mmaupin

I have used and like this: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sms-334126/overview/

My guess is only the brass bushings need to be replaced. Take your king pins and bushings to a good local machine shop and get them to make you some new ones.

Yes, the GPS speedo's are the best thing going. Have a look at http://www.speedhut.com/gauges/Speedometers/?catid=f8. They will even set the mileage to match your old odometer.

Here is a link: https://www.fleetwheel.com/store/page31.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/231918388967? For sale is a REAL NICE B61T drive train and other parts. It has a ten speed transmission and air starter. The air starter works well and has a large dedicated air tank. The engine was rebuilt and only has a few miles on it. The tires are in excellent condition. All of the brakes were rebuilt and in like new condition. The fuel tank holds approx. 65 gallons. It comes with a radiator that is in good (no leaks) condition. Radiator frame and louvers are not included. The tow bar not included in the sell. Add your cab and nose and you will have an excellent B61 for a very low price. Look at the pictures; you will see someone put allot of TLC into this truck. Basically, I have re-purposed the nose and cab from a great running truck. Contact me if you want to see a video of the truck running prior to me removing the nose and cab. The only known problem with the truck, is a leaking front transmission seal. For sale as local pickup only. Buyer responsible for pickup / freight charges.

Thanks guys! That was a big help. The maintenance manual I have addresses all kinds of stuff, but not the windshield wipers. Regards, Mark

Thanks guys, all of that makes perfect sense. Do the wipers get full line air pressure or is there a regulator somewhere? Regards, Mark

Wondering if someone knows how the Windshield Wipers work. Sound like they work off of air or maybe vacuum or both? Any help appreciated. Mark

You are quite welcome. From the maintenance manuals I bought for my B61T. Regards, Mark

Hopefully, this helps. Fuel Filter.pdf

Yes, I agree about the Ford arrangement. I am looking to buy a salvaged F450 and do something in kind. Still would like to talk to the creator of this or other similar truck before setting out on this journey.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/harley130/4836039079/in/album-72157624474065843/ Would like to talk to the builder. It is a beauty; would like to get some information about the build. Thanks for your help. Regards, Mark

Hey everyone, Still trying to put all of my thoughts together for my B61. Looking at some pictures on this site and Google Images, I really like the looks of the B61 pickup conversions. Wondering if you can share some info on which bed and tips and tricks for adapting a bed to a B61T? Thanks in advance.

Okay, that is great information to have. Thanks! Does that eliminate the ebrake or does the quad have some other ebrake configuration? Regards, Mark

Now, I am on the fence about the air starter..... Just worried about being out somewhere and it not cranking. Maybe I should consider carrying a gasoline powered air compressor? Yes, the quad is beginning to make all kinds of sense to me. Regards, Mark

That sounds reasonable. Hopefully, someone can give me some specifics of the mechanical fit up of the TRQ-720 to the Thermodyne. The TRQ-720 has fifth gear ratios of 1.95LL, 0.91LS, 0.78D and 0.66HS, so with that type of gearing, it would give me ultimate flexibility. Regards, Mark

Yes, checked with a GPS as the original speedo is not working. Now with the great help, information and advice of this forum, plus some information from oldmacksrus.com, keeping the original drive train is viable . A couple of folks recommended putting in a triplex or quadbox tranny. I am really starting to like that idea. Running the numbers, at 2100 RPM with a 5.14 rear end and a quadbox with a fifth gear high speed ratio of 0.66, that puts my top speed at 76 MPH. If it is a 4.63 rear end, the top speed would be 84 MPH. Either would be workable for me. The heaviest load I will be pulling is ~6000 Lbs. The big question is will a TRQ-720 transmission bolt right up to the Thermodyne 673? From one of the posts above, Pedigreed mentioned some driveshaft work would need to be done. Wondering what else? If anyone has direct knowledge of this type of transmission swap and would like to chat about this or any other suggestions, my phone number is listed below. Regards, Mark 678-350-1514

Seems to top out at about 45 MPH. When I have another set of eyes in the shop with me, I will mark the tire and drive shaft and figure the differential ratio from that. Regards, Mark

It has the 10 - 20's

Okay, that sounds good about keeping the factory drive train. I want to comfortably cruise at 65 to 70 MPH. I have a metal lathe and can do the drive shaft work. Can you direct me to some specifics of changing to a triplex or quad box? Regards, Mark

$13,500

I actually bought the truck from a vintage auto dealer in Denver, Colorado. Paul, No big loads at all. According to the data sheet, with the TRD 67 transmission and the RAS rear axle with a 4.25 ratio, top speed is 57 MPH @ 2100 RPM. I think my ratio is a 5.14 which makes a top speed of 47 MPH.... Yikes! I want to go 65 to 70 MPH with ease and get rid of the air start system. Mark

Hi All, I am very new to the Mack world and somewhat of a diesel novice as well. Other than all of that, I am fairly mechanically inclined. Recently purchased a 59 Mack B61T that has been restored. First wondering if anyone recognizes this beast and can provide some history on the refurbishment? Secondly, I really want to make it a driver; roadworthy and dependable. To do this, I am thinking about changing out the engine and transmission to something more modern with good parts and service availability. Any suggestions for engines and transmissions? Thanks in advance. I am sure to have a hundred other questions as I move forward with this project. Regards, Mark Maupin