New (to me) TOW vehicle...

[KargoMaster]

Crew Cab Dually 1995 Chevy 3500HD... 15,000 GVW, it's a frickin beast!

TBI 454 with just UNDER 27,000 miles... was an oil company welding truck (even has oxy/actylene tank holder on the passenger side of the stake bed--that rack will go away according to the wife:D). It desparately needs some cleaning on the inside (it's a WORK truck after all), but otherwise should last a good long time...

After I destroy it -- in a few decades... the 454/4L80e will go in the next trail vehicle... maybe even that massive disk-brake rear... Dana 80... (I just read something about this version being somehow different/stronger??? Whatever, it should do!) Edit: yep, 37 spline 1.6" axle diameter... VS 35 spline 1.5" axle diameter of other years/models... kinda cool.

$7700 out the door didn't seem too bad, especially for the miles... I know that it's a 13 year old truck that has not particularly been babied, but I'm willing to work on it, and I'm not a show truck kinda guy... besides... I would be laughed at too much with an old ambulance!



Now on to working on my trail rig!!! No worries about making it heavier now!



:p

[carwash]

that's a beast man, nice work.

you never told me it was a flatbed. badass.

[wilson1010]

Very nice, Brad. I see some stuff hanging off that headboard, though, like a nice generator/compressor/welder, etc.

[KargoMaster]

Thanks Greg... I'm one step closer to a tow rig like yours... :D

[77goldeneagle]

put you a 5th wheel pin in the bed and get you a nice LONG gooseneck trailer that would be the cats ass

[eighty3bronco]

I did see an amublance on CL.

[Mudstud]

Looking Goooood Brad!!!:D

[eighty3bronco]

BTW Brad.. Great find!!

[JeffK5]

Man Brad, it is as nice as you described it! Looks like a hell-of-a tow rig.

Jeff

[bc35339]

perfect tow rig!

[maddhatter]

Yep that should do the job nicely!

[KargoMaster]

OK, so the first question to the big truck crew...

225/70R19.5 (Load range F) -- Where to get them? What does everyone think of commercial retreads?

Steer tires look really good (almost new) but I think half the Drive tires are original... Talked to the goodyear guys that I know... $425 PLUS per tire... hahahha

(by the way, I did this before I bought it... so this isn't a surprise, but I also know that better prices can be found, just wanted to ask here...)

Also, I hate running without a spare... anyone know where I could look for 19.5x6 (dually version) wheels? 10 lug on ???" spacing.


I'll add more detailed pics as I fulfill my marital obligation to "make it more liveable." :o

[carwash]

i think retreads are perfectly safe for that rig.

have you looked at anything other than the goodyears's on that size?

also, buying a tow rig... aren't you putting the cart before the ox... ahahahhhaha, what are you gonna tow around? the boat?

[wilson1010]

OK, so the first question to the big truck crew...

225/70R19.5 (Load range F) -- Where to get them? What does everyone think of commercial retreads?

Steer tires look really good (almost new) but I think half the Drive tires are original... Talked to the goodyear guys that I know... $425 PLUS per tire... hahahha

(by the way, I did this before I bought it... so this isn't a surprise, but I also know that better prices can be found, just wanted to ask here...)

Also, I hate running without a spare... anyone know where I could look for 19.5x6 (dually version) wheels? 10 lug on ???" spacing.




I'll add more detailed pics as I fulfill my marital obligation to "make it more liveable." :o

Brad, my buddy Lance who I posted the M543 wrecker for had some retread 19.5 tires (I bought 4 new ones at $125 each) and he also had some rims. I'll see what he has left. Or, call him if you want at the number in the wrecker ad. He was getting rid of all his trucking business stuff. He doesn't answer on Sunday though (family stuff).

[Redriverranger]

also, buying a tow rig... aren't you putting the cart before the ox... ahahahhhaha, what are you gonna tow around? the boat?

You beat me to it. :D Cool truck anyway Brad.

[94Dodge Truggy]

Good find! Tires for those rims can get pricey so be good to em!

[KargoMaster]

also, buying a tow rig... aren't you putting the cart before the ox...?

I was just WAITING for someone to start this... I am already hearing it from others at work. This may convince me to get moving faster on mine... and yes, this will also function as the family hauler with the boat... much better than the 3 door GMC... inappropriately overkill? ABSOLUTELY!



Many thanks for the info Greg! Now that's helpful... I will call him during the week...

[blazerbrad]

I would have no issues with putting good retreads on the back, however I would probably stay with true new tires on the steers.

For the Dana 80, it's probably a true D80 versus the D80 "hybrids" that Dodge started using (D80 centersection/gears with D70 outers).