with small boxes and allisons and a sleeper can be put on them cheap without having to mess with the frame. The transmission will make it a better ride and you may find one with Air Ride which will make it a better truck.

As for the frame shortening, does that include an alignment by a good reputable shop. No matter if it shorten or lengthen, the alignment is very critical to the longevity of the tires and drive line. Don't fall for the cheap cut and re-weld stuff, that will mess everything up and be unsafe.

This truck is the first one I've driven with this trans. The guy has another one with an Allison in it that could be bought for the same price. It has almost identical miles, but the motor is rated at 210.

The shortening does include an alignment.

Rocketman · Feb 1, 2008

My guess is that the Volvo is by far the best truck simply because it has the M11 engine in it. That CAT 3126 has the potential to be a boat anchor itself. Although all engines have the possibility of becoming boat anchors, the Cummins M11's have a good reputation. The Cat 3126 has a terrible reputation.

The Volvo gets my vote for best set up...but it's ugly as sin from the pics your posting though. The pickup bed just don't look right on there to me. A well built western hauler package and it would probably look pretty sharp...my opinion of course

.

duunoit · Feb 2, 2008

What about driving it like it is (FL70 with the 7sp) and then swapping a 8.3 in it when it fails?

Jefferson3000 · Feb 2, 2008

One reason the 3126 has a bad rep is due to the way it has been used in expedite. 3126 works fine on machinery that requires constant RPM. It becomes a problem when you stuff that engine into a Class 7 truck that is carrying 13000 pounds up and down through PA, and push it more than it can bear. It has a tendency to over heat. If you're not working it that hard pulling your boat, it might work out alright. I had not thought about an auto vs manual while pulling a boat, but Greg has a great point. Unless you're really swift with a manual, the auto will be much better on your boat as well as the truck.

Finally, my recommendation would just be to find a truck that is already set up the way you want. There are plenty of these "western hauler" style FLs as well as others brands out there. No need to play a round of "Flip This Truck."

Fr8 Shaker · Feb 2, 2008

First of all let me start out by saying I'm sorry. Now with that out of the way the saying that comes to mind is, " more money then brains" Why not just buy yourself a 1 ton pickup or a 1 ton dually pickup either would do just fine for that little amount of weight to tow.
The only reason that I can think of that you would want to do the thing with the FL 70 is the need to be noticed! or you know that envy thing. Besides you would get better mileage with the pickup.