Great purchase, perfect truck for limited part time use. Older trucks were built like anvils. Parts are available and are reasonable. BEST thing no DEF or electronics just simple easy to fix.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Exactly!
@HamiltonvilleFarm2 жыл бұрын
Good looking truck Neil!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Hey Thanks Hank!
@InsaneBimmer2 жыл бұрын
It's so funny watching someone who isn't familiar with heavy trucks figure things out. You'll get there bud.
@randywhelan89442 жыл бұрын
That my friend is the greatest find I've seen in a while. 400 BIG CAM , awesome
@utubota55222 жыл бұрын
I am not sure my wife would have been as supportive as Cara when it comes to this type of purchase. You have a great family Neil. Thanks for the video.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Haha! She's used to it by now but you're right, I am certainly lucky for the support and the family that helps!
@rp16452 жыл бұрын
My wife lets me buy that old stuff. Have a 71 SeaGrave Engine. ( 8-71 ) plus a 78 Dynahoe-190. ( 353) both Detroit Diesel's. The Fire Engine has a ( spicer) 5 speed. It's interesting it's gets in 5th. Real fast, then it basically slows to stop without Down shift. It's almost like a Automatic Transmission. Great for Kids to get in cab at local events. I filled the AIR pack compartment with different Fire Extinguisher, it's water Tank is 750 gallons.
@andytrimble95792 жыл бұрын
My uncle had a brand new General back in the 80's used for his milk hauling business. I remember it being his pride and joy at that time! Nice find!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
That's cool! I hauled milk off the farm in the early 2000's but I drove a Mack and then an International.
@VicsYard Жыл бұрын
She’s a beauty. I have a 2000 freightliner. Cat C10. She’s in for a rebuild. Was complicating switching in a Cummins. That’s a runner!!!!
@allensharlow7763 Жыл бұрын
I’ve always loved 12:20 tandems and tri axle dump trucks , and always wanted one, nice truck
@XDeadlyBlade2 жыл бұрын
That truck moves 🔥 I love older trucks
@ryanhays43262 жыл бұрын
Man oh man seeing this brings back memories of my childhood riding shotgun everyday in my dad's general. Makes me wish the industry wouldn't of crashed in early 2000s and our family business failed we'd still have that truck running her every day!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Glad it brought back some memories. Thanks for checking out the video Ryan!
@rustygindt21572 жыл бұрын
Makes me wanna go out and get a job driving dump truck. Drove those things for 40 years. Love um!
@thor9422 жыл бұрын
Think I need to move to Indiana. Big garages, perfect driveways, big toys. Seems like heaven. Cool truck. Good luck with that and the mystery project. I’ll be watching
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! We like it here :)
@terrycormier54922 жыл бұрын
Big cam very dependable hope it does well on the farm nice
@blackdogexcavator212 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on the purchase. To answer your question, yes that is a great engine. I was a Cummins mechanic for 3 years before I went to work with the fire department. The old 855's were strong and reliable and the Big Cam 3's like yours were my favorite. I've seen some of them with 600k miles before a rebuild. They are simple, easy to work on, and easy to bump the horse power on if you want to. That engine being a 400 hp should be putting about 320 hp to the ground according to Cummins specs. If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up. Can't wait to see it in action. Stay safe my friend.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much BD! I'm glad to have the vote of confidence from someone with that kind of experience. I think it will serve my purposes wonderfully and still make someone else a nice truck after I'm done with it. I'm looking forward to putting the 'ole boy to work.
@J.R.in_WV2 жыл бұрын
Also that’s an NTC-400 big cam 3 Cummins, arguably the BEST all around mechanical engine Cummins built. You got a good one. Also the backwards 8 is one of my favorite transmissions.
@mintyman19682 жыл бұрын
Love that old general. I have no doubt it’ll pay for itself in work.
@chactacarolina18572 жыл бұрын
Great truck Big Cam 400 Cummings is a great powerful engine. You got a super deal
@prannoyindugula78062 жыл бұрын
That will be nice for a vintage project
@chosenone1012 жыл бұрын
Beautiful truck....I see those Generals from time to time in the junkyards on my travels.
@jboutdoors70192 жыл бұрын
That’s a SOLID old truck Neil! Some tires oil and grease and brake/clutch adjustment and your all set.
@gregd9312 жыл бұрын
Nice negotiating there Jefe! Kara got a new kitchen and you got a new money pit.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Ha! Perfectly said! :)
@terrancesnyder9323 Жыл бұрын
Good evening Neil
@mikelewisoutdoors64342 жыл бұрын
Looks like a good old machine. They don’t make them like that anymore. I can’t believe how rust free the frame is. Good find.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I was surprised at how well it has held up.
