nfreema5 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 I've been trying to figure out for the longest time what the difference between a Mack CH and CL is, e.g. a CH613 vs. a CL613. I know the CL series was offered with Cummins and CAT power in the CL733 and 53, but can't see any other differences Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
smorse54 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 HI, a CH was built on it's own frame wheras a CL is basically a CH cab and a long CH hood mounted on a RW(Superliner 2) chassis. That is why the CL could accomidate Cats,Cummins, and of course the Mack E9 as did the RW. Hope this is helpful. Steve 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104273 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Ch was more the road tractor and not really a severe service truck. Such as not having the heavy Axles for off road. Where the Cl is a severe service unit. Bigger axles and and configurations Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104279 Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxidyne237 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 When the CL came out it was offered as a "600" version for over the road applications. I do not think the lighter "600" versions were available towards the end of production. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104284 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreema5 Posted February 27, 2012 Author Share Posted February 27, 2012 thanks for the info everyone-Nick Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104291 Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveigou Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 In addition to what's already been stated, the CL had a 10" longer hood to accomidate the E9 and vendor engines, and it offered higher rated front and rear axles. Quote See my Flickr photostream page http://www.flickr.com/photos/96692978@N05/ Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104296 Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxidyne237 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Dave, do you know when they stopped making the CL600's ? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104344 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreema5 Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 I always assumed the CL models had heavier axles and frames, but I'm glad that is confirmed. Any idea where I could find literature on CL models? As a child of the '90s I want to restore a CL some day with a 454 Mack as a farm equipment hauler but I'm not aware of all the axles and transmissions that Mack had to offer, say between 1994-1996. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104425 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Maikshilo Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Not to change the subject but, Nick that's one sweet looking Dodge truck you have. There are a lot of CL's in northern Vt. Logging and grain haulers and low boys. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104494 Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortstack Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I like the dodge too. One just about like it in Diesel Power magazine. The colors are just reversed. Had to take another look because I thought it might be the same one. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-104570 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreema5 Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 There was a very similar truck in Diesel Power a few issues back, but with a lot of performance upgrades done to it and a pinstripe delete on the paint. I believe I remember reading the owner also lives in Ohio.As far as my truck goes, I got lucky finding this one. I had been wanting an older diesel pickup since high school since the newer trucks are so outrageously priced. I'm not crazy about Dodge trucks but on the other hand, I like the pre-'94 models and the Cummins 12-valve appealed to me more than the Navistar 7.3. After searching Craigslist for months, I found my truck and learned it was only about an hour away from where I live, so I snatched it up. Came with the custom side-pipe exhaust that you can see in the pic, but otherwise unmolested as I wanted it. With the new paint it definitely turns heads cruising around in the summertime. My only regret is that the truck has a 4 speed slushbox, but otherwise I'm very happy with it.Now if only Mack would make a light duty truck again, all my problems would be solved, but that'll be a cold day in hell.Anyway, thanks again for all the kind words and information everyone-Nick Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-105450 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 There was a very similar truck in Diesel Power a few issues back, but with a lot of performance upgrades done to it and a pinstripe delete on the paint. I believe I remember reading the owner also lives in Ohio.As far as my truck goes, I got lucky finding this one. I had been wanting an older diesel pickup since high school since the newer trucks are so outrageously priced. I'm not crazy about Dodge trucks but on the other hand, I like the pre-'94 models and the Cummins 12-valve appealed to me more than the Navistar 7.3. After searching Craigslist for months, I found my truck and learned it was only about an hour away from where I live, so I snatched it up. Came with the custom side-pipe exhaust that you can see in the pic, but otherwise unmolested as I wanted it. With the new paint it definitely turns heads cruising around in the summertime. My only regret is that the truck has a 4 speed slushbox, but otherwise I'm very happy with it.Now if only Mack would make a light duty truck again, all my problems would be solved, but that'll be a cold day in hell.Anyway, thanks again for all the kind words and information everyone-NickOut of curiousity whats so special about the pre 94 12 valve? I have the 98 12 valve. Probably one of the last ones built. I know they went to the 24 in 98 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-105493 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreema5 Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 (edited) Well your '98 is considered by most Dodge Cummins guys to be the best of the 12 valves, since it comes with the P7100 injector pump and the upgraded interior that Dodge introduced that year.The pre '94s aren't powerhouses since they came with Bosch VE rotary injector pumps, which can only handle about 300hp safely. But there are a few advantages to the 89-93 "first gen" trucks.First, those early engines allegedly are no different than the ones put into tractors, excavators, etc. so the internals are a bit stronger than later 12 valves put into Dodge trucks. In addition, the 89-93 trucks with the Cummins have a lot more room underneath the hood to work with; all the valves and injectors can be easily reached for adjustments which is a little tougher to do on later Dodge models.Also, the 89-93 models came with the Chrysler 727 Torqueflite, which Mopar guys tell me dates all the way back to the 1950s. They're really stout transmissions that had no problem handling the torque of the Cummins, having been used in most Mopar muscle cars of the '60s and '70s. In '91 Dodge offered the A518, which is just a Torqueflite with an overdrive gear. It's the automatic transmissions that Dodge used in the following years that were so notorious for problems, so the '89-'93 trucks seemed to be the best choice as a work truck, at least for me.Lastly, I've just noticed from my own experience that the earlier trucks don't seem to rust as quickly as the newer ones, but there's any number of reasons why that could be and it might very well have to do with how the owner maintains their vehicles rather than the build quality.What I look forward to is the next (5th) generation of Dodge diesel trucks. Mopar has really stepped up their game with build quality since Fiat took over management, especially with their interiors, which in the past have been "tombs of hard plastic". Pair that with a new 8 speed auto and I think they might have a Ford beater.