Mcrafty1

Thanks, it has nearly a half million miles on it, but hey it's a Mack truck right.😁

Something to think about for sure, However, I don't believe the particular truck is going anywhere and I really rather they have it sitting in their yard then mine.

I agree, it just seems odd that aftermarket still makes the axle shaft for the right side but have discontinued the left, I don't understand why that would be the case. jmho

Thanks, the truck really is all I need and works everyday I need it trouble free. I hate to think a simple part being obsolete will one day make it useless. Not to mention the fact I'm closing in fast on my 70th birthday and just can't justify buying a different truck knowing my working life is winding down.

Hey all, I have a 1986 Mack RD685S I've owned this truck since 2002. It's a dump truck and has been all it's life. I recently had a mishap in the pit and broke an axle shaft, the left rear and to my surprise it is no longer available from Mack nor is anyone reproducing that particular axle shaft. PAI makes the right side but not the left? I searched nationwide and couldn't find an replacement new or used. I was shocked to say the least. I happened to find one a few miles from my home in a old truck parked and out of service, the owner was gracious enough to sell me the axle shaft I needed and got me back up and running. However, now I'm nervous that other parts of this unit will become obsolete and I'll need to retire the truck for some stupid little part that will put it out of service. Has anyone else run into parts availability issues for there RD Macks?

Many of the R models in my area have/had the type of wheel I'm replacing, everyone that I know of has/the same complaint with them. what ever they used to make the wheels feel softer to the touch caused the problem I think.

Following up....I ended up buying a replacement wheel like the one pictured here in Vladislav's post, it came from 4State Trucks and it is a universal wheel with the needed hub and accessories to allow it to fit my steering column. Thanks for the help with this issue. The wheel I purchased doesn't have the Mack Logo on the center, it has SCI which is the wheel manufactures logo so if having the Bulldog on the center is a problem they won't work for others. It wasn't a problem for me.

I believe that is correct, I've seen that style wheel on many different brands, The guy selling the 'Complete Mack Steering Wheel' I purchased states it is a MACK wheel...but I have found that he only sends the center after you pay him another $60.00, since I don't like 'shakedowns' I'll find a center for the wheel somewhere else.

I'm watching one just like that on ebay...and actually like that style, I had an 85 , Western Star with that same when. Thanks I think I'll pull the trigger on that one.

Morning all, I have an 1986 Mark R685S, It has the mack steering wheel that feels like a soft rubber material that gets sticky feeling at various times/weather conditions, if you have one you know what I mean. I do not like it and would very much like to change it for a wheel with the solid bone type similar to what the older B models had. The problem is there are far to many wheels of all types listed for macks but most if not all offerings don't stipulate specific model fitment. What would I need to do to get the information need to be assured that the wheel I'm purchasing fits my particular wheel column? I really don't want to pull my wheel to count splines or mic shaft size if I can have the new wheel in hand before I pull the old one, Thanks for any help with this.

Always best to use your local businesses when ever you can possibly afford too, local people doing business with local people as a truly Americana ring to it.

How do you tell them apart?

I would like to think you're wrong....but in this crazy dam upside down world we're living in you're probably more right than I know.

Best of luck and prayers. Positive attitude is a big part of recovery for all of our ills.

Although I don't know this man...I will pray for his speedy recovery....and that this disease is finally cured.

That's a nice picture of that crack....er Mack, the tree rat on the skeet thrower was entertaining too...lol

Yessir, she's a beauty!