@johnmetcalfe19172 жыл бұрын
all sorts of fun with that beast
@chrisschreier84332 жыл бұрын
Very nice. I’ve driven a GMC General before. Not bad.
@ronfrance40412 жыл бұрын
Just popped up outta nowhere in my feed. Huge fan of the General’s. For this reason I’ll subscribe!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
That's awesome Ron! Thanks for the sub and thanks for the comment!
@joshsingleton83122 жыл бұрын
That 400 Cummins is one of the best engines that I’ve ever hauled coal with other than a Mack, and that 8 speed wrap around my favorite transmission. And I like those Generals
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Josh!
@davidsimons68812 жыл бұрын
Nice old General. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
@jamesquinnie75732 жыл бұрын
That truck ready to go to work!!!! Sounds good and turbo whistles sounds good 👌
@chrisandert31742 жыл бұрын
I always loved the look of those generals. There was quite a few in my area never see them anymore. Nice purchase
@jeremynealqld2 жыл бұрын
That is a dump truck worthy of the name.
@claudethomas80842 жыл бұрын
Another good project. I like old truck there very tough and easy to work on.
@donsgotmoney2 жыл бұрын
That is the same type road tractor I got got my CDL with, when i went to back up it was like backing a aircraft carrier. The one I drove was a tandem with a dog house sleeper. Racked up many miles in that old brigadier general, had a cummins 855, Great memories!!!! 8 speed roadranger, perfect for your application. Front steer tire cupping is generally caused by worn suspension parts. Sometimes worn shocks that ounce a lot while driving.
@williamfreeh11982 жыл бұрын
i drove a General for about 2 years. ive driven many different trucks and i hated that rough riding noisy slow rattle trap more than all the others. good luck and have fun.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Haha! Yeah, I can see that. I'm hoping to get the job done and probably send it on down the road.
@tomashbaugh8891 Жыл бұрын
I’m a collector of projects! Love it Neil I think I’ll use it, lol
@RCPSU42 жыл бұрын
When I first saw this old classic General, my initial thought was it had to have an old two stroke Detroit Diesel like an 8V92. Looks like it'll handle what you'll throw at it with no issues at all. Trailer looks in decent shape by the quick look, even though the wheels could use a touch up. Like the paint the way it is for sure.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
It did have a Detroit originally I believe. I think the paint will stay for now!
@rp16452 жыл бұрын
Thank you for buying her. The GMC General should have a Detroit Diesel, just my Humble opinion only. On the start up putting in gear, just wait for a few on the gears to engage. I drove a Ford L-9000 with that transmission, they take a few seconds for clutch brake to kick in. What is the Load Wt. On those short high sided box's. We don't have those in my area. Everyone runs pup trailer. Very nice start up, and if AIR built that fast compressor is in great shape.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
You can wait all day on this one and it still grinds going into gear. I think it needs a clutch brake adjustment. The rule of thumb for us around here in Indiana is that a tri-axle can haul 40,000 payload legally. If you order a tri-axle load of stone you get 20 ton. A quad load is 22-23 ton. A semi end-dump is 25 ton. We don't have anyone running pups around here but I've seen them in my travels. They are cool! Our area is dominated by tri-axles and quads. Thanks for watching!
@paulwiedeman45012 жыл бұрын
Hi Neil, nice find and purchase! Since you just visited Adam at Hometown Acres, I’m going to guess that you are going to put in a pond or pool of some sorts! Looking forward to future videos!
@Crewsy2 жыл бұрын
Looks like a good purchase that will do well for your pond build. 😉
@matthartlage8892 жыл бұрын
I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for “The General”. Looks pretty good for the age and the bed is great looking for being up north. I’ve had my CDL for 15 years now and even though I make a living doing woodwork I always keep it up. You never know when it’ll come in handy. The last 3 years we’re driving a tri-axle dump. The last year with a new Frieghtliner automatic transmission. That thing was a monster. Had the get up and go of a diesel pickup truck. But I did miss shifting gears, the “clutch cramp” in traffic I did not miss. And can’t wait to see what you do with this Neil!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Same here. That CDL is the best defense against ever being out of work. You can always find a truck to drive and not ever miss a week of wages if you're determined enough. My friends have a Sterling with the automatic and that thing is a MONSTER as well! If I could have my pick of dump trucks that is what I would choose - it is probably like the Freightliner you described. Thanks for watching Matt!
