Tri axle Dump, Hauling Owner Operators

Ive been paving for 24 years... Ive been on my own for the last 15. Work has been slow since 2008 and Ive used a family members beater Dump to haul for the plant when i dont have my own work, then we split up the profits. That has added up to 1/2 my work now so Im going to buy a used Dump for Hauling only in the spring of 2017.
I want some sugestions and info on reliability of engines. Now ive been running a 2006 Granite and a Pete for years. The Mack cost of Service and Parts is insane. They have me locked in because they are the only ones locally that will work on it.
Im looking for a Pre Emissions somewhere around 1991-2000, nothing fancy.
Ive been looking at Petes with the 3406E engines wich Ive always liked. I know some things come down to preferance but there are some engines that you just stay away from when your running them 5 days a week 10 hrs a day. I can get away with my Paving trucks without problems for years because i only puting 10,000mi on a season.
Are there other cat Engine models, Detroit, Cummings, Mack people swear by or stay away from? ... What do you Owner Operators have for advice good/bad.
Last I see so many Older Macks for sale. The RD MODELS mostly. Are there so many because people loved them for hauling and are getting new ones or because they hate them and are trying to give them away?? Thank you, I know this is a long thread. Just lookin to chat about Truckin and learn a thing or 2.

 

Same here.. Its in the 40's and nothing looks like it's even being thought about... As soon as my Kids finish School Im out of here, at least for 6-7 mos a yr. This state ia dead and a haven for Bums.
Im also noticing these 1987-1995 Macks a dime a dozen. $15000-$25000. I think mostly DM Models. Ive never had older trucks unless it was the CAT. I wonder how those old Mack Engines are and if parts are available ect... That still doesnt solve the Monopoly they have here on Service robbery though.

 

Well if they are million mile trucks they would walk all over my Granite!! A turbo at 120,000mi and a complete engine rebuild at 160,000mi. Cost me $22,000. Not to mention evey year the plastic overflow cracks on the seam and your on the side if the road... The Rubber hoses to the Turbo as well as radiator hose has blown twice a yr too... On and on and on. For the 200,000mi if it was a hauling truck not paving it would of put me out of business years ago.

 

Well there sure isnt a shortage of the older ones... I see them running everyday. I figure that means something. The other guys with Granites i know all have enough money into them to have bought ANOTHER! What a shame.

 

Well I wish this thread would get flooded with Haulers commenting but I dont think many Dump Truck O/O play on these forums. I know the OTR boys do... I'll tell you what, if I decide to try a Ole Mack for a Hauling truck it sure wont be hard to find. They make up 50% of whats for sale out of 6 major companies hahahahahaha
Im still waiting for the Plants and Quarries to open so im going to read about what Engines were offered for Macks back in 1990-1995 or so. If anyone has In's & Out's dont be afraid to steer me in the right direction... Im really only familiar with the Cat's period and the newer Granite Junk I have. Thank you again.