The Truck Thread

[Burnham]

I just recently got a free replacement of a 3/8 in. drive ratchet that gave up the ghost after thirteen something zillion turns...I received it in a nice starter Craftsman tool set for Christmas of the year I turned 16 and bought my first car.

[Cobleskill]

They used to give you the ratchet guts. Don't use it to rap anything. The new ones have a plastic direction flipper.

[Burnham]

Actually, I lucked out on that. The salesman had both new and factory rebuilt drives in a drawer...he looked at the old one and foraged around until he found a rebuilt older model, all metal just like the one I was trading in.

[Cobleskill]

Lucky you. One would think they would carry the guts like they used to. One clip ring dumps the guts out, clean it up, and pop it back together. Unfortunately I don't give Sears much longer to live. Our two area stores are really dead. I used to love that store years ago.

[CurSedVoyce]

Oh this is just looks tooo fun! :lol:

http://www.ewillys.com/wp-content/uploads2/2011/10/1953_truck_wagon_peterbuilt_dodge_ross1.jpg

http://www.ewillys.com/wp-content/uploads2/2011/10/1953_truck_wagon_peterbuilt_dodge_ross2.jpg

http://www.ewillys.com/wp-content/uploads2/2011/10/1953_truck_wagon_peterbuilt_dodge_ross4.jpg

http://www.ewillys.com/wp-content/uploads2/2011/10/1953_truck_wagon_peterbuilt_dodge_ross3.jpg

[Tree Reb]

Nice, what is it? I can't see the nameplate, looks a bit like a Peterbuilt.

There's an old guy around here doing lawns with a yellow Kenworth with a little flat top, I'll see if I can get a pic.

Going on lawn and fuel prices, it'd cost him more to get there than he'd make but he probably just want's to get away from home.:)

[Dave Shepard]

It's a Pete body on what appears to be a 98-02 Dodge chassis.Unfortunately it's an automatic.:roll:

[CurSedVoyce]

Correct... Dodge frame... Willyz cabhttp://www.ewillys.com/?p=72473

[Burnham]

I recognized the Willys body right off :).

[CurSedVoyce]

I was just going through our local classifieds... And I can not believe what I saw... May dad is selling his 72 pick up :(
http://www.sti.net/adphotos/75708.jpg
Tad pricey for me... Damn! I thought he was gonna be buried in that thing.. Bought it brand new when I was a kid.

[MasterBlaster]

How much?

[CurSedVoyce]

$8500.....

[Skwerl]

Yup, that's a bit high. :lol:

[woodworkingboy]

Yeah, I was gonna say....

Who better to have it than his son.

[Cobleskill]

That's probably more than it was on the showroom floor.

[FJR]

I wonder how much the truck was in 1972? It looks like the body is in great condition.

[Cobleskill]

I would guess 4 something.

[CurSedVoyce]

I think it was 3500 new back in the day... 3/4 ton.
Someone once offered him that much for it so it stuck in his head.
Seems like his idea is.. if someone buys it, awesome... if they don't ... awesome :lol:
I believe the engine in it now was a factory crate engine.
My BIL built him a couple beasts to put in it and after he blew them a couple times, he went back to the stock 350. One owner truck.

[SoonerFan]

I predict it doesn't sell.

[Cobleskill]

I agree. If it still had the original engine, that adds to value. Out west where there are all kinds of old stuff in good shape I would think the market would be a little lower.

Although I have a bud who has been redoing old vehicles as a fill in in his body shop. 67 Malibu, not immaculate but presentable. Guy on the West Coast bought it and had it shipped all the way from NY. One would think you could save the shipping money and get more value right out there.

[sotc]

My gramps had a 71 I loved. Drove it awhile. Theres a following for that body style, it may sell but may take a little time. It looks mint

[CurSedVoyce]

Like I stated.. I don't think he is entirely wanting it to sell, but if it does at close to that price... kudos old man. :D
Mom has a 71 or 72 convertible beetle, dad a 57 Belair, the 72 pick up and a 64 T Bird. They primarily drive the Tahoe. Pretty full stable. I always thought one of my BILs would end up with the truck though.

[Cobleskill]

Nice line-up. My bud had a 64 T Bird that got left on his property in Florida. He died and his wife got notified it was stolen. Probably parted out on E-Bay would be my guess.

I have a 72 1/2 ton Chev pick up a 67 flat bed one ton and a 72 Valiant. My first car on the road was a 66 Valiant. I would like to find another in nice shape. Nice looking year. I saw a beautiful one drive by this summer. Felt like chasing him down. Probably have to find a project to be able to afford it.

I still have a 65 Valiant a friend gave me in 72, but it wasn't that nice back then. I probably should cash that one in after I strip it.

[woodworkingboy]

I envy people that live in a country where there aren't mandatory annual or every two years vehicle inspections. It is a rare day in heaven where you see a car broken down on the side of the road, but it also keeps a lot of cool cars from being operated.

[CurSedVoyce]

My first car was a 64 T bird.. He offered to sell it to me once, I was just not in a financial place to take him up on it. Really don't have a place to store it either. Dang thing is the same color as well. Won't take much to put it right.

[Skwerl]

A couple people have asked me so I'll post an update here. My truck overheated on the way in yesterday afternoon and died on the interstate off ramp. Had it towed to the mechanic. This morning it actually started right up and they were unable to find any computer codes. They pulled the radiator and sent it out for cleaning and will check for any other symptoms once they get it running again tomorrow. Looks like I dodged a bullet this time.

[Burnham]

That sounds almost too good to be true...something happened yesterday. Hope it is true, Brian. Good luck!

[arborworks1]

Cat motor goes into reduced power(limp) mode when a certain temp is reached. I suspect that saw dust has built up on the fins and reduced the ability to cool the truck during interstate runs.

The dash will light up like a Christmas tree. And the motor will shut down if the temp doesnt come down rather quickly.

[SoonerFan]

I hope it's just the radiator.

I never like it when something of mine goes wrong and you can't find the "real" problem. Hard for me to trust it when that happens.