@kennethtomaszewski37952 жыл бұрын
Excellent purchase!!!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kenneth!
@DavidMartin-tp2in2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful old 5 star getting another chance at life.
@johnspringer2142 Жыл бұрын
Man you got a really nice truck there! Looks like they kept it in good shape
@ralphgwynn93252 жыл бұрын
That truck is sweet, I'd love to have a old school like that.A little TLC and they'll run forever and the best part is NO DEF 😎👍.
@robertlemoine35002 жыл бұрын
New sub . Looking forward to the next week. Thankyou sir .
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Robert!
@karlschupp85522 жыл бұрын
Congrats!!! Enjoy the new truck!
@thomasleahy37672 жыл бұрын
Have trooper hoover go through it. I always like that content. Enjoy the project! Can’t wait to follow along.
@RockhillfarmYT2 жыл бұрын
Awesome purchase. Trying to think what you would need to move a lot of material for but not too much traveling on the road. A pond maybe? Probably just guessing that because that’s what’s on my mind
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Hey thanks Brock. Good thing about where I live is the country roads! :)
@kennolte58012 жыл бұрын
Good looking old General. It'll do well for your project. The 400 and 8 speed are a decent combination. Everyone loves a good project. Keep us posted on your progress.
@MyClutteredGarage2 жыл бұрын
Love it, Neil! I’d name it The Night Rider - since they used a General in the show. Plus you’re going to spend many long nights working on it 🤣👍
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ed! I remember that show and loved that truck. Great idea. I hope not too many late nights though! :)
@ritterjon2 жыл бұрын
💥 Looking forward to watching some dump truck projects! *Keep on tractoring!*
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jon!
@jes66282 жыл бұрын
Wow wasn’t expecting this.. nice 😎
@manganvbg902 жыл бұрын
What a cool truck. I would lie if I said I wasnt yeallous of your machinery inventory 😎
@KingsOutdoorLife2 жыл бұрын
I can't wait to see the project. Keep these videos coming and let me brag again on the production and camera work.
@russorpcom2 жыл бұрын
Best of luck with the "General"!
@buildlife2 жыл бұрын
Super cool truck. I think you will get allot more done now that you have a GM in the lineup!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Ha!
@georgeenriquez61210 ай бұрын
Nice truck Neil👍🏻 I like it. Clean for it’s age
@davemathesonjr.36422 жыл бұрын
Love it Neil! I've been watching the Knight Rider Historians restore a GMC General that was in the TV show. Can't wait to see your dump in action. It would be fun to have this truck. I'll always be grateful for Tractor Time with Tim getting me to your channel! See ya on the next one!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave! I really appreciate comments like this. I need to check out that Night Rider General. I loved that show when I was a kid and I can still picture that truck. Glad to have you watching!
@WorldsOkayestFarmer2 жыл бұрын
*You have a lot of energy taking that project on. Best of luck* #WorldsOkayestFarmer
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Hopefully it won't take much to get it to the point where it can get the job done and then I'll send it on it's way :)
@robfate87812 жыл бұрын
Cool old dump...👍🏼
@sassafrasvalley19392 жыл бұрын
Neil… that’s not a project… it’s a tool for a project! There is nothing wrong with having a seldom used piece of equipment that doesn’t look showroom perfect. Just get it safe, compliant and reliable and it will be a good tool. I must say… it does look like it can easily become one of those! I never got my CDL… I have a chauffeurs permit and was intending to upgrade it at one point. But, I got a promotion and hired guys to do the driving instead. I wish I had gotten it. My guess about special projects is that you are putting in a firewood processing shed near the round pad that you already have. Being able to shelter your equipment, escape the elements to split wood and keep your fuel dry would appeal to me! I am happy for you… I hope it continues to be a ‘value add’ for your arsenal of equipment!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
That's a good guess. I've wanted something exactly like that near the round pads. My special project may be considered more for cooling than heating however! Stay tuned and thanks as always my friend!
@DadBurl2 жыл бұрын
Neil, the Cummins big cam 400 was super common back then and parts should be available anywhere if you need them. That trans is an 8LL or 8 speed double under drive also very common in old school dumps.
