Cummins/Allison/Rockwell/Planetaries/Peterbilt.....paint job completed

[rjfguitar]

Thought I'd start a build thread on a rig I'm building that is very different than the average automotive based builds. Some might find it boring, and some might find it very interesting.

Background: I'm a commercial farmer and our operation includes Combines and bankouts. The bankout is a custom built rig that hauls the grain from the combine that is deep in the field, out to the trucks near the road. Since we are in rice, which often includes dealing with muddy fields, our bankout rigs are unique in that they are self propelled, have 4 wheel drive, and 4 wheel steering.

Quick vid of how it works: http://s692.photobucket.com/albums/vv282/Dani_Girl0517/?action=view&current=044.mp4

I have two bankouts, one that serves it's purpose and is a decent machine( in the clip above), and another that was in need of a rebuild.

Pictured below is the rig being completely stripped and rebuilt. Issues with it were getting parts for the International DT429 engine, it dates back to the late 60's, was only made for a short time, and parts are darn near impossible to find at this point. Not to mention, it's a heavy engine and way under powered. A 4 spd transmission with a hi and low behind it was not cutting it when compared to the more modern rigs running Allison autos that are much faster through the field. A total lack of a suspension system was another huge issue. The rear axle was welded solid to the frame and the front axle on a swivel. No good......

 

[rjfguitar]

First up was a total tear down, leave nothing but frame rails and the grain bin.

 

[rjfguitar]

Next was to get rid of the Rockwell PS205 planetary axles that were under it. Way to small and weak little things......


Next was acquiring another set of Rockwells, except these are PS115's and have heavier King pins and champagne cups, 4 wheel disc brakes, and Detroit Lockers. They came out of a military all terrain Pettibone forklift. These are the same axles that are highly sought after by the monster truck guys, of which they have pretty much destroyed stock piles of them (JERKS!) and they are now at this point pretty tough to come by. I got very lucky with this find.

 

[rjfguitar]

Next was getting new springs, hangers, and the axles installed. I also tore down both axles, changed all the seals, and flipped the center section upside down so that they go the proper direction. Since they came out of a forklift with a rear mounted engine, they were designed to receive a driveline spinning to the left, instead of the right. The monster trucks don't have to deal with this issue because their engines are mounted backwards also. For us farmers with front mounted engines, flipping the diffs putting the pinion on the other side of the ring gear does the trick.

The springs are for a Volvo truck, they are rated at 10,000lbs a piece, for an overall 40,000lb GVWR.

 

[runamok151]

subscribed

 

[JDNobodi]

Are you going to put a linked coil over suspension on this thing?

 

[rjfguitar]

More drivetrain parts, Next was a 5.9 Cummins from a '91 Dodge. I got a great deal on this engine, so it made it worth it to convert it to industrial. I had to change the hub adapter from the dinky little 518/47RH adapter to an SAE #2 bell housing adapter, flex plate, etc. Next was getting rid of the poor excuse for a power steering pump/vacuum pump combo for something much higher PSI and flow.

The transmission is an Allison MT643 4 spd tranny.

Transfer case is a military version Rockwell T77. All gear driven, high and low, 2 or 4 wheel select, and is HEAVY.

 

[rjfguitar]

In place of the dodge power steering and vacuum pump is a Holset air compressor with a drive through setup, with a Vickers 6gpm hydro pump mounted and driven off the back of the compressor. The Holset compressor was yanked from an 8.3 C series Cummins since I had a heck of a time finding a 5.9 in an industrial application that included air. I found out that a 5.9 and 8.3 share the same size gear driven accessory port and bingo, it fit. Barely in the picture, is a radiator/innercooler/condenser from a '98 FL70 Freightliner with again, an 8.3L C series Cummins.

 

[JDNobodi]

subscribed

I don't think there is much to subscribe to. I think the project is already done, but he hasn't finish up loading the pictures. We may see a finish product tonight.

 

[rjfguitar]

Last post to bring it up to current. Got the drivelines, cab, and started on some connections.

1985 Peterbilt 359 cab.

 

[JDNobodi]

Last post to bring it up to current. Got the drivelines, cab, and started on some connections.

Well, you just proved me wrong.

 

[rjfguitar]

I don't think there is much to subscribe to. I think the project is already done, but he hasn't finish up loading the pictures. We may see a finish product tonight.

Close, but I still have a little ways to go. I am 3/4 through this project. Been going at it 50hrs a week, since late November.

 

[KansasTwister]

Close, but I still have a little ways to go. I am 3/4 through this project. Been going at it 50hrs a week, since late November.

waste of time, should have just gone with one tons. Everyone knows they are indestructible.





Build looks awesome, i like the idea of working on a real truck. kinda neat how your bringing it all together.

 

[tRustyK5]

What was the reason for pushing the front diff back 6 feet or so from where the old one was? Looks like the front tires will be right under the doors of the cab now? It's a cool project, I'm just curious...I'm sure there is a really good reason.

 

[rjfguitar]

What was the reason for pushing the front diff back 6 feet or so from where the old one was? Looks like the front tires will be right under the doors of the cab now? It's a cool project, I'm just curious...I'm sure there is a really good reason.

The reason is for the turning radius. The old setup with the axle that far forward, gave it the turning radius of an ocean liner. We need the sharp turning radius due to the fact that we have to turn around a lot with only a 40 ft wide lane to do it in. That is a pretty tight turn considering the rig is 30ft long itself.

 

[jt512]

That thing is awesome , I recognized the grain bin on the back but was completely lost when looking at the pic in the other thread , can't wait to see more

 

[dfl701]

Such a cool project!!

 

[ryoken]

I resheetmetal'd so many of those cabs back at the resto shop... it looks cool in front of that bin...

 

[82355]

Weird. Why not just use a tractor and a grain cart? Is that pretty common out there?

Martin

 

[Cruz89K5]

I was in love with it after I read the title. Very cool.