[Skwerl]

Well the breakdown happened exactly like Scott described. From the time the truck sputtered and the check engine light came on I was able to drive about 3-4 miles at 40 mph or so until I got to the exit ramp closest to my mechanic. As soon as the motor dropped to idle speed as I slowed, it quit.

[woodworkingboy]

Cool that it is looking to be minor, Brian. I was going to suggest you take some of what might have been the major expense and put it into the mustang, but naw...

[Cobleskill]

It sucks when equipment cost us money, instead of making us money. Fact of life though. If you don't have it it can't make ya no money.

[CurSedVoyce]

WOW Brian.. That is awesome news. I was hoping you got by this one. I would of bought one of those 200Ts to help out with the fix though if you needed the cash8)

[Skwerl]

Just found out the radiator was plugged, and one core is about ready to split. The shop is trying to hunt down a new radiator now.

[NeTree]

I figured it had to be plugged from the inside; you're pretty particular about keeping sawdust and road gunk off the outside.

[Al Smith]

That's the one good thing about about electronic engine control .If it's working correctly it can save you a ton of money by saving the engine .

Imagine what could have happened had it cracked a head .ooooh not good at all .

FWIW a few years back when a few of you tried storm chasing a local yokel had a Detroit shut down on him pulling the mountains of Tenn or West Va .Turns out the damned thing just didn't have enough radiator for such stuff .The kid never knew it at the time he bought it .It cost him a tow back to Ohio but it could have been far worse .

[Burnham]

:thumbup:Really good news, Brian.

[Skwerl]

Not completely good news, but it's fixed. $1847 total with $1100 of that for the radiator. This guy has some really steep markup I think. Good work but damn it hurts paying the bill!

[Burnham]

That's one expensive radiator, no doubt.

[Skwerl]

And it's still not running. Well, it was running for a couple hours sitting in the garage but as soon as they went to back it out it died. Now he thinks the high pressure fuel pump is shot (another very expensive part). I'm going to just have to block it out of my mind for a while and deal with it next week.

[Burnham]

Oh phooey.

[squisher]

Damn Brian. That's a super expensive radiator and exactly the reason I have invested time and money in doing and being able to do all of my repair work of recent. As long as their work is great and they stand behind it it's not bad dealing with a shop, I haven't found that shop yet though. Sooner or later the sting comes somewhere.

I sure hope it gets sorted for you quickly and not to much more expensively.

[NeTree]

They couldn't have just re-cored it?

http://holagatito.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/41zz6rbd0ml_sl500_aa216_gif.jpeg

[woodworkingboy]

Being single with no kids, you could probably use the tax deductions. :roll:

[sotc]

These are good friends of mine http://www.radiatorsupplyhouse.com/ if you want a price comparison call and ask them, them ship nationwide. Hope they cut you some slack since they seem to be just throwing parts at it. Perhaps you can get the old one hot tanked, pressure tested and re sold

[Skwerl]

Willie, they said the old one had one section that was bulging when they pressure tested it and it was only flowing about half of what it should. They recommended against trying to salvage it and I agreed. My mechanic didn't do the actual radiator testing, it was sent out to the biggest, best known radiator shop in town. They don't have their own website but here's their listing on Yahoo-
http://local.yahoo.com/info-14115383-prater-radiator-warehouse-incorporated-orlando

[stehansen]

I bought 5 11X22.5 tires and four wheels for the rear of my bucket truck today. Getting rid of the 900X20 split rims.

[Dave Shepard]

I've got a challenge for you Ford guys. 2002 F350.

Challenge #1- Radio must turn off when I turn the key off. Why the hell do they think I want the F****** radio on with the key off? I'd turn it to ACC if I did.

Challenge #2- Dome light must not come on unless I open the door, and must go off when I close the door. Dome light also must NOT come on when I shut the ignition off. If I want the dome light on, I'll turn it on, or open the F****** door.

Challenge #3- Either make this thing put out power equivalent to its fuel consumption, or provide economy in line with it's lack of ambition. 9 mpg? Are you serious? The Hemi in our farm truck gets 12 and it runs like a race car, my truck can't spin a tire on an ice patch.

[woodworkingboy]

Dave...lay back, close your eyes, picture soft waves lapping up on a quiet shore. Sssshhhhhhh.....you are the only one on the beach.....

[Dave Shepard]

...while in the background my truck slowly burns to the ground, that funny electrical smell having finally revealed itself.....

[NeTree]

That's the magic smoke.

[Al Smith]

--when it all leaks out it never works again ---

[NeTree]

'Zactly.

[squisher]

I've got a challenge for you Ford guys. 2002 F350.

Challenge #1- Radio must turn off when I turn the key off. Why the hell do they think I want the F****** radio on with the key off? I'd turn it to ACC if I did.

Challenge #2- Dome light must not come on unless I open the door, and must go off when I close the door. Dome light also must NOT come on when I shut the ignition off. If I want the dome light on, I'll turn it on, or open the F****** door.

Challenge #3- Either make this thing put out power equivalent to its fuel consumption, or provide economy in line with it's lack of ambition. 9 mpg? Are you serious? The Hemi in our farm truck gets 12 and it runs like a race car, my truck can't spin a tire on an ice patch.

Dang you're hard to please man. I can't help you out because:

1. I like that the radio will stay on until I open a door.

2. I like that the dome light automatically turns on when I turn the truck off.

3. I've got the same motor I think as I remember you saying you had 5.4l. I've never checked the economy but it seems decent and with opening it up with intake and exhaust it has enough power for me without allowing me to snap the other components of the drivetrain.

Sorry, I'm sure someone else has the answers you're looking for though.

[MasterBlaster]

Challenge #1- Radio must turn off when I turn the key off. Why the hell do they think I want the F****** radio on with the key off? I'd turn it to ACC if I did.

My thinking is that they were thinking if you were listening to the music, you would want to KEEP hearing it as long as possible, or else you would simply turn off the radio. I can see it.


Challenge #2- Dome light must not come on unless I open the door, and must go off when I close the door. Dome light also must NOT come on when I shut the ignition off. If I want the dome light on, I'll turn it on, or open the F****** door.

