HeyCharger

Barry, I really think that you should send one to me DownUnder so that I can test drive it (for say 10-15 years) fitted on the right hand side of my cab just to make sure that it works OK in the Southern Hemisphere and on the left-hand side of the road. Can't be too careful. Rod.

Hi Rob (if you are still on-line). Hopefully the second hand unit I have just purchased from Canada is on its way DownUnder. After seeing some diagrams, there seems to be multiple ways the unit (power cylinder) can be mounted, ie on tie-rod or wheel arm bracket and in both these positions again many variations. Can you tell me where your power cylinder is mounted? Thanks. Rod.

Ah yes, But on the positive side think of how much enjoyment it has brought to many owners/drivers and is still doing so. As a matter of interest, do you know how many B's were produced and I would also like to know how many came DownUnder. Happiness is the big smile I have when behind the wheel of my B. Regards, Rod.

Hi Guys, Just found this one which is Canadian - very good also (2.2mb); http://www.gnb.ca/0276/vehicle/pdf/ab_manual-e.pdf Rod.

Don't suppose you want to part with that air assist steering? Rod.

I think we've all been stung by someone sooner or later. I've learned that it's cold hard cash up front (or cheque cleared) before you let the items out of your possession. Just remember that the good guys, like you and me, would never think of asking for an item until we had paid for it in full. Ah, remember when handshakes meant a mans honour! Rod.

Hi Guys. I'm in the same predicament. One system that seems to do all the things I want is "Air-O-Matic power steering" which I believe is still available. From Busnut bbs; The second major type of steering is the air assist kind. Advantages included easier tight turning and parking. At speed, it felt the same as manual steering. A power steering pump was not used. Air came from the air brake system provided for by the air compressor. This saved space on/near the engine. Disadvantages of the air assist steering was/is that in some applications (such as off road logging) one could quickly run out of air spotting... ...a vehicle back and forth on tight roads. Once you ran out of air (and it takes a lot) you were literally stuck until you aired up again. Air assist systems however work great for coach applications. and; I have driven manual, air, and hydraulic steering. I found the silversides original setup with the "air assist on demand" to be very satisfying. These are still available according to a couple of websites. Any comments welcome. Thanks. Rod.

Hi Guys, Don't know if you have seen this, but this is what some guys get up too when they have nothing better to do. http://www.thesundaymail.news.com.au/commo...5001504,00.html another link; http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0...2050133,00.html And all done with a MACK.

I purchased a CB and installed it in my newly restored B. Unfortunately the cab is so noisy I could not hear anything (the speaker was mounted in the centre of the dash) even with volume up and squelch off. As soon as I got home I took the unit out. And for long trips (over 5 minutes) I wear earmuffs in the cab. NOISY!! BUT I still love the old girl!! Rod.

Thanks Guys for your input. Yes, I've tightened all the bolts, but because some of the gasket has already broken away in places, all the tightening in the world still leaves gaps. I think I will try to separate the two halves, scrape out all the old gaskest, then place some sealer in before tightening again. Thanks again for your comments and help. Regards, Rod.

Hi Guys. Lets hope I can explain this clearly. My bogie drive has top mounted diffs. I notice that the gaskets that are between the upper and lower housing assemblies have become brittle and are working loose, breaking off and therefore causing oil leaks. (After all, they are quite a few years old) Is there an easy way to replace these gaskets (ie can you just jack up the upper housing?). Someone has suggested that I just give it a good clean and use a silicone sealant without taking anything apart. Suggestions and comments appreciated. Thanks. Rod.

Just for my own curiosity I put mine over the scales a couple of months ago. It came in at 6,990 kgs or 15,340 lbs. Mine is a B61 673 duplex box with bogie drive axles, 13 leaf camelback, prime mover and very little diesel in the tanks. No spare wheel. Photos available in my gallery. Rod.

Andy, I had a look inside this one and the only INTERNAL connection from the cab to the sleeper was where the rear window WAS. Surely no one is small enough to crawl through there. They must enter the sleeper from outside???? Rod.

Hey Art, as it was installed professionally, I would ring them and get them back to seal it. Nobody installs a windshield to leak, so they should fix their problem. I've had exactly the same situation as you, rang them a week ago and they will come and seal it. All part of the service. Regards, Rod.

Hi Guys, I just purchased a CB for use in my B, however when on the road, cannot hear a thing, even with the sqelch lifted. To converse with passengers, literally have to shout. In fact on long trips I insert the foam plugs in my ears and wear an ANR (active noise reduction) aviation headset. No, that is not the reason I cannot hear the CB Some have told me the reason it is noisy inside is because I have the muffler up alongside the drivers (right hand side) rear quarter of the cab. Comments appreciated. Rod.

Hi TSM, please enlighten me as to "what a real DUPLEX is". I was only quoting from various Mack manuals. Rod. (always eager to learn).

Sorry Superdog, but I agree with Trent on shifting a Duplex. You leave it in low until out of the hole, then shift to direct and shift up all in direct. Here are the ratios for my tranny; 2 Stick Duplex Transmissions With Low Hole TRDX-720 Gears .. 1st- 2nd- 3rd- 4th- 5th- Rev Direct 5.45 3.12 1.75 1.00 0.78 5.45 (Compound Ratio 2.38) Low 12.97 7.43 4.17 2.38 1.86 12.97 With TRDX boxes use LO and shift main box until vehicle negotiates hole, then use HI and main box as required. If vehicle is out of hole at 3-L, shift to 2-H per arrow, etc As you can see by these, if you were to change from say 3rd direct to 4th low, you would in fact be changing DOWN not up. Rod.

It's a pity that Mack Australia could not give a "rodents rectum" about dedicated Mack enthusiasts with B Models. We have to source most of our parts from the States. Rod

Hi Dale, You may want to check if your engine has a water gallery (for want of a better word) that runs the length of the engine, between the inlet manifold and the heads. Mine does and right in the middle of this gallery is a rubber joiner about 2" long and about 2 1/2" in diameter. I know because mine has just started to leak and I will have to replace it very soon. If the bonnet (hood) is still on, you may have to use a mirror to see what I'm describing. Hope it's only a minor hiccup for you. Rod.

Just done a big trip in my B61, which I have just got (historically) registered and I'm happy. It gave me approx 7.7 mpg (US) or 9.3 mpg (imp) or 30 litres/100km. All this bobtailing, Duplex and 20inch tyres. Max speed 36mph (60kph). Smokin' Rod. Forgot to mention diffs are 9.02

Thanks Barry. Your time, effort and help are greatly appreciated. Rod.

On Sunday, 28th Aug 2005, The National Road Transport Hall of Fame, situated in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, celebrated its 10th anniversary. According to newspaper reports; "Thousands of people lined the Stuart Highway... to watch what trucking enthusiasts have dubbed the largest transport parade in Australian history." Up to 10,000 visitors were expected to hit town for the parade of more than 500 trucks tipped to be up to 12km (7 miles) long. It was expected that the parade would take up to two and a half hours to finish. As a very proud participant of that parade, I must say it was mind-blowing. Spectators lined both sides of the Highway. There were approx 40 B Model Macks there in all their glory. I have posted some photos in my gallery, but don't know how to place a link here. Regards to all from Down Under. Rod. Sites you may wish to check out are; http://roadtrains.com.au/ http://www.roadtransporthall.com/ http://www.alicesprings.net.au/