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So is a Midliner a bad choice?

doubleclutchinweasel, posted in 2014 that he saw a Mack Midliner with a B61 cab swap. Anyone know anymore about this truck?

70 would probably be the top of my MPH. Any idea on a single stick transmission?

I have found a decent B61 with a Mack diesel in it. Owner says it is a 673. Any thoughts on keeping the 673 and swapping a better/more roadworthy transmission? It has a tandem axle, I would be willing to swap an axle, but what is the IDEAL thing to look for? Factory air ride? Thoughts?

Funny you say that, I was just thinking this morning on the way to work about using a bus!!! Single rear axle, probably an IH engine.....

I'm game for just about any combo that is EASY to find parts and EASY to maintain. Nothing worse than finding a project and all the parts to support it are like hens teeth. In the last 25 years, I have done DOZENS of restorations. Cars, tractors, soda machines, jukeboxes, pinball machines, vintage machining tools, antique farm implements, furniture, clocks, and on and on.......I'm a glutton for punishment. I was thinking it might be easier to buy a whole truck to swap parts off of, like a pre 1994 International with engine/transmission and axle. Swap it all over to a Mack B61. I would like a stick, but my wife may also want/need to drive it. I kinda want to put a roll back on it to haul equipment rather than use a trailer, might also help with the ride. Anyone know what is the limit for posts on this forum? I got a notification that I had met the maximum amount of posts for the day. Is that for new guys?

There seem to be more B61's around than B20/21's. Would the recommendation of swapping a DT360 or DT466 with a more modern transmission be an option? Any idea of what transmissions to look for or avoid? Best rear end to look for?

I do plan on upgrading skid steers in the not too distant future, so I bet it will be much heavier.

So a couple notes: 1) I qualify in Wisconsin for AG plates and license on a truck up to about 30,000lbs that is used for AG purposes and only driven something like 5,000-7,500 miles a year. That's with or without air brakes, no CDL needed. 2) I would like to go around 65mph since I do move equipment between farms that are quite far away from one another. 3) My skid steer is about 6500lbs, my trencher is 8,700lbs and my heavy tractor is 9,000lbs. The seller added some photos and added this info on the Diamond REO: Engine Model: 6-170 Transmission: 282V Rear Axle: 16220 H-1760 Front Axle: 32550 HX67 Steering Gear: HPS70

I'm 6'0" / 200lbs, I'm no giant, but my concern is just having a giant truck. I had a 1993 Kodiak, that was too much. Anyone know how this Diamond compares? The Diamond is a gas unit, 2 speed rear end. I love the idea of the Cummins, but they are always soooooo expensive!!!!! Is it possible that the existing transmission could be used with a Cummins? Anyone know what the highway speed of a truck like this is? Also, is it kosher to talk about other brands on this forum? If I were to proceed with the Diamond, would I have to switch to a different thread? Here are some more shots.

So, I would love to engine swap a Mack, just to keep it as 'truck-like' as possible. My students are pretty good. I think a big project is something do-able for the crew I have and will have. I don't really like the pick-up truck look with a cab on it. Just a little too small for me. I do need a truck that can haul a skid steer, tractor, vehicles, farm stuff, etc. maybe a capacity of 15,000-20,000lbs hauling ability. I also found this Diamond REO truck that would almost just right, but I think it is a little too big.....hence the interest (from what I THINK) is a little smaller cab in the Mack B. The Diamond would, in my mind, be ripe for a 7.3 swap.....the issue is the two speed rear end. How would that work out? I don't mind a bouncy ride, but I don't want something that shakes your fillings out of your teeth. Would one be able to add air ride to a cab of these ages?

Ok, so I don't have anything written in stone.....but I am looking to build a semi-custom vintage Mack. B model seems to be the best overall size for me. I would like to either engine swap a Model B with a Ford 7.3 and auto trans or a DT466 with an auto trans. I really only need something with a single rear axle and a flat bed. I would like a truck with A/C and power steering. I have lots of fabrication experience and I have plenty of mechanical experience. This would be a project for my auto shop, I am a high school shop teacher and my students are always looking to do a swap and build something cool. This would seem to fit that bill. My questions are: Is it better to find a Mack cab and swap it onto a modern chassis? Is there enough room in a B Model for either engine? Has anyone done a swap like this? What should I look for/look out for/avoid? I also found a 1964 Mack B61, any idea what transmission would make it more highway friendly? Can someone remove an axle to make a single axle unit? Any thoughts are appreciated!!!!!