Hello everyone, I'm a new guy on this block but have been a certified gearhead for a long time
. I've trolled around for a little bit and can only say I'm impressed with the level of character on this forum. Anyway, onto the reason for this post.
I own a custom metal fabrication and diesel performance/repair business. I'm in the middle of moving to a new shop to handle increased business and I need a tow rig for hauling vehicles and other big stuff. However, like most of the people on here, ordinary is simply not acceptable!
While a late model 1 ton diesel dually would suffice my needs, I simply cannot stomach the 12-15K for a half decent truck while I can get a class 7 or 8 semi of the same year for 5-10K in decent running order. The big problem is that I really do not want to give up 4WD. I've pulled too many semi's out that were stuck in 2" of snow. I've found a couple early 90's medium duty International 4900's with dt466's and 4wd, but the asking price is always ungodly.
So after tons of searching and number crunching, it looks like a Fraken-truck is the most cost effective option. Cruising gov't auction sites, I see M35's that aren't running sell for less than $1000. Seeing that, I'm seriously planning to purchase one unless anyone here gives me a good reason not to.
While I'm looking for one, what specifics should I look for? The front winch would of course be on the list. I've seen mention of the air operated T-case being the preferred one and something about and air actuated front axle. Beyond that, I'm not very familiar with the "standard" features. Engine is immaterial as you'll read in a moment.
Here's the plan:
-Engine swap with a IH DT466, Cummins L10 or M11, etc. I need more power than the multifuel's ever hoped to make. Engine wouldn't stay stock either![Very Happy :grin: :grin:](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
-Exhaust that won't make you deaf
-Roadranger RTO 10 or 13 speed trans to mate up with the engine
-Mod T case for selectable 4wd or swap it for one that is. (Anyone tried this before, or is it not possible?)
-Pickup selectable front hubs I've seen from a supplier on here
-12v conversion
-Air suspension seats
-4 link and airbags at all axles
-Hydraulic assist steering
-Taller, more modern tires to cruise at highway speeds
-Mount craigslist pop up camper sideways behind cab as the "sleeper"
-Gooseneck ball over rearmost axle
-Non camo paint (sorry guys!)
-Lots of dynamat
By my rough math (not counting the labor of love), says I should be able to do all this for about 6-8K using junkyards and other cost saving resources to their full potential. While I realize that's quite the crazy list, since it's what I do for a living, I'm not afraid of it.
Now comes the durability question, I'm very familiar with the 2.5 ton axles when used in extreme off road buggy applications, but not otherwise. Should I be concerned about towing a 15-20K pound load with them? It would be once or twice a month no further than 200 mile round trip; mainly pulling the 2 sled trucks I sponsor on a 35' trailer to events. All other loads would be below 10K.
Thank you very much for the insight everyone!
![A toast to MV's :beer: :beer:](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/beerchug.gif)
I own a custom metal fabrication and diesel performance/repair business. I'm in the middle of moving to a new shop to handle increased business and I need a tow rig for hauling vehicles and other big stuff. However, like most of the people on here, ordinary is simply not acceptable!
While a late model 1 ton diesel dually would suffice my needs, I simply cannot stomach the 12-15K for a half decent truck while I can get a class 7 or 8 semi of the same year for 5-10K in decent running order. The big problem is that I really do not want to give up 4WD. I've pulled too many semi's out that were stuck in 2" of snow. I've found a couple early 90's medium duty International 4900's with dt466's and 4wd, but the asking price is always ungodly.
So after tons of searching and number crunching, it looks like a Fraken-truck is the most cost effective option. Cruising gov't auction sites, I see M35's that aren't running sell for less than $1000. Seeing that, I'm seriously planning to purchase one unless anyone here gives me a good reason not to.
While I'm looking for one, what specifics should I look for? The front winch would of course be on the list. I've seen mention of the air operated T-case being the preferred one and something about and air actuated front axle. Beyond that, I'm not very familiar with the "standard" features. Engine is immaterial as you'll read in a moment.
Here's the plan:
-Engine swap with a IH DT466, Cummins L10 or M11, etc. I need more power than the multifuel's ever hoped to make. Engine wouldn't stay stock either
![Very Happy :grin: :grin:](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
-Exhaust that won't make you deaf
-Roadranger RTO 10 or 13 speed trans to mate up with the engine
-Mod T case for selectable 4wd or swap it for one that is. (Anyone tried this before, or is it not possible?)
-Pickup selectable front hubs I've seen from a supplier on here
-12v conversion
-Air suspension seats
-4 link and airbags at all axles
-Hydraulic assist steering
-Taller, more modern tires to cruise at highway speeds
-Mount craigslist pop up camper sideways behind cab as the "sleeper"
-Gooseneck ball over rearmost axle
-Non camo paint (sorry guys!)
-Lots of dynamat
By my rough math (not counting the labor of love), says I should be able to do all this for about 6-8K using junkyards and other cost saving resources to their full potential. While I realize that's quite the crazy list, since it's what I do for a living, I'm not afraid of it.
Now comes the durability question, I'm very familiar with the 2.5 ton axles when used in extreme off road buggy applications, but not otherwise. Should I be concerned about towing a 15-20K pound load with them? It would be once or twice a month no further than 200 mile round trip; mainly pulling the 2 sled trucks I sponsor on a 35' trailer to events. All other loads would be below 10K.
Thank you very much for the insight everyone!