My Silverado has the option to turn that on or off.

[Paul B]

I've got a challenge for you Ford guys. 2002 F350.

Challenge #1- Radio must turn off when I turn the key off. Why the hell do they think I want the F****** radio on with the key off? I'd turn it to ACC if I did.

Challenge #2- Dome light must not come on unless I open the door, and must go off when I close the door. Dome light also must NOT come on when I shut the ignition off. If I want the dome light on, I'll turn it on, or open the F****** door.

Challenge #3- Either make this thing put out power equivalent to its fuel consumption, or provide economy in line with it's lack of ambition. 9 mpg? Are you serious? The Hemi in our farm truck gets 12 and it runs like a race car, my truck can't spin a tire on an ice patch.

While we are at it, let's go back to flooring the gas pedal once before cranking the key to set the choke and high idle! LOL

[canadiantreeman]

My new old rig. 92 2500 gasser. Love it!

37970

Ooops....sideways!

[CurSedVoyce]

This gasser is calling my name and driving me crazy.. Probably could have it for about 1800.00. Pre Smog as well for CA. If it was a crew cab it would already be in the driveway.

http://www.sti.net/adphotos/76387.jpg

[canadiantreeman]

Yeah, thats kind of a dealbreaker.

[CurSedVoyce]

Ahhhhh priorities :lol:

[squisher]

Well I'm getting my bucket truck woes.

A week or so ago new batts and a alternator. No biggies the batteries were long overdue and cooked the alternator once the temp dropped is my theory.

This morning, pinion rotation gear on the house of the boom sheared two gears. Ouch, got the booms straight and cradled and wrenching again I have been doing. Now my options appear to be $1700 through the versalift dealer in BC or have a new one custom machined, hoping for around $1000 maybe, I'll find out on that in the morning. Either way blows the rest of the week apart as far as I can tell. If I chip into it I'm thinking I may run into issues trying to dump when I raise the boom up as I have no rotation gear/motor in place right now. Kinda pissed but what do you do? I'm also kind of worried about why the gears sheared? I hope there's no bearing issues, gonna have to read up on whether there's procedures to check for that.

[Skwerl]

That's why I have a bubble level mounted on the back of my truck and set my truck up level with the outriggers. Swinging the boom uphill is a lot of stress on the rotation gears and they aren't designed to handle an excessive amount of side loading. Best of luck getting it fixed. I just spent $4K on my truck last month so I can sympathize.

[squisher]

Time Manufacturing who make Versalift. Don't know and won't/can't find out what exact type of metal the shaft/gear is made from. It's from a sub-contractor they say who won't give them the information, like it's some kind of f-cking trade secret or something. My fab guy will finger out the best type to use but I had hoped to find out exactly what type the original was.

Anyone got any guesses?

[treesandsurf]

Picked this truck up while I was in Cali. 2001 F550 ex-city truck with 70k. Was looking all around for the 7.3L, found a bunch of 6.0 but not being mechanically gifted I decided to steer clear.

jp:D

[squisher]

Nice. Is it a diesel?

[NeTree]

Squish, if you can get me the parts, I can hit them with the Niton gun and tell you exactly what they are.

[squisher]

I appeciate the offer. It looks like I'm going the route of ordering a whole new gear box. I'm worried about what may have caused this failure to happen in the 1st place in regards to the other bearings/gear in there. For $2850 I get everything new, seems like the way to go. I talked to the guy who I bought my truck from and he suggested that route as he said by the time you start buying this bit or that you can spend a fair bit more than just replacing the whole box. Plus it's all ready to go and new. So looks like I'm down for a week. Lousy timing but heh what can you do?

[NeTree]

Drop back and punt, man.

Glad you'll be mobile again, but man... that's a lotta lettuce.

[woodworkingboy]

Take a tip from the crane guys, I have never seen one that didn't set up without an eye on the level.

[CurSedVoyce]

Looks nice Jon :thumbup:

[squisher]

I set as level as I can I'm pretty good with my equipment as far as inspecting/maintaining. I imagine from what I see around I spend quite a bit closer attention to it than most. It has been awhile though since I had checked the house gears/fasteners over. Everything on the boom/truck will be getting a good inspection/lube with this downtime.

I'm wondering how often or what criteria other's on here use for deciding when to swap fluid on their booms? My oil seems spotless, I'm going to pull/clean the pick-up strainer this week just to see how it looks.

[Skwerl]

I've never changed my hydraulic fluid, but I have to add fluid regularly whenever I spring a leak or otherwise open the system. In the summertime I'll add AW68 and in the fall/winter I'll add AW32. 15 gallon tank and I'll usually add 5 gallons per year or more. One or two good leaks will cost you that much.

I do have a filter in the turret which I changed once, it's probably due again.

[sotc]

You don't run the die electric fluid Brian?
I'm having a heck of a time getting a price to replace the elbow pin and bushing on my bucket. Got a quote of $425 to recert each boom after I fix that elbow. $775 radiator waiting to go in one truck, other needs a water pump (I think thats whats leaking) and oil changes all around. We can mope together:D

[Skwerl]

The only reason I can think of to run the dielectric fluid is if I were using hydraulic stick saws, and I will never own one of those.

[Porkbrick]

this seems as good a place as any to ask. im thinking about replacing my truck. right now ive got an 82 isuzu p'up 4x4 diesel. its a great truck, but its about as small as they come (52 horse anyone?). at the same time i dont need a huge beast either. thinking something like the s10, ranger, or a little bigger. diesel would be awesome, and 4x4 is a must. can any of y'all recommend a truck in that size range with a good history of durability? i found a great little chevy 3/4 or 1/2 ton diesel on craigslist a while back, but it was sold before i could get to it:(.

[NeTree]

If you're not working around power lines, dielectric fluid would be unnecessary.

[Burnham]

I don't think a man could go wrong with a 2003-2006 Toyota Tundra. The performance will be a joy, but I fear the mileage will be a something of a disappointment...17-20 mpg.

[squisher]

Drop back and punt, man.

Glad you'll be mobile again, but man... that's a lotta lettuce.

