convoyduel

Could any fine member on here point me towards the part numbers and a source for the pitman arm and drag link on a 1989 Mack R688ST? Drag link is 15” long center to center. Pitman arm is 9” center to center. I have a bad feeling I already know the answer.

So very very sad. Mike is a legend.

I’m sure there is but I don’t have it.

Here’s a partial scan of the first 20+ pages of the 342 pages. I can look up something if needed. 982381310_MackR600SeriesCollisionRepairBookRev1991.pdf

Here’s the RW book for your enjoyment. 1215136115_MackRWSeriesCollisionRepairBook1978.pdf

For your reference and viewing pleasure. 244990483_MackRLRSSeriesCollisionRepairbook1978.pdf

The RB, RD and DM all used variations of the same cab architecture and were produced until ‘04-‘05. The DM stopped in ‘04, the RD stopped shortly after in late ‘04 and the RB stopped in ‘05. Late production numbers were very low. Of course, things between models were different with cab cowls, door skins (DM) and other sheet metal on the DM to accommodate the offset. Dash panels, door guts and other things were common though. Most of the parts are no longer available from Mack in my experience. Dash boards and switches were updated across the RD, RB and DM in March 2001 for ‘02 and up models. This included stainless bezels on all gauges, new gauge faces, all new switch hardware and layouts and other things. I always use my former ‘02 RD 690 VIN last six was 033790 as a parts reference. I custom ordered it and it was built April ‘01. It had every gauge and the ultra rare level 4 black interior.

I’m a picky bas**** and really want something as close to how this came as possible. I can absolutely polish and save the muffler but the elbow is a bit too damaged for my taste. I’d prefer the new muffler. I was shocked when Watt’s didn’t still show the shiny muffler in the b model shop. I did buy the 5” muffler on Iowa80 for the Rubber Duck Western Star and it is perfect. Want to stick with 4” on this puppy.

They used to be listed under B model parts but not any more.

Is the 8.5” diameter chrome muffler with 4” inlet/outlet still available anywhere? Also, trying to source a chrome R model elbow.

Move this ‘87 R686ST from the Chicago R model category to the St Louis R model category. Former T&W/Naperville Ready Mix tractor #423. 300/air 6 and getting ready to undergo some restoration work.

Yes that was my truck. Bought it for $17k, sold it in 2015 for right at $22k. All due respect, he’s dreaming. The only thing about that truck is that it had every cab option available from the factory at the time. the little button on the bottom right of the dash was this bizarre factory-installed oil level sensor. With the engine off, you pressed the chrome button and it gave you a reading on the engine oil level. It worked like a charm too.

I’m pretty sure the Westerns were all RSK600KITxxxxxxx, RSK700KIT....., WLK700KIT.....etc. where the R, F, W etc denotes the model, S or L denotes the frame, K means kit, 6 or 7 denotes the series, KIT is a redundant reference to a glider and the last 3 digits are the sequential number of that model’s kit. The 2 digit year of production starts off the sequence, which is unusual because Mack issued the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin for the year the truck was sold in in most cases.

Yes up thru the ‘01 deliveries. There were a couple of ‘03’s or ‘04’s with the old CH hood and newer doors. Those had electric start and A/C. St Louis had one. The large ‘06/‘07 order of MR’s and CXN’s had electric start and A/C. Everything ‘01 and older was air start and no A/C. Another oddity is that they used Chrysler key blanks, not Mack. (At least all of the ones I owned did.)

From DTNA: Subject: Glider Production - The End of an Era Publication Date:8/25/2020 A new communication has been published via the Dash. Click the link below to see it. Glider Order Availability: Effective August 24, 2020, DTNA will no longer accept CY2020 orders for Pre-emission Freightliner and Wester Star Gliders. Production line slots are full and supplier capabilities have reached maximum capacity. Pre-emission Glider production will end on October 30, 2020 to allow sufficient time for delivery and Glider completion by the final glider assembler. SpecPro quote and order capabilities will be disabled as well. DTNA is Exiting the Glider Business: With the EPA GHG Phase 2 regulation implementation beginning January 1, 2021, DTNA will exit all Glider production activity at the end of CY2020 glider production on October 30, 2020. The End of an Era: As DTNA exits the Glider business, a final ‘Thank You’ is owed to all of the glider customers and dealers we have served over the last 50 years. DTNA was proud to be the market leader with the most comprehensive and complete glider offering in the commercial truck industry. However, as one door closes, another opens as DTNA has changed its focus to being the undisputed e-mobility market leader with the eM2 and the eCascadia. So as DTNA sends a nostalgic fond farewell to the past, there is certainly excitement in the future! Steve Reed Parts Marketing Manager – Chassis and Gliders

We plan on seeing you all there!

On the contrary, it has been easier. I can buy 2 to 5 year old Internationals all day long on Ritchie Brothers for $5k to $9k apiece. I’d say that’s easier.

Super nice find Mike!!

My poorly generalized wording gave the wrong impression. I meant all of the R7/RS7/RL7 family by generically calling it the R700. We agree.

Here’s a few for fun while everyone is stuck inside. Hope everyone is doing well. IMG_3837.MOV

I originally had Condon & Skelly for nearly 15 years but learned that they no longer covered me if I pulled my own trailer with my own antiques. I switched to Hagerty and have had excellent pricing and service. Brought my antique cars and trucks under them as well.

Trent, what’s the serial number on the Pete? This is my ‘76 with the same paint scheme. I’ve never seen another like it. I’ve been around the truck since ‘78 and bought it from the original owner.

Nice document. I have always thought the later R700’s were the best compliment to the R model design. The longer hood sitting higher like that suits the design better IMHO. There was a circa 1982 Mack R700ST with an 8V92TA in it on Truck Paper about 5 years ago. White with some orange stripes I think and Dayton’s all around. By the time I got around to convincing myself I needed it, it was gone. Awesome looking truck.

I think those are R741’s if I remember correctly. Definitely just R7xx models. They have NTC290’s in them. I almost bought a couple of those Halliburton Mack R7’s. They made them at least into the mid 1980’s. Garner did have a very odd and unique Purple 1967 Peterbilt 351 with Dayton wheels all around and a 1693TA under a lengthened hood that gave the truck a unique 126” BBC. It had a 1673 Cat from the factory and as part of Cat’s buy-back of those boat anchors, they replaced it at the owner’s choice with a 1693. Because of the significant change in size, the cab was moved back 7” and new hood panels were fabbed, giving the unique 126” BBC. I believe Peterbilt of St. Louis (pre-Larson Group dealer) did the work. I have pictures of that truck somewhere. It was last seen in Garner’s yard in the early 2000’s up in Hazelwood.

I always felt the same way about the MR’s. Then I bought a bunch. Had a handful of MR688p’s and MR688s’s. They were absolutely brutal to drive more than 30 minutes. The relatively short travel in the suspension seat would launch you into the cab roof with any kind of bump. Visibility was fantastic as was turning radius but the way the truck threw you around the cab was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Its like I tell my kids.....you can take my word for it that a hot stove will burn the hell out of your hand or, you can ignore me and touch the stove burner for yourself. If you choose the latter route, you’ll end up with the same lesson but maybe the pain will make the reality sink in a bit deeper. It’s your money...do what you like.