@terrypotter47792 жыл бұрын
Sam is correct on the engine trans combo, very durable and matched for dump truck, that double low allows you to creep in soft/steep ground and not stress the driveline, as for the shift pattern it allows for a higher top end speed, alot of road Ranger Trans could be turned around for a higher top speed, some people called them overdrive's when they were turned around
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Nice! I'm glad for that!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info👍🏻
@bigchuckyinkentucky62672 жыл бұрын
I recently found myself changing jobs just like a lot of people and I landed a job driving a tri-axle dump off road on a construction site. I have been around single axle trucks my whole life due to growing up on the farm and my Dad working for the local county road maintenance department. The first time I drove the big trucks it didn't take long for me to come up with the perfect name to match the turning radius. The Queen Marie.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Haha! I hear ya on that one Big Chucky!
@louisroman71342 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@scottdesart2752 жыл бұрын
What a great truck! Shoot, depending on the price, us it for your project and then sell it. One thing for sure, it’ll move a tremendous amount of dirt. To be honest, I’m jealous, great truck
@jeffferanec45262 жыл бұрын
Nice old workhorse right there, & classic good looks to boot! :-)
@jackel4402 жыл бұрын
Great buy on a good working truck. I'd say you got a pond to dig and going to need a haul truck to get the fill out of the bowl.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
That's a good guess. Stay tuned!!
@LukesJohnDeereGarage2 жыл бұрын
Looks like a fun project! I mean useful tool...
@kprocat75782 жыл бұрын
Started my maintenance career on 80's Generals. Check out vintage GMC pick-ups, heater cores/ wiper motors / some window regulators / inner handles / A/C mostly GM pick-up parts. Ours were never known for their turning radius Enjoy the truck.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Hey that's a good tip! I didn't think about them sharing parts with the pick-ups! Thanks a bunch!
@TheSnowboy19592 жыл бұрын
Had an 85 General with an aluminum box. 350 Cummins with 8LL with Lo lo. Great nice driving truck. Too big for my operation, put it out hourly with a driver. Lost driver and sold truck.
@hollandduck792 жыл бұрын
Hello🙋♂️ from the Netherlands🇳🇱 Koch Family. nice project truck Neil and thanks for the video . Sincerely Hollandduck
@default97402 жыл бұрын
Gidday from New Zealand Neil. Love the truck, can’t imagine what you need it for, but I’m sure we’ll all enjoy it. You’ve got me looking sideways at dump trucks, excavators etc, for sure. Just purchased a 12 acre block, I’m sure I need “something”!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
With 12 acres you definitely need "something"! :)
@default97402 жыл бұрын
@@digdrivediy Already have a wee Kubota BX tractor with FEL, my wife is reeeaaally hoping it’s enough.
@goratgo19702 жыл бұрын
Baddass Dumper there - hope the fixes go easy & cheap. Maybe paint wheels when you change tires & fix the fender?
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
I hope they're cheap too!
@wiregrassequipment90902 жыл бұрын
That is going to make a real nice truck
@scottlowman.1044 Жыл бұрын
Great buy! Looks & runs good.
@doughadley94482 жыл бұрын
Nice of you to buy the trailer so He wouldn't have to unhook it lol Point of information, "Chicken lights" are extra lights added to the Truck, but your Cab lights worked fine Great video cool truck look forward to seeing it work!!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
I like that clarification on the chicken lights, er, I mean cab lights! Good distinction there for sure. Thanks Doug!
@Sellarmusic2 жыл бұрын
My guess is you had a pretty good idea what you were buying before you pulled the plug on this truck. Looks like it is going to work out for you. Nothing more fun than a new piece of equipment!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Yes, I did have a good background on it but it hasn't hauled anything in the bed for a good 7-8 years to the owners knowledge. I knew it was good when it was parked just didn't know what can be hiding as a result of sitting. I think it will do the job just fine though. (hopefully)
@mmathis39472 жыл бұрын
Great truck those 400 big cam cummins are tough and have plenty of power and that trans is a 8ll
@edsecorr7812 Жыл бұрын
Congratulations great job love your videos thank you
@percyfreeman69482 жыл бұрын
Congrats Neil. This bring back memories lol. My first Tri axle was a 1985 general with a 13 speed and a Detroit . Your Cummins is a better engine or lets say preferred and your 8 speed will be geared better for the dirt. It should have a button on the bottom of the stick to drop it in bull low. I remember the windows in my truck giving me problems too lol. In its day that was a nice truck. P.S. I drive a Pete Now lol. Enjoy buddy wish you luck.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
That's awesome. Maybe one day I'll graduate to a Pete! Thanks so much for watching!