+taxes/shipping. It's a bit of a steep bill right before christmas, but not to bad. Good news is the new gearbox will arrive Monday at some time so I should be running again by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.

[sotc]

Is die electric not part of the over boom die electric capability? Technically if you are not going to maintain the boom as insulated you are supposed to declare that to the manufacturer and decal it as non insulated. That way if you sell it down the road someone doesn't think it is legit to work around the lines

[sotc]

Great news Squishy

[Skwerl]

Willie,
If I ever sell the truck and the new owner wants to use it around power lines, then he will need to get a current dielectric test done in order to certify the truck. If the hydraulic fluid isn't good enough to pass the test then it won't pass. I don't know but I would bet a nickel that the fluid type won't affect the test results. It could only be a factor if there was a leak or if you were running hydraulic stick saws (which use hydraulic fluid as bar lube). Since the tool circuits have been removed from the bucket you can't run a hydraulic stick saw on my truck anyway.

[FJR]

I don't have dielctric hyrdo fluid and I pass the dielctric test, so it looks like you could be right Brian.

[Porkbrick]

i bought a new (to me) truck! chevy s10, v6 4x4 with dumping flatbed. 108k on the odometer and tow hitch with brake controls, plus cb radio and cal-trans light. ex city truck. im thrilled. anyone want to buy a diesel 4x4 isuzu pup?

[Skwerl]

I'm about sick and tired of Chevys. Today I tackled the leaking water pump on mine. I worked on it at a buddy's shop so I had access to extra tools and help if I needed it. Had to remove the air filter assembly, alternator and AC compressor just to be able to see the side of the water pump. Still had to reach many of the bolts by feel since I couldn't get my head in there to see what I was doing. I had 5 hours into it by the time I finally got the new water pump on and the coolant system closed up so I could pressure test it before putting the rest of the accessories back on. Not one but two leaks.

At that point I had been listening to the asshole next door running a pressure washer for an hour straight and couldn't even hear myself think. I was seriously very close to committing a felony. I quit for the night and got a ride home. Tomorrow's job is postponed and I have that twisted feeling in my gut since my only means of income is broken down. I'm really beginning to hate that damn truck. I swear I'll never buy another Chevrolet in my life.

[squisher]

Damn Brian. Don't feel to bad. In the last few weeks I've had new alternator and batts, then my rotation gearbox, now this morning it wouldn't turn over. I smacked that starter with a hammer while my unc held the key and it went. When it rains it pours. Good luck getting yours sorted tomorrow.

[NeTree]

Can't get any easier to work on than the 7.8 in mine; but it just keeps going. Need front tires soon, though.

Hang in there, brother. :)

[MasterBlaster]

I love my Silverado. She's my purring kitten...

[squisher]

Chevy................drive it to the levy...............and push it in!!!!!

[NeTree]

Chevy................drive it to the levy...............and push it in!!!!!

Been the Chevy route. All I got was weekends spent working on them instead of enjoying free time.

Frig that; I'm all blue oval, and been happy ever since.

[top_notch]

Got a new rig to replace the tacoma. Its pretty sweet so far, although the mileage is not too great. Planning on running it on used cooking oil. Really clean truck with 83k when I got it. 4x4 in the floor shift and six speed tranny. 70hp chip and 4in stainless exhaust. Pretty fast for a big truck. Parking it is a PITA!!!:lol:

3840338405384073840838409

[NeTree]

Nice!

[top_notch]

Thanks Erik!

[stehansen]

My chevy flatbed has a broken coolant quick coupler fitting in the intake manifold. Right back against the firewall of course.

[NeTree]

Ugh.

[squisher]

Jeff that is a sweet looking truck. Congrats!

[brendonv]

That is a nice rig Jeff.

I'm scared to register my new one, not sure I want to pay the increase in fuel price and insurance compared to my Toyota. :(

It's a 6 speed with 3.73's so mileage shouldn't be "terrible"

[squisher]

Ohhhhhhhhhh. That would be a sweet plow rig!!!!

You young guys and your toys. I'm jealous!

[Skwerl]

Ohhhhhhhhhh. That would be a sweet plow rig!!!!

You young guys and your toys. I'm jealous!
Says the guy with a 380Z in his garage... :/:

[Skwerl]

Oh BTW, I got the water pump on the big truck today. I decided to go ahead and buy new radiator hoses while I had it apart since the old ones were 10 years old and swelling at the ends. I grabbed a couple quick pics but the camera is still in the truck. It's all together and the knot in my gut is gone. :)

[NeTree]

:thumbup:

[Burnham]

Chevy...Ford...Dodge. They all suck and they all are the finest thing ever made.

Me, wouldn't ever buy a Ford. Might buy a Chev if I had to, wouldn't be troubled at all over a Dodge. But they all suck and they all are the finest thing ever made.
:D

[top_notch]

That is a nice rig Jeff.

I'm scared to register my new one, not sure I want to pay the increase in fuel price and insurance compared to my Toyota. :(

It's a 6 speed with 3.73's so mileage shouldn't be "terrible"

yeah , I feel ya. Mine cost about 750 or so for sales tax on a used vehicle :wtf: and registration. Looks like you got a nice rig too!

[Skwerl]

A follow up on my water pump replacement this week. I got the pictures off the camera this morning, here is a look at the little bastard and another shot of the same area after putting everything back together.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/Tree%20work/IMG_2043.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/Tree%20work/IMG_2044.jpg

[Rborist1]

Bitch!

[CurSedVoyce]

Some dis-assembly required.... damn

[NeTree]

3126 Cat?

[squisher]

Yup. Same as what's in my truck. I'm fairly familiar with that area as I just replaced my alternator a couple of weeks ago. Much, much simpler than what Brian went through.

Good to hear it's all back up and running Brian!

[NeTree]

If I ever have to do either the alternator or water pump, it doesn't look like it'll be too bad on mine.

3846838469

[Dave Shepard]

I'm glad I'll never have to work on a newer V-8 diesel truck. The cab and fenders should come with hinges so you can flip them out of the way.

