srqmack Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 (edited) Hey guys and gals long story short I am the new owner of a 1974 Mac dump truck. I'm a decent shade tree mechanic but still don't know if I'm taking on more than I can handle . This truck starts and runs in the PTO works does have some rust and definitely could use tires all the way around . Trying to figure out if I want to fix it up and keep it for a side job ( hauling or what not ) or if I should sell as is ( I have had some pretty intriguing offers ). Honestly when I came in to ownership of this vehicle I was going to simply junket or party now Luckily I've ran into a few old timers that did tell me a little bit about what I have . But would appreciate any knowledge you would like to share . Thanks Edited November 27, 2016 by srqmack Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post j hancock Posted November 28, 2016 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2016 A DM685 will haul tons of material and is dependable as the day is long. It is a heavy chassis compared to more modern vehicles and that may be a problem depending on your plans. 3 Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-353219 Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 A guy could make a fair living with that here working it on hourly jobs. 1 Quote glenn akers Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-353221 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjh Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 (edited) Awesome site truck With out seeing it in person real hard to give decent advice It either has 44 or 55 rears by the look of it Can't make out the rear suspension Camel back I assume I also assume It has a 237m with 6 sp trans ! I sure wouldn't part it out! You got good history there! Edited November 28, 2016 by fjh 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-353286 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 wow excellent find....looks ready to work already i would fix it up and use it.....its probably not going to be the fastest rig on the road,,,but in florida you probably dont have too many grades,,,,that would be the only problem with a 237..you could probably get 5G,s easily as is..good luck,,,,and welcome aboard.bob 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-353294 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 Looks like a good unit, would be hard pressed to fine another like it. You could make a decent buck working it. Its definitely not something to part out. Plus pars are easily available for it. Paul 1 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-353296 Share on other sites More sharing options...
srqmack Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 Thanks guys, Im just now getting around to messing withe this truck. Just charged all 4 batteries, 3 seem to hold charge but 1 loses charge ovenight. Tried to start her yesterday with no luck. I drained the old fuel and replaced. Checked all other fluids. Do these old macks have glow plugs?. Im tring my best to get some info on the web but not fing too much info for shadetree mechanic like myself. Found a manual online but they wanted $300.00, and i cant afford that right now. I am going to try to get her back to working condition a start a part time job . I mean how cool is it to say "thats my dumptruck".! OH yeah and its got 2 shifters????? So thats going to fun to learn. So back to starting her, does it have glow plugs, dash board faded and non of the dash lights work. Thanks for any education Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-360986 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddog13407 Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 fresh fuel, prime her up, fill the filters, 4 new batteries and the old 237's are pretty forgiveable Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-360994 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 AND try not to use either, WD -40 works well in lieu of starter fluid. Paul Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-360995 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 The stuff said above and there are no glow plugs. 1 Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-361013 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff M Posted February 10, 2017 Share Posted February 10, 2017 Six speed. Five speeds on the left stick and reverse, lo, and direct on the right stick. Non synchro. Oops, I see it has a silver bulldog, might not be a Maxidyne (237) after all, and if it's not, it would have five on the left stick with reverse and two, three, or four on the right stick. Pretty unusual by '74, though, most were Maxidynes by then. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-361249 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted February 10, 2017 Share Posted February 10, 2017 engine is probably a 237, and the trans is most likely a "mud stick". 5 speeds on the stick closest to the driver seat, and reverse, low, and direct on the passenger side stick. Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-361297 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasteaway Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 If your gonna part with it, let me suggest you bring it up to New England. You think its rusty? You ain't seen nothin'. Plus, here in Rhode Island, you can legally load those axles to there limit so a heavy spec truck has value up here. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-361642 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamsterGrrrl Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 Florida allows heavy axle loads too, and the DM685SX usually came with higher rated axles than a "mere" DM685S. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-361655 Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 If you look at the axle caps, they are a 50.000 plus tandems. terry Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/47803-anybody-want-to-help-tell-me-what-i-have/#findComment-361674 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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