Opinions on '80s to '90s trucks

Only thing about the Pete’s is the stupid clutch pedal

it’s not a swinging one

It goes down into the floor like a car from the 30s


I owned several LTL 9000’s
And like them but I only bought them because they had the same 400 big cam Cummins or 3406 cat as a W900 or a Pete , but the fords were less than half price for the same condition rig , since the fords didn’t have the status as a Pete .

This is gonna get a lot of hate but I liked my IH 9700 cabover with the set back steer axle the best .

It was like riding on a greyhound bus and that thing would turn on a dime .

Any rig that’s pre computer will be fine ,

A fully mechanical injection system without the computer and dozens of sensors and miles of wiring , will be as reliable as the parts are



just find something you fit in comfortably.

the engines and transmissions and axles are all the same , the only thing different is the frame and body .


I hate to say it but a freightliner FLD with the intergral sleeper will have tons of legroom

and the set back steer axle helps with the turning .

 

If you get serious about a truck you need to have it inspected carefully by a competent mechanic

and if you can , have it run on a dyno to test for blow-by etc .

the age and miles are not relevant, the condition and upkeep
And maint and repairs are what matters

and just assume any used rig is gonna need all new tires and brakes , shoes drums and chambers . And new batteries and all new hoses and belts .

 

Seems so silly to make such a big deal out of a clutch pedal…..but I can relate. I won’t drive anything but a Pete because I hate a hung or swinging clutch pedal. Everything about it is just wrong to me. I’m sure in time I’d get used to it but I’m not interested in trying to. First truck I ever sat my ### in was a Pete. If I got any say in the matter my last one will be too

 

I’m with you on the clutch pedal… 1st truck I drove was a Pete, and it never bothered me. Went to move an old IH 9200? at the plant 1 day because it was in my way, now that clutch WOULD bother me! Felt all wrong

 

I've always liked the clutch on a Pete. The guy I drove for in the 80s bought a new Freightliner FLD, (or whatever that model was called - Freightliner version of an anteater). It wasn't a bad truck, but that brake pedal hanging off under the dash instead of on the floor was a touchy no feel SOB. I hated it.

 

I've never been much a fan of Peterbilt's clutch pedal either. Always felt awkward to me.

 

Typically Big Cam jake brakes are a little stronger than B model jakes. Big cam will be three stage and b model two stage.