[Skwerl]

Dave, the hood flips forward and the inner fenders are hooked into tabs and held in place with a single clip. The only thing in my way was the tire, and if I had gotten ambitious I could have lifted the truck with the outriggers and removed that as well.

[Dave Shepard]

I'm talking about something like a 6.0 or newer Ford, but I can see where you had to do a little tunnelling as well. The 7.3s weren't great, but it only gets worse as they get newer. The inline engines are comparatively much easier to work on. Emissions stuff really hogs the engine bay.

[stehansen]

Those engines look like a nightmare Dave. All that tubing for the turbocharger and intercooler.

[brendonv]

I'm going to try to hang onto this new truck as long as possible. It's the last "simple" ford diesel.

Or I'll opt for a small Toyota gas job.

[mccauleytree]

I'm going to try to hang onto this new truck as long as possible. It's the last "simple" ford diesel.

Or I'll opt for a small Toyota gas job.

I really like that truck Brendon. Looks spotless!

[brendonv]

I'll sell it to ya.:) I put it on craigslist for 7k more than I paid, getting e-mails on it. :lol:

They are a hot item up this way.

[chris_girard]

Hey Brendon, you may have mentioned this somewhere on this thread (and I know that you've told me before), but I was wondering what year your Ford chip truck is and where did you get the chip box?

[brendonv]

Trucks are both early 99's, diesel, 4x4, manuals trans.

The dump body is just a steel mason dump body, with an aluminum box a friend welded. Nothing fancy, the truck is too heavy actually with the mason dump weighing about 1500lbs. I'm going to swap it for an aluminum flatbed (350lbs), a lower height box (5'), and taller back doors next summer. A friend wants the mason dump, but the aluminum insert will be for sale.

[rskybiz]

I would not trade my 7.3 psd. Old reliable may not be able to tweek it as much as the newer ones but it has pulled whatever I have put to it.

[chris_girard]

Brendon, keep me in mind this summer when you make the switch. I may be interested in purchasing the aluminum insert. I just live a few hours north of you up here in NH.

Thanks,
Chris

[Bodean]

Let's here it for the Power stroke.

and the VW.

[MasterBlaster]

THAT is so cool.

[Bodean]

It's off a buddy treeguy's FB page.

I think he took that picture in Germany.

Krafty.

[CurSedVoyce]

Holy shat that is sooooo cool. A little VW like that with a bucket would sell work for me with all the old hippies up here. They would hire me just to watch it. :lol:

[Fiddler]

Brought this home last night...no more loading and unloading a trailer.8)

39198

[Burnham]

That looks really nice and clean!

Details!

[SoonerFan]

It's only money. Might as well spend it! :)

[lumberjack]

Clean and it's an 05-07 so it has the coil spring front end with its better ride and much sharper turning radius! Is it a 450 or 550? Looks like a 7' CA/11' frame, same as my 550. My 550 turns almost as sharp as my Civic, way better than my 2000 F550.

[Fiddler]

'06 F450 XL SD, 146k mi, one-owner (NC), turbo diesel, manual trans. Haven't found a scratch, dent or slit in the cab yet. Ran and drove great on the near 300mi trip home.

Carl, yeah I was surprised at the tight turning radius when I had to pull a u-turn last night.

[emr]

Nice looking truck! Are you going to get decals on it?

[Fiddler]

I've had decals before but thinking paint this time maybe...

[emr]

I have only done decals before. I assume paint is way more expensive. Maybe not?

[lumberjack]

With the ability to wrap sections of the vehicle no problem, I certainly wouldn't paint information on a work vehicle.

[emr]

I wonder how those vehicle wraps would hold up on a chip truck. I usually see them on delivery type vans and cars.

[Fiddler]

Point taken Carl. I haven't decided yet and know places I can get either done that I've dealt with before that are both great to work with and do good work.

I haven't priced anything out yet but i'm guessing paint is more $. It also looks much better to my eye.

[brendonv]

Nice truck, was it always a tree truck? 2wd or 4? My trucks don't turn for shit, those ones are cherry!

[Fiddler]

Brendan, came from Ford as "uncompleted vehicle", so I'm guessing it's always been a chip truck. It is two wheel drive, I looked at a couple 4x4s but didn't like the trucks for the $ they wanted for them. I'm really not planning on putting it anywhere I would need 4 wheel drive (especially since the mini purchase), so didn't see it as all that necessary.

[Burnham]

Buy a set of single chains with the half-disc adjusters for the outer wheels and you can go just about anywhere an unchained 4x4 can. If you roll the inner wheels up on a short piece of 2x8, chains are easy and fast to install.

[arborworks1]

Nice truck. I really havent used 4x4 on my chip truck much either. Low range to back up a steep drive would be all I can recall. That could be accomplished with a gear splitter though.

Sometimes the piece of mind knowing that I can get out a dump spot is worth it though.

[brendonv]

I don't use it much either. I do use the hell out of 4 lo, with hubs unlocked. My truck is geared high, so it really helps backing up and what not.

[mccauleytree]

Very nice truck should serve you very well!

[emr]

Very nice truck should serve you very well!
did you sell yours yet?

[CurSedVoyce]

Nice purchase Dave ! Looks wonderful.

[MasterBlaster]

Congrats on your new truck! It should make life much easier for you!!!

[Fiddler]

Thanks, I don't know if life will be any easier but work sure will be.:)

[mccauleytree]

did you sell yours yet?

Nope still have it, its sitting at my shop. I am trying to get rid of it just no luck yet. I would make someone an awesome deal on it.

[lumberjack]

I use the heck out of my 550's 4 wd, but I'm dragging a big dump trailer through hell and high water at the dump.

Ordered 4 tires today for it, you can nearly see the air in the tires that are on it.

[brendonv]

lol

[bonner1040]

Nope still have it, its sitting at my shop. I am trying to get rid of it just no luck yet. I would make someone an awesome deal on it.

Ever think about that offer?

[woodworkingboy]

Nice truck, Dave, good luck with it. It occurs that your band could rehearse inside, the base might sound awesome.

[greatoutdoors]

Think about doing the DPF delete on the 6.0 motor. The emissions stuff really clogs them up and gets them too hot. Lots of turbo and headgasket failures out there with the 6.0.

