Rob

They are used quite extensively in the Australian outback, and roads of New Zealand because of the extra "vortice" they create around the windscreen, (windshields to us "yanks"). Really are quite effective at keeping the glass clean. Rob

The 1693 would not be original to the truck. Mack purchased four 1693TA series engines from Caterpillar and they were all in the 1977-1978 timeframe. Only three trucks were built and all were RL series for the Western markets. My RL is the sole remainder of the three trucks built. There are no records of the first engine's disposition and I surmise it was used for fitment purposes. As per the engine serial number(s) break downs: The second engine was installed into the first chassis, the third engine installed into the second chassis, (mine) and the fourth engine being installed into the third chassis. Both other chassis have been wrecked and long off the records. Be interesting to see another 1693TA installed into an R, or variant to see how they made it fit as this engine is "tight" under the hood. Rob

That truck will require a Rockwell FF-901 series front steer axle. A standard Mack steer axle will not work as the spring spacing is incorrect. I'd think the axle will be easier to locate out your way rather than back east due to popularity at the time. I'd get front brakes on it regardless if it were mine. All of the RL series that I've seen had Rockwell steer axles. Rob

I'd bet that small quad is stronger than the New Venture trans that is used in the new Dodge trucks. It is definately heavier than the old New Process four, and five speed transmissions used prior to the new ZF gearboxes. I'm quite sure it would hold up well if your weren't trying to lift the left front wheel with a hot throttle. You'd spend quite a chunk to get the proper SAE #1 flywheel housing and input shaft to fit the TR72XX series trans behind the Cummins. Rob

Not being able to find a trailer to fit my needs priced fair, I've decided to purchase a drop van on air, build one using the suspension, then use the box for my daughters horse needs storage. Can't believe I'm running out of space in my shop but can't let nothing good sit outside. This trailer is located in Grand Rapids MI and I will need to contract getting it hauled down to my place outside of Peoria, IL. Any members on the board interested before I put the job out for bid? It is roadworthy with good tires. PM me with any interest. Thanks, Rob

Yup, further proof there ain't nothing wrong with them Dodges. Nice truck, it could come here but I'd really be in trouble then. Rob

Was pulling my RL out of the shop once and barely moving when I did that. Very violent engagement when it slams into reverse. I can see how the teeth would come off if done repeatedly. As nice and smooth as this transmission is on up, and downshifts in both forward and reverse gears, it is a fine piece of engineering to me. Rob

That's casual. Rob

I'm colorblind. I only see black, white, and shades of green such as Mack, and Dollars!! Rob

Something about the first job he ever got.......... Rob

Prolly ought to try that. Do they have breakfast buffets? Can't be too far away from food you know. Rob

Well I'm borderline stupid. I have several Macks; Can't drive none of em. And I always sleep across the front seat when traveling. Rob

The only one I've dealt with was a tractor. I wanted the air ride setup so I removed everything. It was a lot easier to remove the crossmember from the frame once the cab was clear but taking the bags, (both blown) off wasn't that bad with nothing in the way. A hoist frame would definately be a bitch to work around. Rob

Use a porta power to elevate the rear of the cab and then block it in position. It is a LOT easier to do with the cab up high rather than squatting in the rear. There are bolts on the top and bottom that must be removed and the bag will slip out. There is tension due to them being rubber composition, but the job can be done with a little effort. Rob

First off welcome to the forum. I'm quite sure you will like it here and all are welcome. If that is your artwork, you should look to draw some of the members' trucks as it is quite good. I know I'd be interested in having a couple of mine done. Rob

Thanks Herb, when my hard drive died a couple months ago I had lost that link you'd sent earlier. Getting the rears out of the B67 this weekend. Finally back on my feet after wrenching my back Tuesday at work. Thanks, Rob

As usual, "Da Man" gets to fixing the problem as soon as it's known. Thanks, Rob

Oh I know about some of the dealers too. Take Twin Bridges Mack in Bettendorf, IA for example: I don't darken their door step because of betrayal. It's kinda like this: they order a little over $400.00 in parts wrong for one of my wreckers, lose the returns, and refuse to credit my account. Arguing gets me nowhere as I dropped the parts at the counter when they were extremely busy and did not get a return receipt. Now they get free advertisement, and a complete loss of business from me. Rob PS: If you can go over and rattle Greg's cage to get him to at least let us know he's still alive. Thx.

What are your plans for the busted one? I have a 1070b that has problems also and would like to have another for spare parts as that damned thing is expensive to repair!! Thanks, Rob

Hey Ken, call Barry, Tracey, or any of the others at the counter direct. That's a great bunch of guys and they don't mind looking for you while on the phone. Rob

That darned Mike.........

I got some o dem dar tie dye patterns left ofer um da 70's to. Wouldn't want you to be anything but "uptown cool" cause people might look at you funny. Rob

Sure, and I'll send you a video of my See Food. Rob

Unless you drive a Pete for a living, (in between repair spells). Then you NEED an air ride cab. What else is there to cushion the ride when all the air is out of the seat to sit on the floor????? Rob Rob

This is very true but the HFB70 series box will be quite a bit more costly and requires a little frame modification to mount. The existing frame will need two holes welded up and then reboring as the later gear has a different mounting pattern. The cost will be greater in the used market also. If the truck is to be worked it very well may be worth the extra cost and effort to install the larger gear as the HF64 always seemed to leak. I have three and they all leak. Rob