Is this enough truck for the job?

betterlife · Feb 1, 2008

Hello Everyone! I'm new to the expediting world, but have been a t/t driver for about 17 years. I know a fairly decent amount about trucks, but not nearly as much as I should for this industry.

My question is this....I'm getting ready to purchase a truck, not a new one though. I'm going to go look at a couple, but not sure if they have enough life to last a couple of years or great enough horses. One is a 2000 fl70 with a 250hp cat (3126 maybe?) 6 speed manual and a 22 foot box. The other is a 2000 fl70 with a 300 hp cummins, 7 speed and a 22 foot box. I don't know how the rears are geared, but both are single axles. Both have had recent overhauls done and have less than 100,000 miles on the rebuilds.

Will either of these do the trick or should I look for something else? Any and all input and help will be greatly appreciated!

x06col · Feb 1, 2008

If you are going to stay single axle and play "toy truck", either will do just fine. the 250 will probably cause you to sit up and drive it in the hills (depending on the rear gears). The 300 should do about anything you want.

piper1 · Feb 1, 2008

Both are adequate for single axle use. If you buy the 7sp (if it's a Spicer) get it checked out by someone. Those transmissions were easily abused and they are pretty much throw away when they go boom.

betterlife · Feb 1, 2008

Thank you very much for the input. If I read between the lines col, I believe you are saying I should buy a dual axle. If so, what would be the minimum engine to efficiently do the job without bogging down. I'll take both posts under advisement, thank you again.

LDB · Feb 1, 2008

Rear gearing is definitely important. If the gearing is wrong the engine is not going to matter anyway. For a single axle truck, 300 hp is the least I'd want. For a dual axle 400 hp minimum. Gearing should be such that you cruise at the sweet spot for whatever engine you have. Depending on the prior usage, it may be set up as a city truck with way too high gearing.

Some will argue a dual axle is the only way to go. You will get more load offers and will have the ability to handle more LTL stuff should you find your own however you will pay higher tolls, higher registration fees, double for tire replacements etc. as well. Only you can determine which way is better for you. The main thing is to have it checked out very thoroughly by someone you know and trust.