Nice truck though!

I gotta post up some pics of the 11t crane my buddy and I bought in December.

[lumberjack]

6.0's didn't come with a dpf. They do have an egr cooler, however it's the oil cooler that plugs. Use a scanner to monitor the temp spread between coolant and oil temps to determine when to change the oil cooler. 15* spread is considered the limit.

[arborworks1]

Egr delete, you mean??

[Fiddler]

Thanks Jay. I'm not in any bands right now and not trying to be. Been doing a bit of collaborating for fun on the 'net and working on improving myself as a musician. As a side note, my living room is one of the best rooms I've ever played or recorded acoustic music in so i usually jam there.8)

Thanks for the tips guys. I have time to have my diesel guy go through it before it goes into use so I appreciate the advice.

[greatoutdoors]

Egr delete, you mean??

Yes, my mistake. EGR delete was what I was referring to.

Looks like lumberjack know his stuff as well! Thanks for the info.

There are a million threads about 6.0 at the diesel sites.

[Fiddler]

Unfortunately engines & vehicles are not in my list of things I have a great understanding of. I have managed to cultivate a few local go-to people I trust over the years though and thankfully get by quite well with their assistance.

[Bodean]

OMG, Nice truck. I can't wait to get one like that.
You're stoked.

Green with Envy.

[sotc]

Sweet ride!

[stehansen]

I've been having electrical problems with my "95 flatbed. About a week ago I hooked it up to my dump trailer and when I went down the road it the speedometer went to zero and the voltmeter also went to zero and it was reluctant to shift from first gear and once it did it was stuck in second gear no matter what. I tried a few things and like I figured it was beyond my capabilities so I took it to the auto electric place that I go to. $200 later everything is working. A few days later the turn signals quit working, The fuse is blown and I replaced it and they still don't work. There were some other fuses blown also and they checked the harness. Haven't hooked up to the trailer in any of this time. Everything is rosey until I hook it up to the trailer again and it was back to not shifting and the speedometer and voltmeter are on zero. So the electrical guy had me bring in both the truck and trailer to him.

[Skwerl]

I hate electrical problems and my Chevy bucket truck has had more electrical problems than all my previous vehicles combined over the last 30 years. I'm going to have to upgrade one more time in a couple years and the next one will definitely be anything other than a Chevy.

[MasterBlaster]

Hopefully, third time's a charm! Good luck!

[brendonv]

What sorts of problems do you experience, Brian?

I've heard the newer Chevys with the electrical gremlins in the dash boards, speedos stop working, tachs go crazy, etc.

Where I worked PT he has an older chevy with your body style. Never noticed any trouble with the electronics, just a lot of gas engine trouble.

[NeTree]

I've seen all of that and then some; Mike's truck sometimes won't shut off, sometimes starts by itself, sometimes there's "alien" writing in the odometer...

[FJR]

Haha dang poltergeist ... I have had wierd things happen too. On an older gmc I had the windshield wipers would go on at random times while the truck was off and parked. :lol:

[Bodean]

sometimes starts by itself,

That's pretty funny, bet he sets the brake.

I miss seeing Mike's dogs in his avatar.

[bonner1040]

Is this a good deal?

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/2827016911.html pictures

Tree Trimming Truck - $7000 (Trumbull County )

Date: 2012-01-31, 2:21AM EST
Reply to: see below [Errors when replying to ads?]

My dad's retiring and no longer needs this truck. My mom says it has to go NOW!! Serious inquiries only - asking $7000.00 but all reasonable offers will be considered.
The Bucket Truck is a Ford F-800 with a working height of 70'. Low mileage at just 27,500 and the truck is in pretty fair condition, and runs well.

[Skwerl]

It could be a good deal or it could be really scary. When it comes to buying a bucket truck, the purchase price is rarely an indicator of the true cost of the truck. IMO you need to spend about $30K or more to be safe at height and be able to get home reliably. You can spend $10K on the truck and $20K on repairs or you can spend 25K on the truck and $5K on repairs. To a climber the dollars sound scary but once you spend some time working out of a bucket the dollars tend to come a little easier.

[brendonv]

I learned a long time ago, you get what you pay for in equipment.

[bonner1040]

Thats some wisdom Brian. Thanks...

[lumberjack]

It's big and cumbersome, not to mention maintenance would be a way of life with it I would think.

Got new shoes on the 550 today. Guess I'll have to get on fitting the fenders or putting a bed on it now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/10mmsheepdog/24e359b0.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/10mmsheepdog/c8eaa19d.jpg

[brendonv]

Meaty...retreads?


What are you doing for fenders? I'm about to order some wrapped aluminum ones myself.

[lumberjack]

Yep. I have a set of poly fenders from MiniMizer (http://www.minimizer.com/min1900.html) with the light box.

[NeTree]

For $7k it sounds stolen.

[rangerdanger]

Nice Carl!! Lookin sexy man.

[CurSedVoyce]

I am liking those fenders Carl.. Thanks for the link :)

[NickfromWI]

So it's about time for TreeCareLA to get a real truck. For the first 5 months of the biz I worked out of my car and rental trucks. Then in December a huge limb fell on my car in a wind storm (no joke). I bought a '07 Ford Ranger...

39309

It's time to buy a chip truck and I'd like advice. I want a SMALL chip truck. For two reasons:

1- I don't have a full time crew. We're working average 2-3 days per week. And we're doing pretty small jobs. I don't need the capacity.
2- Many of my clients are in the Hollywood hills and getting even a small truck around up there is a pain in the butt. Smaller is better around many parts of LA.

A while ago I perused this thread and at that time, the truck I remember liking the most was Brendon's custom chip box (http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/Brendonv/Vehicle%20and%20Tractor/Frame.jpg). Even that is a bit on the big side for me. I'd consider this the upper end of what I'm looking for.

Here's what I REALLY want and this is where I want help from you guys. Do you think I could get what is typically used by plumbers and electricians, convert the back door to handle chips, put a dump on it and be good to go? Here's a pic of what I have in mind...

