I had an encounter with a Kenworth!

[Camfirchev]

I thought I would try and post some pictures.   Its a 1983 1/2 ton... Well it was before I got a hold of it!  Since then I have found another truck to replace it,  I think they were close brothers on the assembly line,  they both came from the factory with a 6.2 700R Trans & 1/2 axles with 3.08 gears.  What a nightmare combo running 35's!!

[Lt.Del]

ouch!
I bet the Kenworth won, and didn't go to the scrapper.

[fitz]

The fact that you were able to post this means that the truck did it's job and protected you. Good to see that you walked away.
How bad did that combo struggle with the 35"s?

[Camfirchev]

The 6.2 had been converted long before any of the major problems started.  The trans was replaced next after it burned up then after installing the TH350, I split the case in half on that trans.  Many drivelines and U joints and then started ripping teeth off the ring gear,  After 3 10 bolts and 2 axles... I had had enough!!   Thats when I added the FF14 bolt and Dana 60 and a TH400 along with the LS1.

So in a nutshell.. I am not really sure if the diesel would tear up so much stuff but all the problems started with the Gas Engine,  Keep in mind... I have a really really heavy right foot!  But if you go easy on it it should be a fine combo.   The best fuel Mileage with the Gas Engine I could get was a solid 16MPG with the TH350.

[Camfirchev]

ouch!
I bet the Kenworth won, and didn't go to the scrapper.

Yep mine went to the chopper..  But it drove itself on the wrecker before it went.  Take a lickin and kept on tickin!

[oldyeller]

Sure is sad to see one crushed.  At least you're okay. 

[Camfirchev]

I only broke 3 ribs but I am sure it could have been a little worse,  lucky the roads were a little wetwas  or I would have ended up on my lid.   The truck driver was doing about 40 in a 20 Mph zone when he ran a stop sign,  The bad part for him was that we were both on a military installation.

[Grover 1]

Darn truck drivers...

[Lt.Del]

Darn truck drivers...

lol, Grover you're too funny.  If memory serves me, ummm, that's your profession.   

[k5blazerfan]

if ya was a driving a ford you would be in the hospital still

[78 Chevyrado]

Ya crushed it!  It'll never buff out now!   


Glad you're ok!

[Grover 1]

That would be my chosen profession.  I have a party interested in buying my equipment and the jobs... We're talking early retirement here, it's a tough decision.

[smitty77]

That would be my chosen profession.  I have a party interested in buying my equipment and the jobs... We're talking early retirement here, it's a tough decision.

Grover, if you can swing it financially, DO IT!  Life is far too short.  My dad is going to be 62 this year and plans to retire shortly after his birthday in July.  Every now and then he keeps getting back on the fence with "maybe another year or two".  I keep telling him to retire and not look back.  My wife's dad worked until he was 70.  He was in excellent shape when he retired from all of his years being a construction laborer and working his butt off around the house.  He always had a project going (used to re-grade his dirt road with a wheelbarrow and a shovel) and could out-work guys half his age.

Then he got colo-rectal cancer at 72 and was no longer with us at 73.

Go and don't look back.  You can always find work again if things don't pan out.  But you can never earn back time that has passed.

[Lt.Del]

good advice smitty.  Life is too short to work your life away. You never know when your number is pulled.  That is why I chose to work where I am.  In Va, a law enforcement officer can retire w/ full benefits at age 50 as long as he/she has 25 yrs in.  When I am 50, I'll have 27 years in and don't plan to work any longer after my b-day in 7 more years.    My dad retired in his early 50's after being a Marine in 'nam then carrying over his federal time to the post office for another nearly 30 yrs. He has quite a pension.

When I am 50 yrs old, gonna hit the trail, Appalachian Trail, that is, for 6 months of hiking from Georgia to Maine to reward myself and close one chapter and see what lies beyond that. 

Anyway, Grover, I say go for it.   

[Grover 1]

Thanks for the advice guys.  I just met with the interested party, he has the cash and wants to go ahead with the deal.  I said yes...  I told him I'd work with him for a couple of months - then I'm done.  Feeling nervous/excited at this moment!!