Freightrain

Yup, I had all but 3 top leafs cut to make just spacers. They were all original leafs. I'll say that you likely won't notice a difference just bobtailing. Still won't be enough weight on it to make them move. Only after I put my trailer on it(3K lbs on the pin) did it actually make the springs move. It rode fairly nice with the trailer on. Only after about 10 yrs did I finally break a leaf(55yr old springs weren't meant to move that much). I then had new top ones made and then just a couple years later I put air ride on it. I did this modification after meeting a fellow with a B model and did the same with, only with new leafs to begin with. He pulled a 5er camper with it so he needed to soften it up as to not break the camper into pieces. I was in the same boat at the time with my race trailer. After I stretched the truck and put air ride on it, I found that even bobtailing it still isn't that great with air ride. Only with the trailer does it soften it down and ride nice. The biggest difference in ride came from the addition of 5ft to the wheelbase. It took the "buck" out of the ride.

Was thinking about this on my way back from Pittsburgh last night. They put 275 and 320 supercharged Cummins in LTLs so why is the mack 300 any worse? As long as it is not a Maxidyne version?

That is why I was originally looking for a 250 motor. This 300 just fell in my lap(when I call the guy next week). I can always detune it a touch. I'd like to have it all though. Will just have to see how it pans out.

True. Thus why I HATE my AOD. It shifts way too early, you have no 2nd gear selection on the column. You have to play with it to get it to do what you want. Thus.........I'm putting a stick in it.

If you have to ask, you don't want to know!!! I remember buying my CC DRW PSD 6spd for under $30K loaded up. I think they will be near triple that now.

A cab, budd wheels and round tanks. Just what I need. Ugh shipping would kill me.

Heat kills an automatic. Make sure to put an additional cooler on it somehow. If the 'burb is a non computer truck, then I would stick with a non computer transmission. Why deal with a controller? The old cable operated versions work fine. With some simple upgrades I'm sure it will handle anything you will throw at it. Again, heat kills, so towing is a killer on them no matter what. The Ford AOD was a POS when it came out. Now they put them in 8 second turbo cars. It has all come a long way. Though I'm with you..........give a third pedal and let ME choose! I'm working on gathering up the last few pieces to put the mazda 5spd in my '89 F150. I hate that AOD!! It's nice to chuck in gear and go, but hate the way they programmed the shifting on it.

With a double over, the 5.02 will likey be really close. My single over triplex with 4.62 would go ~65 flat out with 22.5" rubber. If you have tall rubber, it will gain a couple more.

It was destroyed in a fire so I'm thinking the picture might be kinda grim.

I got my from local Mack dealer 15 yr ago. Likely not still available. Try watts, Barry might have a line for it.

Nice. I saw an ad locally for 237/5spd for the same kind of money. Didn't jump on it. That has a drum brake on the back> when did they stop putting those on??

I planned on using my truck, thus I wanted the upgrades(without having to do it myself at the time). Granted, that is not for everyone. So yes, not a deal breaker for everyone.

Maxi Brakes are spring brakes. Very easy to tell. If the truck still has a big hand brake handle in front of the seat, keep looking. The rear axle will have large coffee can sized air chambers that are the spring brakes. MUCH better holding power then the hand brake. There will be a control knob on the dash that controls them. They were mandated in the 60's, but many of these old B models still have hand brakes if they weren't used commercially.

That is why I might leave the clutch alone? That will be my "power limiter"? Not that I want to wear it out too fast but just have to watch as I drive it. I also don't want to lunch a transmission in the middle of nowhere. I'll likely go through the clutch to make sure I don't have problems from the get go as it is 60 yrs old.

Welcome to the board. See, EVERYONE is just willing to jump in and take care of ANY problems you might have. LOL!!! Have fun with it.

Ya, would be nice not to have to buy a transmission too. My buddy was raving about the power and how it lugs down and just pulls. I told him.....nope, can't do that. Have to just drive it easy, keep the rpms up. That single countershaft(um, well 60yr old single countershaft) box will not put up with double the torque input. No doubt would not hate having a nice 12 spd in there that I would not be afraid to "lean on it" and go when I want to. Don't want to get my hopes going too far, too quick. Haven't even seen the motor yet. I am giddy though......

I am also worried about by aux box. It will have to likely get replaced with a carrier bearing as it won't put up with this kind of power. Sad if I have to go from 3 sticks to 1. Ugh. But..........if I have power to run with the big dogs I guess I can make exceptions........ I guess I could sell my 673/triplex/aux for a few bucks to recoup? Will my stock radiator put up with it? Not that I'm running the mountains with 80K lbs.

He didn't say what variety. I'll find out when I get there. I had thoughts of maybe detuning it into a 250? (remove cooler), especially if it is a Maxidyne version. I would definitely get the pump reset. Steve, I kinda figured I might have issues with a triplex. I don't plan on lugging it as I know what will happen. Unless I can come up with a late model trans REAL cheap I will have to make due. Just keep the revs up over 1500 and drive it carefully. I only pull my race trailer and it is 14K lbs. Not that I want to get rid of my sticks, but might have to in the best interest.

Okay guys, I have a line on a motor. Will be looking at it in a couple weeks. I know the basics, but have a few questions that are rattling around in my head. Will my 673 clutch survive? I don't have any plans to pull heavy, but if I at least freshen mine would it hold the power? Not sure if motor has bellhousing, but figure I'll use mine to allow me to use my clutch. It will also allow me to leave starter down on passenger side. I know I will have to use my water pump. Do I recall something about the front motor mount? Will I have to bolt mine on? I'm really psyched if this all works out. After all these years I'll be able to pull hills without having to run 75 down one side to run 45 up the other.

Welcome to the board. Yup. If you are not a body man, then try to find one that is from a dry climate. I put a new floor in my truck. Not that hard to do with basic hand tools and a welder. There are NO replacement panels available so you have to make anything you need. Gearing. Find one that will run 55mph comfortably. Many won't. Maxi brakes are a plus. Those old hand brakes are not the best. Finding one already converted is good.

Well I guess that wont be going anywhere at 20 ft wide.

Tires have doubled in cost in the last 15yrs. I just put two new 22.5" Yokohoma on the front of my truck. $400+ each, plus mounting. That can be $5000 for tires on the truck alone. The trailer looks pretty solid, but likely needs a new floor AND tires. Ouch.....see where this is headed. Paint supplies have gone stupid too. I'd hate to think what it would cost to even do a quickly spray job.

Now that is badazz Paul. I'm lik'n that old beast. Looks like it is a tripod? Split tracks on the front, narrow in the back. That is something I'd like to see running again.

Welcome aboard. R models and swing fender Dodges. Cool. Just putting a guess out(don't know the model designations off my head). Looks like a detroit powered R? Twin pipes and a Farr air cleaner. Don't try to restore it and then sell it. You'll NEVER< EVER get your money back. Having them in "running" condition might help some. Couple batteries and some fresh fuel. Both trucks look pretty rust free(being in NC), that's a plus.

There was a 4.00 for them, but likely hard to come by. Mine had 4.62 originally and I felt lucky to have that.