Dad and I are getting ready to go test drive an air ride 2004 cv713 dump truck with 44k air ride. Air ride is a no go for us because it'll be converted to a volumetric concrete truck, top heavy and it'll get some off-road use, don't want to get stuck! We just retired a 1980 DM with 58k rears on 55k camelback. Any reason not to buy the truck and use our camelback to do a suspension swap? Are 55k springs too much shock for the cv713 double frame? The DM has a double frame but the frame under the cab to the lift axle is noticeably deeper than over the rears. I'd hold out for a granite with camelback, but there's nothing else (in this century) in our price range. Salesman sold my dad his first Mack (79 R686ST, still runs most days) in 1986, so we're getting a good price on the granite. Easy enough to get a cutoff with 44k camelback, but if I can use what I already have I'll save $2k.
Any other cautions to look for would be great! It has a 427 horse computer engine, I'll check for codes. (I bought the etech books a few years ago, they're priceless. They cover the etech ai and ac engines) and a maxitorque transmission, not sure how many gears. Are the modern maxitorques as bullet proof as our 2 sticks powered by Maxidyne 283s are?
Also how easy would the air ride sell here? Rears and all. Located in Bucks County PA.
Thanks!
Joe