-Nick Edited March 4, 2012 by nfreema5 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-105555 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Only thing I really want to do now with mine well a few things are put a more stought trans in mine. Like a 2 stick 6 but want something with a few more gears. My dad us going to be pulling a trailer and the 5 speed sucks. Hell put any kind of weight in there and take off going over an overpass and you really got to wind it out and it lugs down alot more before getting back into the power curve. Mine really starts building power at about 1900 or so. But being a 4x4 single cab I figure i need something longer to set it up how I want. Also I would like to get a banks system or go to cummins. Hell any high power diesel place which in South Fl we got a ton of. Looking to get better fuel mileage along with dragging the trailer with more ease. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-105585 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbrem Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Only thing I really want to do now with mine well a few things are put a more stought trans in mine.Here is a link to someone who swapped in a 13 speed. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=912565 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-105597 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreema5 Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share Posted March 4, 2012 (edited) yeah, if I ever need a tow rig I'll go with a Ram 4500 or 5500. It might be overkill but those medium-duty trucks offer a lot more in terms of gear ratios and transmissions, not to mention better mileage since the medium-duty "Ram" Cummins trucks use DEF. The 4500 and 5500 Rams come with 4.88 rear axles and Aisin transmissions which are a lot more stout than the autos found in a 3/4 or 1 ton. Still, I'd prefer a manual tranny with over 6 gears but that would take some ingenuity to get done.What kind of loads does your dad haul? Sounds like he might want to upgrade to a medium duty truck at some point. Definitely pricier but better resale value, longer service intervals, and just about any transmission and gearing combo he could think of. I would just avoid getting a Freightliner; they don't seem to hold up too well.-Nick Edited March 4, 2012 by nfreema5 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-105601 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 He just bought an enclosed 20' trailer. Since I got the only thing capable to drag it around It gets to get a work out. Which is good since it sits for 3 or 4 months at a time and gets driven 1 to 2 weeks when home Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-105608 Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhark123 Posted October 6, 2018 Share Posted October 6, 2018 Will a CH grille fit a CL 700? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-407372 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtymilkman Posted October 6, 2018 Share Posted October 6, 2018 11 hours ago, jhark123 said: Will a CH grille fit a CL 700? Absolutely. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-407388 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alvan Posted May 14, 2019 Share Posted May 14, 2019 What kind of engine (Engine Model) does Mack CH300 have? any ideas Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-422741 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lester Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 can a ch613 take on an e9 engine swap? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-469532 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vmac3 Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 11 hours ago, Lester said: can a ch613 take on an e9 engine swap? I have never done one, but I highly doubt it because there is not enough room between the frame rails. The exhaust manifolds were very close to the frame rails on those RW chassis. V 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-469545 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lester Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 Considering trying it out as a project. Just trying to gather as much information as possible. If not my e7 works just fine. Long live the bulldog! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-469547 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 (edited) I know it fits in a CL..That chassis replaced the RW, but CH may also be too light as well as narrow... I'm actually working on an RW713 with another guy. we are turning a tractor into a tri-x dump truck... It has an E-9... I'm proud to be on this job, instead of chasing an exhaust issue in a new Volvo/Mack... jojo Edited February 24, 2021 by Joey Mack More content needed 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-469560 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackTech Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 On 3/4/2012 at 2:31 AM, nfreema5 said: There was a very similar truck in Diesel Power a few issues back, but with a lot of performance upgrades done to it and a pinstripe delete on the paint. I believe I remember reading the owner also lives in Ohio. As far as my truck goes, I got lucky finding this one. I had been wanting an older diesel pickup since high school since the newer trucks are so outrageously priced. I'm not crazy about Dodge trucks but on the other hand, I like the pre-'94 models and the Cummins 12-valve appealed to me more than the Navistar 7.3. After searching Craigslist for months, I found my truck and learned it was only about an hour away from where I live, so I snatched it up. Came with the custom side-pipe exhaust that you can see in the pic, but otherwise unmolested as I wanted it. With the new paint it definitely turns heads cruising around in the summertime. My only regret is that the truck has a 4 speed slushbox, but otherwise I'm very happy with it. Now if only Mack would make a light duty truck again, all my problems would be solved, but that'll be a cold day in hell. Anyway, thanks again for all the kind words and information everyone -Nick Nick, Mack is now making a light duty truck at the RVO plant in Virginia. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/23489-difference-between-ch-and-cl-series/#findComment-472191 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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