@khtractors2 жыл бұрын
Love the truck! There’s something so much more gratifying about getting in an old truck and taking off down the road vs a new one. I believe that will make a good ole truck! Take care buddy!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot Ben! It's no International but it should do the trick for now! :)
@randyclyde49392 жыл бұрын
Great find and purchase, IMHO! Starts, runs, stops, dumps, all lights, no major leaks... what more could you ask for a truck that's been sitting all these years? Plus you know the history! Looks like more great videos!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Randy!
@BigFarles2 жыл бұрын
Just got in for irrigating. Awesome truck. I’m jealous. I would guess a pond build.
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Hey thanks Marcus. Stay tuned 👍
@johnspringer2142 Жыл бұрын
That's a normal shift pattern. 400 big cam cummins is a great motor. The jake brake was designed for the long stroke cummins. that tranny is plenty of gears for you. Great buy!
@digdrivediy Жыл бұрын
It's fun to drive.
@tonieveritt70452 жыл бұрын
Morning neil it looks a beast of a truck for the age of it it looks pretty clean it looks like you have a good truck well done.
@weepweep22252 жыл бұрын
Big cam Cummins is a great engine! 800k on mine and still running strong
@kennethtomaszewski37952 жыл бұрын
Fun to drive!
@jimmcconnell5829 Жыл бұрын
Drove for Pike Industries back in the 80's in New Hampshire and most all the trucks had that 8 speed which we called it a horseshoe 8
@DirtBrute2 жыл бұрын
It’s an 8 “under”. But I call it a U pattern . My brother has the same transmission in his 79 autocar triaxle and one of the 4 peterbilts I’ve had was the same . He and I both have the same engine. It’s a ntc 855. 400. Big cam Cummins. Great engine . Has a pt pump instead of a common rail. I turned mine up a bit 😉. Looks like you have The good Hendrickson walking beam suspension . For the time frame they are probably 44s. It’s probably an 18 or 20 stear axle. They’re known for going through kingpins .my brother just had to replace his because they’re so heavy . I grew up riding in a general ten wheeler . That’s a great truck .Congratulations
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Hey thanks Steve! Glad to hear your approval on this outfit. I feel dumb for not knowing that was the transmission but I think this is the only truck I have driven with that transmission. I don't think it turns nearly as sharp as what it should. I still need to have someone with more knowledge have a good look at it but I think it will serve my purpose this fall. It's fun to drive though for sure. Thanks a lot for checking it out!
@DirtBrute2 жыл бұрын
@@digdrivediy It has fat front floaters. A lot of times what we do is change the front rims and tire size To a Little bit skinnier and then turn in the bump stops!
@kevinlamarr14242 жыл бұрын
I was looking at one of those to get started in dirt/ demolition work. With some elbow equity it should be able to get through a season
@robtheslob96492 жыл бұрын
I think you like that pond/swimmin' hole set up at your brothers(??) place......... I think you want one too. Heck, I think I want one too!!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
That is a pretty nice setup...
@bobpurs2 жыл бұрын
Cool old truck Neil. I drove a General Semi for 2 years in the 80’s. Loved that truck and had a 9 speed Fuller in it. Can’t remember what motor it had. Good bones should be a good old truck for what your gonna use it for. 👍✊
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bob!
@Justinsr19832 жыл бұрын
Great engine, that truck is in very good shape
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I have seen so much worse. I was pleasantly surprised by how almost everything still works well.
@rodneystewart89582 жыл бұрын
Nice looking truck get it road legal and keep it
@briancarpenter82972 жыл бұрын
Nice looking truck Neil! I would love a dump truck, I have no practical need and would need a CDL first, but it would be fun to have!
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
You're right, it is fun! :) Thanks Brian.
@4321grp2 жыл бұрын
The Big Cam Cummins was one of the best truck engines ever made.
@cliffpalermo2 жыл бұрын
Saw one on the road yesterday, looks like its used on the daily, paint was patina from daily washes. Nice unit
@digdrivediy2 жыл бұрын
I'd love to see a daily runner like this one! Was it around Ft. Wayne?
@cliffpalermo2 жыл бұрын
Calvert County, MD south of Annapolis
@davidarrand45012 жыл бұрын
I agree with one of your viewers. It will meet the need. Remember, Tires, Brakes, Hydralic fluid, belts, lights are for safety. I would test the bed to make sure you can lift it before you load it. A little here, a little there. It should do the job.
@casycasy51992 жыл бұрын
congrats on the truck.the engine sounds great.
@MarkWilliams-vp7xw2 жыл бұрын
Good engine good transmission. That’s an 8LL deep reduction ,I call it a crazy 8 cause of how 3-4 and 7-8 is lol. The old cummins like low revs for shifting for sure