Search results

Thank you!

I'll have to check out the TM's regarding that transfer case sprag, I'm sure a T-case isn't cheap. The bees are in the little hole at the bottom of the winch drum in the picture. They are honeybees, but the local colony collection folks said the only way to get them out and save the colony is...

Well, after watching GovPlanet and having an email alert set for about ten years, I finally got a wrecker. I bought it last week, went down a few hours south to take a look at it yesterday, and it got delivered today. It's an XM816 which was owned by a movie rental company, fortunately for me...

I think I spoke with Memphis Equipment on Monday, they still offer the kit... for $8K. If they have it though, I guess the question would be if they'll sell the spiders alone, and if they have a new number or just a stock of the old spiders. Regarding the mirror image for the other side... Is...

Quick update regarding the parts list, since the company which sold Brian's original kit doesn't seem to exist anymore: The brake spiders are, according to Meritor and every truck parts place I called, no longer available. These part numbers show as discontinued and not in stock with NO...

Well you know what they say… you learn something new every day!

Thanks NDT, I assume there’s a thread I can chase down regarding VIN changes? I’ve been looking for M- vs XM- differences and I keep hitting the “page not found” error because the links are old.

Well then… I’ve got to laugh at myself a little, I didn’t even consider that that was a manufactured date at the bottom. Thanks!

There was, but it’s hard to read in the picture. I’m looking forward to trying to figure out its history, but having read CARNAC’s recent posts it sounds like things have gotten more complicated…? Here’s the only picture I have of the tag right now:

Alright, I'll give that a shot. The "comet wash" might work too, not sure if you're familiar with the Motor Trend show "Roadkill", but one of the guys uses a scrubbing sponge and comet cleaner to get oxidation and rust stains out of (marginal) old car paint. I've had luck with it before. Won't...

Thanks Will! Might be an idea to bring it home and wipe some light oil on the paint and see if the colors brighten up.

Well… this happened considerably faster than I expected. I never thought this truck would sell within my price range, but I got it! It’s listed as a 1985 XM816, but if I understand correctly, the “X” prefix indicates it’s probably late 60’s? Only a few hours away from me, working on arranging...

I was looking through the TM earlier, I saw the info on using the winches and the boom, as well as the load limit plate and the instuctions for building the A-frame under the boom for heavy, long extension lifting... I'll have to keep looking for the wrecker specific forum, either I'm blind or...

I should make the clarification that this won’t be a work truck, it will probably see more parades and grocery runs than actual recoveries. I totally agree that building an MTVR would be smarter, but that’s not the era of truck that I want.

Thanks for the info! My main drivetrain concern that you listed would be the shaft between the trans and t-case. It would need to run down the highway for trips and parades, hence the turbo. I would only be looking at 270 or 280. I have an AirResearch turbo on my ‘63 Narrow Nose, I could think...

Thanks Mullaney, thanks Will! Regarding the 250, I’ve got one in a ‘63 Peterbilt that also has no piston coolers… I assume there’s no pyrometer in the wreckers, so I would add one to keep from sticking pistons, and not fuel it that hard. I think I’ll skip Jakes for hood clearance, but we...

Hello all, I’m finally starting to get serious about finding an M816 to build. The idea would be to have a large off road recovery rig, capable of going into some rough areas, big enough to crane out broken off road race vehicles, and heavy enough to pull semi trucks that might be stuck in the...

Well, the CJ5 turned M38A1 is sold... And so is my M715, actually. I opted to buy a couple of civilian flat fender Dodge Power Wagons, since many of my friends have them and we meet up every year. I'd like to get another MV soon, something big, with a big winch, like an M816 or M911... when I...

Well it’s finally done! …and now I’m wondering if I made a mistake. It’s a lot of fun to drive, does well on the 4x4 park teeter-totter (see photo!) but I’m not sure I want to beat it up on the trails, and I’d like to rebuild my M715 now. Unfortunately, despite having it listed in multiple...

A quick update for everyone: It runs! We did the main engine break in a couple of weeks ago, and I got to drive it up the driveway this past weekend. I still have finishing touches and tuning to do, but I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. I did my best under the hood to make...