Rob

You have an MS-250 series of truck. You could look for a axle from a medium duty IH chassis, (1700 or 4700 series) as both had hydraulic brakes. The air over hydraulic operation is not handled by the axle but rather on the truck. The brakes at the axle are operated the same as something with conventional hydraulic brakes. On your frame up by the cab will be a hydraulic master cylinder with an air assist assembly on the front of it. When you push on the brake pedal, the air assist pushes on the master cylinder causing hydraulic pressure in the brakes. Not a bad system as it takes very little foot pressure to stop a heavy load and is not as expensive as a complete air brake system. Any installer can move the spring mount perches on the axle to where you need them. Mine were 40 inches center of spring to center of spring. The frame width was 34 inches which is very standard. Most any salvage yard that deals with trucks should be able to set you up appropriately. Ensure that your replicate your drive pinion angle(s). Rob

I would use an Eaton, or Rockwell rear axle under the truck. That Renault axle is expensive to work with, especially the planetary reduction ones. I'm surprised it gave trouble unless run low on lubricant. The frame spacing is pretty standard, (34") and axels are readily available in the ratio you would like with the 335mm bolt circle to retain the wheels. If you use another axle be sure to annotate it's information someplace for when you need brake parts etc. as the vin number lookup will be of no use any longer for the rear end. Rob

I'll pitch in $5.00 to start. Rob

That is an MS series of truck. Sorry but I have no experience with them. My CS series of truck, (conventional hood) had the blower motor just in front of the driver under the hood, mounted sideways. Rob

Wonder if he's thinking: Man, if that don't just frost my balls! I'm sure he doesn't mind a bit. Rob

MS, or CS series of truck? Rob

I hate the thought of my balls "rolling", cause the resulting pain is something I'm not akin to. Remember; "Momma" has a big knife and knows how to use it. Rob

This is a photo of my RL755L at work when it was new with the original owner. I have spoken with them and they are trying to locate any photos and records of when they operated it. Their shop forman, (ordered truck new) is on vacation through the first of the year, but the president of the company says he will be happy to help with my quest although he did not specifically remember this truck himself. He agrees that they did own it when I mentioned some of the decals and maintenance stickers located in the cab. Sorry for the low resolution photo but I grabbed it from their website homepage and cannot do anything with it. Rob

Glad to have you around here. Quite a pool of talent readily available, and always room for more. I'm not much of a mechanic so I ask quite a few questions myself and several are ready to offer their insights based on experience. I hope you will do the same. Welcome to the sight. Yes, I will eat anything. Rob

I don't know there Pedro. You have one hell of a fine looking unit there. Personally, I like the spokes on the rears. Another plus is that I understand the spokes are stronger than their Budd counterparts and with heavy axles as you have, this may be beneficial. If the truck were mine, I would paint the rear rims body color, paint a red stripe around the outer tire bead sealing area of the rim, then put stainless centers on the hubs along with covers on the nuts. Hard to beat a truck that earns it's keep and looks good doing it. I think you have enough "brite work" there already, and it is not gawdy. Rob

Funny you should mention that James. Momma has prepared for tonights cuisine flaming road kill Possum soufflé with a thick and creamy mushroom sauce. Raccoon testicle stuffed croissants are baking with a nicely aged Merlot dinner wine from the Bordeaux region of France in the rack. For desert we are having a large double chocolate' (pronounced, shok o lot) éclair with a mystery filler, (she won't tell me what's in it) for a surprise. Rob

Agree.

You have a TR107 trans. Pretty standard 70's five speed behind a 237 Maxidyne series engine. Rob

25 years of loyal service. That deserves recognition. You just don't see that much anymore. $100,000 dollars for a Peterbilt jacket with a free truck; Sounds about right. Wonder if you could have got the jacket for $99,990.00 and let them keep the truck? Rob

I could never be a participant with public, or private politics as I sleep well living an honest life. I could never sell cars for a living either. That is the truth. Rob

The "older" six speed, (either two stick, or air shift) would suit you just fine. The low gear is less, (greater reduction) than the five speed and the top gear is still direct. I have a TRXL-107 in one of my trucks that is the very low first gear. The low range is only used in the first gear position and it is very slow with a 23:1 reduction. This would be great for dump spreading work. I will be getting rid of mine shortly as I'm installing another engine and transmission into this truck sometime in the next few months. Rob

Ain't nobody more attractive than Momma. After all these years; She still "trips my trigger". Rob

That is great but I understand you have to purchase them from an International dealer: They are not a reward for "loyalty". Rob

No, dealing with no power at work most of the day. Should be able to do that tomorrow. Rob

Man that would be great! Will end a two year search. Thanks, Rob

I've got a headliner out of a b-61 at the shop. I'll snap you a few photos tomorrow. It was perfect but a damn mouse, (since departed and fried til crunchy) chewed a hole in it rendering it useless except for a pattern. Rob

That is a good idea Jocko. However the RL700L series of trucks were "Western" models and have not been produced in many years. They were not near as common as several of the rest of production models. In my neck of the woods the "Western's" were very few and far between. My eyes have only seen the two I have in my possession. Really appreciate your offer of help and wish you luck with obtaining a restorable project! Rob

And a fine piece of machinery it is. Still think it would look great in my shop..... And a free dinner with the passover. Rob

Thanks guys, my oil supplier can get fill any order I place but needs to know what I want...... I'll go with the synthetic if I know for sure the tranmission(s) don't leak! I actually have two RTO12513 transmissions, (I forgot about Project R-12) and have a fresh rebuilt one for that. The rebuilders tag specifically states to use synthetic gear lube. Is it better to run synthetic in everything, or absolutely cost prohibitive in my cases? Thanks, Rob