Rob

Tried to send the files to you in a pm also with no joy. I have a hard time figuring out a persons equipment problem if it is not accurately described. Just exactly what does "sumbish" equate to????? Rob

I maintain a lot of batteries at work and have wanted to post a chart like this for quite some time; Just never remember to do it. Well, Santa left me a new rolling manual battery charger/booster and it came with this little chart which is very close to what I use daily. It is geared toward a charge rate of 50 amperes, but using the calculation with your recorded number(s) substituted will yield the results you need. Above all remember this: Under NO circumstances allow a wet cell battery to exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit at any time while under charging current! Monitor temperature with a glass thermometer, or non contact thermometer! I cannot stress this enough as the likelyhood of battery explosion increases exponentially above this temperature. Ensure adequate ventilation is provided for the "gassing" that will take place also. Remove the caps, or lids, if possible. Periodically monitor the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a battery hydrometer that is temperature compensated for correct reading(s). A specific gravity reading is 1.265 when the battery is considered "fully charged". This is the target number you are looking to achieve. I'm posting this in a .pdf file so anyone can print it off at will. If anyone wants a more detailed proceedure to service batteries, I can provide that but this formulation works well and is effective for the occasional user. Hope someone finds this of use! Rob

Sometimes I wish my recollections were of less trivial garbage that clouds clear thinking. Rob

I feel like I'm being picked on...... Rob

Hi Barry, the gallery problem is not 100%. It works as it should sometimes. I was able to change my avatar without issue later in the day after we had spoke. Rob ps: Thought I was locked out so others could pick on me in my absence!

You're quite welcome but these are based upon a 40,000# order so less weight may be a bit higher. Rob

Good friends of mine here in town build sawmill equipment and I get all my steel through them. Last month structural steel, (hot rolled) "C" channel, 4", A36 grade, was nearly .73 per pound. Last week it was down to .64 per pound. "I", or "W" beam , or "H" beam is a bit less but dropping also. Tubing is by far the most expensive and though less in cost, still hovers around .70 per pound. Forcasts from suppliers is that it will continue to decline for awhile unless the economy starts to move and consumption increases in this area. These prices are still over double from what they were two years ago when scrap prices started their rapid escalation. Rob

Hey there Dave. I would like to personally welcome you to my corner of insanity!! You will fit right in. Just don't take anything personal. This is a great place to be with plenty of knowledge, (and bullshit) to go round!! Rob

Scott: I was just thinking that when you release your dogs' testicles from the icepack they are currently encased in, he is gonna be pissed! Might want to use a broom handle or something with length because when he begins to thaw and the ache sets in, he prolly aint gonna be in too good of mood. Just a fellow Mack enthusiest expressing concern for your well being! Happy Holidays, Rob

Right Guard? I haven't used a product like that for years. El Natural is the only way Momma and I go. Don't need no stinkin deodorant! Perspiration is the bodys' "natural" way of contolling it's own temperature. It's the essence of foot stench that I must deal with routinely. Momma refuses to use the absorbtion power of baking soda on her feet cause it makes her toenails "taste funny". Rob

Are you talking structural steel beams, or fabricated? Around here the price on structural steel continues to drop, (that is good). Rob

Well, it is cleaner than I for sure. It has been so cold here that we've restricted our bathing to every other Saturday till spring to save fuel for the stove. Happy Holidays to you also. Rob

Everything looks good from here; page even seems to load a little faster than it used to. Rob

I'm sure none are 100% as "Hollywood" portrays them to be. It is all a game for dollars. Let them "stray" from their chosen path of progression and their support/backing wanes. I'll stay with "Momma" till I pass on in this life. I know the feelings of the heart that beats in her chest, as well as I do my own. I look at neither actress as attractive, (to me). There is so much more to being attractive than physical attributes. That, while obscure in thought, is "No Shit". Rob

I haven't started my "yella dog" for about a month. Had to "rob" the batteries from it when I brought the latest RL home. Getting real tired of buying group 31 batteries for every truck that shows up round here, (I've bought over a dozen in the last year) but I'm gonna get her running this afternoon to thaw. Plugged the ole block heater in this morning so should be ready to go. Getting real tired of winter real fast also. Rob

Only tools and parts count. Socks, underwear, neckties, other articles of clothing, and personal hygene products do not. I always get just a lump of coal, (deservingly so I must admit). Rob

Neither have I. Rob

I second the motion and expect it to carry with all "Ayes" or you'll get to deal with "Momma"; (you best agree cause dealing with her ain't pretty). Happy Holidays to each and every one! Rob

Well, back at cha there. Always glad to have people that appreciate the finest trucks on the planet here. Got some good mechanics that will steer you correctly on how to make that truck live. Welcome to the sight. Rob

Garth: When you were complaining of cronic constipation, I meant I would mail the remedy directly to YOU! One thing is for sure; There are enough assholes around here and I really can't use another!!!! Appreciate the effort and hope you have a great holiday season! Rob

You have an MS-250 series of truck. You could look for a axle from a medium duty IH chassis, (1700 or 4700 series) as both had hydraulic brakes. The air over hydraulic operation is not handled by the axle but rather on the truck. The brakes at the axle are operated the same as something with conventional hydraulic brakes. On your frame up by the cab will be a hydraulic master cylinder with an air assist assembly on the front of it. When you push on the brake pedal, the air assist pushes on the master cylinder causing hydraulic pressure in the brakes. Not a bad system as it takes very little foot pressure to stop a heavy load and is not as expensive as a complete air brake system. Any installer can move the spring mount perches on the axle to where you need them. Mine were 40 inches center of spring to center of spring. The frame width was 34 inches which is very standard. Most any salvage yard that deals with trucks should be able to set you up appropriately. Ensure that your replicate your drive pinion angle(s). Rob

I would use an Eaton, or Rockwell rear axle under the truck. That Renault axle is expensive to work with, especially the planetary reduction ones. I'm surprised it gave trouble unless run low on lubricant. The frame spacing is pretty standard, (34") and axels are readily available in the ratio you would like with the 335mm bolt circle to retain the wheels. If you use another axle be sure to annotate it's information someplace for when you need brake parts etc. as the vin number lookup will be of no use any longer for the rear end. Rob

I'll pitch in $5.00 to start. Rob

That is an MS series of truck. Sorry but I have no experience with them. My CS series of truck, (conventional hood) had the blower motor just in front of the driver under the hood, mounted sideways. Rob

Wonder if he's thinking: Man, if that don't just frost my balls! I'm sure he doesn't mind a bit. Rob