Rob

Assuming the mechanical tachometer is 1/2 way accurate, about 2000rpm. Rob

I'm a believer in the tire balance powder and run it in all steer tires at a minimum. I've heard the "Centramatics" work well also, but I've no experience with them as most of my medium and heavy carriers had Dayton hubs. The two midliner Macks used the "Equal" and yielded excellent tire life. Rob

Thanks Mike, I suppose the mechanical speedometer is somewhat accurate then. The truck is a 1980 model. It has Budd hubs on the front, and five spoke Dayton's on the rear. Were 22" rims prevelant that late? All eight of the drives are Accuride rims, (8.25X24.5) and were made in August, 1995, so known not original to the truck. All the tire are are Kumho, and General radials in good condition. Rob

I should send "Momma" off to Conneticut to visit. Just mention you have a Mack and you'll no longer need to worry about getting your balls busted. Rob

This new R612 truck that I have has an E6-315 engine, RTO-12513 transmission, 3.87 rears, on 11RX24.5 rubber. Got to play for a couple of hours with it today and have made some discoveries. The trans shifts very crisp and precise as is the clutch in operation. There is no noise from the throwout bearing, or driveline. Down the hiway almost against the governor, the speedometer is reading right at 75mph. I'm wondering how close it is. There is no abnormal shaking at any speed, nor does the truck ride exceptionally rough. The winch really has a grinding sound when the cable is run out, or in. The problem is traced to all four pillow block bearings supporting the jackshafts that support the chain sprockets for driving the winch are just plain flat worn out. I don't think they have had any grease for quite some time although there are plenty of zerk fittings. The seam sealer is busted up pretty bad in the rain gutter so that will need replaced and I'll probably paint the roof as there is surface rust needing cleaned up. The rooftop clearance lamps are in bad shape but I have new OEM ones I may use. I can get used to the power steering. Rob

Congrats to the new couple. Yes, your attire is a bit different from the norm. The third photo brings back reality. Rob

Kinda "tacky" looking in my opinion. Rob

Hey Mike, your post here is a bit off the "beaten path" when mentioning an R model is becoming extinct and the parts are difficult to come by. The dealer's do want you to patronize thier businesses, it's just there are sometimes parts that are no longer supported. Any R 68X series of truck is well supported in the aftermarket with the powertrain this truck has. This is not in any fashion true. I don't see accuracy in your forcast of the truck eventually is sold after sitting in the shed, due to the owner "licking his wounds" being unable to show well. If I had that truck in my corral, and the other makes also, there is no doubt which would be my favorite and several on this board would concurr. Please clarify your thoughts. Rob

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/florida/suspect-denies-owning-cocaine-his-butt

That very quote has been mounted on my office wall for over 20 years. Rob

Nice looking truck up to the tasks asked of it. Rob

Grade 8 "shoulder bolts" are available in the aftermarket but not usually in the size you need for trucks. I purchased a "Hougen" magnetic drill press for this operation with 2" deep cutters. After locating suspension and such, and clamping securely, you then drill through everything with the correct size cutter for the bolt. Quite simple that way and if doing more than a single chassis in one's lifetime, is worth the tooling cost(s). Use hardened fasteners including the flat washers and I like red "Loctite" as assurance. Rob

Well lookee here, A Mack dragging several tons of train and Peterbilts!!!! Rob

Soooooo, they were worth every penny????? Rob

When did the hard molded plastic dash replace the padded dash in the R models? Mine is gray, hard plastic, and the rt. gauge panel is more curved than the padded dash. The speedo and tach are also much more "fleet" looking than the standard gauges of the late 70's, and early to mid 80's. Rob

Haven't checked prices anyplace. Also didn't know Watt's had them. Rob

I can't remember who it was in Ohio that had made the vent window seals a few years ago. Anybody remember? Seems like Steele Rubber Co. out of the Carolina's did not fit so well but like my 28" waistline, the memory is shot to hell. Rob

Having prices that are in line would be an excellent first step. I sure hate when people join this site solely to "hawk their wares". My vote: Ban him. Rob

No problem Thad. What I actually do is install a ball valve into the tank. I then install a quik disconnect air fitting into the ball valve. This flows air and charges the system quickly as there is no valve core for restriction. After the system is aired up, shut the ball valve, and remove the air line. This latest truck is the only one that doesn't have the setup, yet. Rob

Man that looks tempting but I'd have to work it for justification to own. Right now I'm so broke that if it cost a nickel to shit, I'd have to vomit. Sooo, I'd better pass. Really is up my alley too. Thanks, Rob

Naw, but I have been "layin low" since that event. Planning to keep it that way for a bit. Not certain what physical anatomy I'd choose to lose when she finds out. Rob

What a Real Woman Does... A real woman is a man's best friend. She will never stand him up and never let him down. She will reassure him when he feels insecure and comfort him after a bad day. She will inspire him to do things he never thought he could do; to live without fear and forget regret. She will enable him to express his deepest emotions and give in to his most intimate desires. She will make sure he always feels as though he's the most handsome man in the room and will enable him to be the most confident, sexy, seductive, and invincible. No wait... sorry... I'm thinking of beer. That's what beer does... Never mind....

That would sure be something to have and show now. Never seen a combination like it before. Thanks, Rob

They make custom stuff too. Rob

www.rockfordrigging.com and www.webriggingsupply.com Both places offer very high quality USA produced products, or cheap import stuff but still good quality. Rob