39310

I really like all the tool compartments on the side. I've snooped around a few and the capacity seems to be what I'm looking for. Keep in mind that most jobs we do will fit (stacking branches) in the back of a rented F-150. Chipping, this truck could hold 4 days worth of work for us. Right now we go to the dump after every job (and it sucks). I would love to only have to go once a week or so.

Whattya fink?

[Peter]

Why not put a dump body in or on the ranger?

[Thor's Hammer]

I think its a cool idea Nick. I like all the tool lockers, and I'm sure you could get a dump body for it if you removed the canopy.

Here's a Ranger with a custom chip body (its the smaller Mazda/ford Ranger)

[NeTree]

Ed might have it; what engine you got in that Ranger?

[Koala]

Very cool Ed. I was thinking about something like that for my pick up. How much do you think it could be the weight of that body?

I got a Mazda BT-50 (2500cc TD). Guess the back of mine is longer than the one in the pics. Mine is 2.2 mt, that should be around 1.80.

[Peter]

The unit Ed posted up is for a Supercab, all in weighs about 350kg.

We can build one for a single cab, and ship within the EU.

[Koala]

Did you built that ?
Very nice.
Why shipping??? You 're not that far ;)

[Peter]

You can pop over and pick it up if you want, I'll even fit it for you!

[rangerdanger]

Some pics of the 2008 F250 Dad and I may go in on together, found it at a farm we've been working at the past few days. They're gonna get back to us with a price, said they're trying to get rid of them quick, so it shouldn't be too bad we're hoping. The F250 only has 16k miles. Getting rest of info on it tomorrow.
3932539326

[Burnham]

Not so sure I'd go for a short box if it's for work.

[stehansen]

My '94 C3500 had been blowing gases into the radiator for about 6 months, it also has an issue with the starter that I have never seemed to be able to resolve, and the tranny had also been acting funny for a while. Well finally the transmission is stuck in second gear and won't come out. It also will barely back up. Both signs that it needs a rebuild job. I just driving my flatbed. The trouble with it is that the gas mileage is even worse than the other one and to use it for transportation is just silly. I finally got a few bucks ahead and I stopped in at our local truck dismantling place. I can get a used motor and tranny for $1100 exchange. I'm figuring that if I get a couple of years or more out of it it, isn't too bad of a deal. I can swap them out myself and I know there is always a couple of hundred in misc. expenses when you do something like this. I think I"m going to do it. I just did the brakes on it, and also just spent $1200 on a set of tires for it. It also has a nice paint job and has my sinage on it and all. It has been sitting in front of my house for 6 months.

[NickfromWI]

Ed- I never knew that installing a dump INTO the bed of the truck was an option!!! Man, you just opened up a whole new world of choices for me!!!

So basically I take a truck like this, then:
39774

and put your dump into the back...

http://masterblasterhome.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=39322&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1328174324

Then I'm basically good to go?

Now I just have to find someone in Los Angeles that can install a dump like that.

[canadianclimber]

http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=304117&an=0&page=0#304117

Check this link out. The guy still has the insert and top for sale for a great price. He is in Kansas. Not sure if your willing to do the drive (wish I was closer). Last I talked to him he was going to throw a small trailer into the deal for ease of transport.

[Burnham]

1992 UD 1300 turbo-diesel. Made by Nissan, I guess. Sign says 185,000 miles. Looks to be in pretty nice shape on the exterior, the interior is surprisingy clean and un-worn looking.

It's pretty small for this type of vehicle, smallest I recall seeing...that could be a fine thing for the right application. "Cute" comes to mind. It doesn't look to have any bigger a footprint than my Buick :).

$4500 seems a little on the high end to me, for a truck that's 20 years old, but I know next to nothing of them. Maybe not. It really does appear to be lightly used.

If anyone is interested, the phone contact is in the pictures. It's located a couple miles west of Eagle Creek, OR.

[emr]

Does it dump or is it just a flat bed? It's a pretty sweet looking truck anyway.

[Burnham]

I believe it's just a flatbed...could be wrong. If you wish I could get by there and look.

[CurSedVoyce]

Sure would be a cool little chip/wood truck. Wish I was in a better position money wise than present.

[Skwerl]

No dump, the 4th picture shows the bed, trailer hitch and frame all welded together.

[Burnham]

I'm halfway tempted myself, just for firewooding.

[Tucker943]

That might make a good little spray rig too.

[emr]

That's a great idea.

[arborworks1]

Wouldn't be hard to convert to a dump bed.

[CurSedVoyce]

I was also thinking roll off. Small one, but it would be cool

[arborworks1]

Prolly doesn't have the capacity for roll off

[woodworkingboy]

Nick, this company in Pomona seems to do a lot of modifications on trucks to make them multi use. They have an email for enquiries.

http://loadngo.com/about.asp#point3

[JoshINtrees]

I can see it parked in my dooryard.

[SoonerFan]

Dooryard.

Never heard that expression before.

Fairly self explanitory though. :)

[JoshINtrees]

Thanks; I think it's a Great Lakes region thing.

[bonner1040]

Nice deal on a big trailer..

http://columbus.craigslist.org/bfs/2883892902.html

And an OLD truck.. but with an 'additional' new motor for $1200 ?
http://columbus.craigslist.org/grd/2884497357.html

[Skwerl]

Ask Carl what he paid for his huge gooseneck dump trailer. :lol:

[bonner1040]

I remember seeing a thread about that... was it less than that?

[Skwerl]

I forgot the number but it was stupid cheap. I almost bought it to flip it on Craigslist but I didn't have a truck to haul it.

[treesandsurf]

Nick did you get ahold of the guy on the buzz about the truckcraft insert and box? That is a stupid good deal, if I were going to go insert I would jump on that thing ASAP.

FWIW, Truckcraft is known to have the best dump inserts from what I've read.

jp:D

[sotc]

Got the cab lettering done today!

[treesmith]

Sweet!

