Dump Truck Build

[ahub86]

Well I figured I would give another little update to my project. Got the box painted and everything bolted back on. Had the shop that did the painting cut me out some old school stripes outta vinyl for the cab and hood. Had a local girl who runs a polishing business come down here and polish up the aluminum and stainless. Then she buffed the paint. She does an awesome job. I know that mostly this site is about repairs and maintenance and fuel mileage...but I am pretty proud of the way this one looks! I haven’t ever been too big on spending money on customization like lights or chrome, but I figured I went this far I might as well add some air cleaner lights and cab panels. I got it out on the road finally and hauled the first few loads with it this past week. I’ve only put about 300 miles on since I put it in service but I am already pretty happy. It’s comfortable and already I got better fuel mileage than the old Mack got, and I haven’t settled in and gotten comfortable driving yet.

I don’t know if it was this thread or another I posted but Rawze brought up the gear ratio being a little fast for a dump truck. It has 3.91. I think Rawze is right. I can see where 3.91 rear ratio might be a little fast I can see me swapping out maybe getting down in the 4.33 range. If it was a new truck I coulda picked that but it’s hard to find a used truck that has EVERYTHING just right. I think I have a good start with this one. I will be putting the rear change on the back burner though because I have been spending money all winter it is time to bring in a few bucks with this thing!!