dds92780 Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Ok first off I love my 95 rd with a 9 speed and 442 rears. It does what I need it to do and I've made it one of a kind. I have camelback and my trailer is spring suspension. It rides rough but I really love the mechanical throttle over the electronic stuff but it does wear me out at the end of the day. My mack has 480k on it right now. My truck is 188 wheelbase and I haul gravel.So I found a guy the other day that was driving a really sharp looking 98 Peterbilt it has a 3406e engine with 475 horse it has a rebuilt 10 speed transmission where the reverse gear ratio is a 12.12 which is pretty good for backing up at a decent speed. It has 390 Deering which I've always wanted it has full lockers and a Jake brake everything about the truck is awesome I understand that I probably won't make anymore money with this truck then I am with my Mack because it's a heavy truck but at the end of the day it's either choose an air ride trailer and keep the Mack or keep my current trailer and upgrade the tractor which will ride like a dream I think. The guy keeps excellent care of it and was thinking of selling so he could get a sleeper truck. I could go on and on about how its a good truck and would ride a lot better than what I have. the Mack makes plenty of power and I enjoy it for what it is but at the same time I feel like I deserve to have a very comfortable riding truck my dad has a 96 Peterbilt with a 3406b engine and he's 65 years old and still doesn't want to sell it lol I drove the 98 but didn't like the electronic throttle at first. IM sure I could get used to it. My main question is, is a 215 inch wheelbase too long for gravel hauling and new home construction? Should I keep the Mac and buy a brand new Air Ride trailer and be happy or ultimately will just kidding a nice ride in truck be the right decision again I have nothing against my truck right now other than the ride holiday and this truck came up and I know how hard they are to find without all the electronic crap on them Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 sounds like a good upgrade, and if you really hate the electronic cat you can put a b model pump on that e engine and then have what you want. as for the wheel base if your mack is a typical mack the longer wheel base pete will fit into the same places. I don't know why the macks just will not turn very sharp, its like they have a shorter pitman arm then most other trucks Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-306898 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Superdog Posted October 10, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted October 10, 2015 Keep the Mack. 5 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-306899 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdogtrucker Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Keep the Mack.That's the only logical answer 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-306902 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Blaylock Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 You would have some down time but you could put the Mack on air ride Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-306905 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOOG Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 You don't mention money, but if it's not financially out of line, buy the Pete. You'll wonder how you ever endured the R-model very quickly. You will also fall in love with the power instantly. - Tom Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-306907 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b61mack Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Buy the Pete and keep the Mack, if you get rid of the Mack you will wish you had it back. put air ride on it when you have time. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-306908 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted October 10, 2015 Author Share Posted October 10, 2015 I planned on keeping the mack. Its in the shop getting the drive shaft rebuilt monday. Your right about the wheel base. The mack r model don't turn sharp so maybe the pete will be better at that. I planned on putting the Mack to work with a driver. I will turn the pump back down of course. My question about electronic throttle is can you adjust them to where it doesn't take allot of pressure to push the pedal down? Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-306911 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Superdog Posted October 10, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted October 10, 2015 Buy the Pete and keep the Mack, if you get rid of the Mack you will wish you had it back. put air ride on it when you have time.by all means,if you do fold and buy the Pete,keep your Mack too,you will need it. 3 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-306912 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogg rescue Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 What weight camelback springs does your rd have? The 34,000lb. springs don't ride too bad, and you can't beat camelback for off-road conditions. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307054 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 I have 44k. Honestly it don't ride bad with the Eldorado VIP seat that I have and bobtailing. But the moment I hook up to my spring suspension trailer I can feel all the bumps. loaded it bucks me around a little. I wonder if my better decision is to just get a new air ride trailer first? Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307070 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogg rescue Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 What suspension does your trailer have? I have a tri-axle belly dump with reyco spring suspension and it rides very nice. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307082 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 I have fruehauf dump with spring suspension . Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307085 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back In Black Pulling Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Even with air ride truck your still gona feel the spring ride trailer bouncing . Air ride trailer will make big difference . 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307088 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtymilkman Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Air ride trailer will make a huge difference. Plus if you buy a new trailer you're actually updating equipment and not getting any surprises. And this way you can get exactly what you want. You'll be more proud pulling the new trailer around. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307090 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 I have fruehauf dump with spring suspension . Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307091 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 A picture of my trailer sent from my phone. 1 Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307096 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 Here are a few of the pete. Im still thinking putting aluminum wheels that are 24 inches and a 13 speed on the mack would be pretty cool.The last pic is of the interior of my mack 2 Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307098 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Im currently driving a 378 Pete on air ride.When I pull the lowboy on air ride it's a smooth rideWhen I pull a 35' wrecking trailer on springs it bucks a little.When I pull a 24' end dump on springs it's like bob tailing on camelback.Air ride trailers make a huge difference in how smooth the tractor rides. The air ride simply takes the bucking out.I drove a r model that had the 3 leaf rear springs and a air ride end dump and it was a very smooth ride. No bucking at all. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307143 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobody454 Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 I have a 378 on air with a 22 ft steel hilbilt on springs. I really think the trailer makes the difference. I had an air ride Fruehauf before and that was nice. the spring ride trailer will make the pete feel like your mack. If you're trying to make the ride better, I'd get the air ride trailer first. Especially if you like the truck. just my 2 cents 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307151 Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOOG Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 what's the price tag on that Pete? If you decide to keep your current truck I would be interested. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307156 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kansas farmer Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Here's my 2 cents. I drive a 379 Pete on low leaf and a ch on camelback. With a spring ride grain trailer neither rides perfect empty. With the air ride cattle trailer the Pete rides smother but so does the ch not as good as the Pete but that is to be expected. Get in any mud or slimey roads the ch will run circles around the Pete. I would opt for an air ride trailer. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307237 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted October 13, 2015 Author Share Posted October 13, 2015 Does your pete have lockers? What is the wheelbase? Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307296 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dds92780 Posted October 13, 2015 Author Share Posted October 13, 2015 Goog the price is 40k Quote Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307336 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kansas farmer Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 Yes it has lockers. Wheelbase is about 270. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/42144-might-be-buying-a-pete-with-a-215-wheelbase-need-advice/#findComment-307337 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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