Popular Post Louis M Badalamenti Posted August 23, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted August 23, 2023 Hi, I own a 1991 RD888 Tandem Axel Dump Truck with a Mack E7 400hp engine that I bought from Coal Country in Kentucky. I had it hauled on a lowboy to my yard in New Orleans, Louisiana. When I bought it, it was working but its a 32 year old truck and somewhat rundown. It runs, dumps, etc. My plan is to remove the 48 CY dump body and replace it with a new elliptical 20CY steel dump body for use on my own jobsites. Well that's what I keep telling myself but I'm also doing this because I like the truck as it is very unique in our area of the country. Until I bought this one, I had never seen one in person other than in photos. Here are some of my questions/concerns: 1.) Does anyone know where I can get replacement steel fenders and maybe other body parts? Mine have some rust and could be fixed but would be better replaced. 2.) The truck has the factory equipped 8LL transmission. I am contemplating changing it to a 2-stick 6 speed. There isn't anything wrong with the 8LL but I like the old 6 speeds and the ones I used to own were bullet-proof. Would anyone lie to share their opinion on changing the 8LL to the 6 speed? Thanks, Louis B. 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 as stated many times here ; pictures always help . RD888 definitely worth looking at. 1 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-537586 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeH Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 Pictures great. I wouldn't switch to a 2 stick, those are geared for the Maxidyne engines, which would be either an EM6 or an EM7. The maxidynes have an 800+ rpm power and, in which they make 90%+ torque from 1000-1200 all the way up to the governor. An E7-400 is nice but it doesn't have the broad powerband. Also the 2 sticks aren't designed for THAT much torque. Plus you'd be looking at having to replace the driveshaft due to different length transmission. And cutting holes in your floor for the shifters. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538109 Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 11 hours ago, JoeH said: Pictures great. I wouldn't switch to a 2 stick, those are geared for the Maxidyne engines, which would be either an EM6 or an EM7. The maxidynes have an 800+ rpm power and, in which they make 90%+ torque from 1000-1200 all the way up to the governor. An E7-400 is nice but it doesn't have the broad powerband. Also the 2 sticks aren't designed for THAT much torque. Plus you'd be looking at having to replace the driveshaft due to different length transmission. And cutting holes in your floor for the shifters. Have to agree about the torque band comment, but that six speed can handle way more torque than that 400 can put out, how about all them high horse V8 engines with the 12 speed, same triple countershaft design. Terry 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538179 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 On 8/23/2023 at 4:43 AM, Louis M Badalamenti said: Hi, I own a 1991 RD888 Tandem Axel Dump Truck with a Mack E7 400hp engine that I bought from Coal Country in Kentucky. I had it hauled on a lowboy to my yard in New Orleans, Louisiana. When I bought it, it was working but its a 32 year old truck and somewhat rundown. It runs, dumps, etc. My plan is to remove the 48 CY dump body and replace it with a new elliptical 20CY steel dump body for use on my own jobsites. Well that's what I keep telling myself but I'm also doing this because I like the truck as it is very unique in our area of the country. Until I bought this one, I had never seen one in person other than in photos. Here are some of my questions/concerns: 1.) Does anyone know where I can get replacement steel fenders and maybe other body parts? Mine have some rust and could be fixed but would be better replaced. 2.) The truck has the factory equipped 8LL transmission. I am contemplating changing it to a 2-stick 6 speed. There isn't anything wrong with the 8LL but I like the old 6 speeds and the ones I used to own were bullet-proof. Would anyone lie to share their opinion on changing the 8LL to the 6 speed? Thanks, Louis B. 48 CY dump body; darn that's massive.one of my part-time/customers =job bought a DM811SX triaxle from down southern way . had huge body compared to east coast standards. 673 turbo with quad. standard steer tires no floatation's. lime green with white top. sharp truck and fun to drive . don't forget the all important pictures of your RD888 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538220 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 Not sure what you’re talking about RD needing steel fenders. I’m thinking you have an RM either way welcome aboard, and good luck have a ball with it… bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538226 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mechohaulic Posted September 5, 2023 Share Posted September 5, 2023 memory serves me correctly; the RD was available with steel nose/fender configuration. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538337 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 could be right I moved in 1980 so I missed a lot. Somebody just posted RM pictures recently. I think I was in New York State maintenance truck I said the same thing. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538369 Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 13 hours ago, mechohaulic said: memory serves me correctly; the RD was available with steel nose/fender configuration. Yeah the RD was available in fiberglas hood or steel hood. Terry 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538381 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted September 7, 2023 Share Posted September 7, 2023 OK, thanks for that. I did not know that. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538407 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted September 7, 2023 Share Posted September 7, 2023 If that’s the case, good luck trying to find steel nose parts probably easier for B 81 parts lol .. Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538409 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted September 7, 2023 Share Posted September 7, 2023 Then I expect RM probably has a heavier frame, suspension??? 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538420 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 Frankly I’ve never even seen one in person only on a picture . I have it on my wall hauling logs through the forest one of Mack’s calendar pages from way back … great looking really good anyhow, if that’s what it is or looks like .. bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/73205-excited-rd888-restoration-project-underway/#findComment-538453 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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