[Skwerl]

It looks super sharp! But that poor light on the K boom won't last 6 months. :cry:

[treesandsurf]

Wow, looks good willy.

jp:D

[CurSedVoyce]

Looks awesome :thumbup:

[sotc]

It's already lasted 5 months :/: along with another on the back side of the boom. Course I will have to eat crow if it gets trashed in the next month:lol:

[MasterBlaster]

Cage that sucker!

[sotc]

They both have a flimsy cage on them.

[sotc]

The mount they are on isn't very tough either

[MasterBlaster]

Reinforce that sucker!

[Fiddler]

Great looking machine!

[emr]

Yep! Jealous for sure.

[woodworkingboy]

Great looking truck, I want one. White is the color of purity.

[squisher]

Looks great Willie. It's hard to tell from the pics, but there better not be no overspray on that bumper or I'll expect it dealt with toot-sweet!

[Al Smith]

White is the color of purity. That would be Willie ,pure as the new fallen snow .

[JoshINtrees]

Bomber truck. :thumbup:

[sotc]

Looks great Willie. It's hard to tell from the pics, but there better not be no overspray on that bumper or I'll expect it dealt with toot-sweet!

It is, I was going to beat the bumper back in place before the paint job but it is so flimsy I decided I would build a good one for it. In the mean time my dodge just cost me $5800 for a rebuilt trans, clutch kit and rear brakes :barf: Probably should have parted it out and got another

[squisher]

Ouch!

[sotc]

Yep, still walking funny, i'm not used to this kind of abuse

[squisher]

Yah, that's why I do all my wrenching myself now.

[sotc]

I do most of it, big trucks are easier than little ones

[MasterBlaster]

I'm jealous of people with mechanic skills. It's right up there with being a doctor, I think.

[stehansen]

I started removing the motor and tranny from my 1994 pickup Friday. I bought another used motor and tranny for $1100. We'll see how it works out. I have it ready to remove it, save for attaching the lifting stuff to the motor and I think I have to raise the tranny up a little to remove the crossmember that it is resting on.

[Bodean]

At the tow yard, We'd hook up the wrecker and go crazy with a sawsall.

[Skwerl]

Turned 80K miles today. It had barely 50K on it when I bought it four years ago. 11,600 hours on the hour meter.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/IMG_2125.jpg

[Husabud]

Does it drive well enough to take pics at 60? Hahaha

[arborworks1]

That's a walk in the park for Brian!!

[Tucker943]

A virgin!

[CurSedVoyce]

Almost broke in :D

[Skwerl]

Today we pulled the front outrigger and resealed the cylinder. I was concerned about the scraping on the steel rectangular tube but there's only one wear pad on the top and it's in good shape. I think the outer tube may have gotten tweaked last year when I dropped the big log on the headache rack (which is welded to the boom support, which is welded to the outrigger tube). Here's a couple pictures from this morning. With me doing most of the removal and reassembly, I paid them $200 plus lunch. I greased the crap out of the underside of the tube where it was rubbing and with the rebuilt hydraulic cylinder it works much better now.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/Tree%20work/IMG_2150.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/Tree%20work/IMG_2151.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/Tree%20work/IMG_2152.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/Tree%20work/IMG_2153.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/RockyJSquirrel/Tree%20work/IMG_2154.jpg

[brendonv]

What is holding up the truck!?

[Skwerl]

Gravity! And the boom hanging out the back. ;)

[arborworks1]

Awesome. I need to get my main cylinder on the boom repacked. Its leaking when the truck sits for a few days.

And the water pump is doing the same. From what I read that is how a cat water pump is designed to let you know it's failing.

[Skwerl]

There is a seal to keep water out of the main bearing. There is a weep hole on the other side of the bearing so that if the seal fails, it will leak so you can replace it before the bearing fails.

And owning a boom truck is a constant battle staying on top of the hydraulic leaks. At the beginning it was a bit overwhelming but now I just take it in stride and deal with them one at a time. Constantly look at any and all hoses and connections and try to schedule time to deal with any signs of leakage before it fails completely. It's not terribly difficult. My next step is replacing a couple of chaffed lines at the top of the boom. No biggie as long as I don't ignore them until they fail.

[treesandsurf]

What were you doing before you bought your boom truck Brian? Climbing everything?

jp:D

[arborworks1]

This is thebearing in the water pump itself correct??
Just talked to the truck shop. They will have both problems fixed by Friday!!

[Skwerl]

What were you doing before you bought your boom truck Brian? Climbing everything?

jp:D

For many years, I don't miss it to be honest. August will be 8 years since I bought my first bucket truck.

Good deal, Scott. The water pump is a pita to access. I just did mine a few months ago.

[squisher]

Dang Brian looking good with the maintenance but man that far outrigger looks like it's barely on your cribbing? My truck is up for it's bi-annual chassis inspection in the next week or two. Hopefully no issues.

[Skwerl]

I appreciate you looking out for me but it's just the angle of the picture, Skwishey. Good eye! It was only overhanging about an inch but the edge is rolled up so it looks like more.

Good luck on the chassis inspection. I assume you've been looking it over yourself so you should have no problems.

[squisher]

Yup, nothing I'm aware of. I just pump it full of grease and shine it up real nice before it goes in, never a problem it seems.

I kinda figured it was the angle in your pic but it does make it look a little precarious. I fingered you had it under control, just had to rattle your chain a bit. Lol.

[Skwerl]

The load is centered on the pivot pin attaching the outrigger foot so as long as that doesn't go past the edge of the cribbing then I'm good.

[Paul B]

Bucket truck wheelies, love it RJS.

[Tarzan]

Just found this thread. Hope youins aren't getting tired of me yet...as you may be able to tell, I'm bored. Anyhow, I'm kinda proud of my little tree climbing rig..the "Tarzota" :). Picked up the topper for free and had to shorten it. It has side boxes where I store a multitude of tools and gear, and my vise which I can slide into my receiver and is vertically adjustable. I copied a friend of mines factory built slide and built these two:

<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O-_4noMI6PI?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O-_4noMI6PI?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

And you can't miss my horn...LOL. I could not help myself with this horn. Last Summer I signed up to fall timber on fires and was required to have a working horn...well, here was my solution!

<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VK9R6E3HNCo?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VK9R6E3HNCo?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>