I BOUGHT A PETERBILT 379 SIGHT UNSEEN! HOW BAD IS IT? WILL IT MAKE IT HOME?

I RARELY EVER BUY A TRUCK THAT I DID NOT INPSECT THOROUGHLY......AND FOR GOOD REASON! I HAVE BEEN WANTING A SET FORWARD AXLE TRUCK LIKE A 359, 379 OR A W900 FOR AN UPCOMING BUILD. TRUCK PRICES ARE STILL OUT OF CONTROL AND I CANT AFFORD TO INVEST THE AMOUNT IT TAKES TO GET A NICE TRUCK. SO I HAVE TO BUY ONE THAT IS ABLE TO BE MADE INTO WHAT I WANT. MY DUDGET WAS $20K. THAT DOESNT GO VERY FAR IN THE TRUCKS THAT I WAS LOOKING FOR AROUND HERE. I NEEDED A LONG WHEEL BASE, CUMMINS OR CAT NON EMISSIONS ENGINE, GOOD FRAME WITH NO RUST JACKING, AIR RIDE REAR SUSPENSION AND A BODY THAT WAS NOT DESTROYED. I WANTED A COMPLETE TRUCK THAT WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME UNDER ITS OWN POWER. WELL THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I GOT. HOPE YOU ENJOY!

[@ricksommers8732]

A man with any kind of experience would ask 4 as many maitance records they have

[@j.c.smithprojects]

a man with less experience buying trucks relies on paperwork to ease his mind or justify the cost of the purchase. far too often buyers lean on the records in place of due diligence. i evaluate the truck and negotiate the price based on what i can see with my own eyes at that time. records are only as good as the person doing the work and how the truck is being treated by the driver. you have no idea if they were trained properly, have enough experience or have standards as high as mine. pride in workmanship is becoming more and more rare. i rarely buy a truck i didnt inspect but if i do , it is because the price i am paying makes it a no risk purchase.

[@ricksommers8732]

@@j.c.smithprojects I was referring 2 records 4 this reason all records do is answer questions b4 they r asked & can give peace of mind & something 2 refer bk 2

[@j.c.smithprojects]

your original comment was intended to discredit my experience. if you think records are what YOU need to buy a truck, by all means get your records. i dont need them. nor do i put much merit in them. i have no idea how many or how few commercial trucks you have purchased in your life. my experience comes from buying 100's of trucks. many of these trucks were from people who have had "certified technicians" diagnose issues incorrectly, repairs done improperly, used cheap parts, used wrong parts and even caused more problems than the truck had when it came to them. so, if you feel that those records give you some sense of comfort, use them but dont insult me by saying "a man with any kind of experience would ask 4 as many maintance records they have". there is a reason i work for myself and have for so long. i might have a thing or two figured out.

[@bierutki]

Nice title. I had a 1987 Peterbilt 379 that I ran everyday on long haul OTR for 2 years straight before someone on FB really wanted to buy it.

[@rockystuart6862]

Would love to see this as a project series

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Lots of interesting repairs and mods.

[@kennethsnow8970]

Sounds like a plan

[@andyedwards7136]

I think is a good buy

[@TooPoorForADirtFloor]

Axle 2 rh brake shoe is cracked

[@j.c.smithprojects]

of course it is. that is the one that was hanging up. didnt you smell it in the video?? hahaha!!!

[@TooPoorForADirtFloor]

@@j.c.smithprojects smell it regularly probably desensitized to it

[@georgealtstattjr4618]

I'd put a cat engine in it

[@j.c.smithprojects]

looking at a 3406e. trying to make the deal but the seller thinks its work "FRESH INFRAME" price with 1.1 MILLION MILES!

[@lessimpson6465]

Love the way you approach projects. Seems like there’s a lot there to like especially if the price was right. I see a nice rollback back the time your finished.

[@jimdieseldawg3435]

Hi JC 🙂 PACCAR frame sizes for double-frame straight trucks were frequently 273 x 89 x 9.5mm main with a 252 x 79 x 6.4mm insert; I often specified those for tipper and crane-equipped trucks. Tractors were often 256 x 89 x 8.0mm. Please excuse the odd mm, I’m recalling the ‘90s and my days at Foden Trucks here! 😆 Sage advice from the label applied to each frame rail after paint: “HEAT TREATED - DO NOT WELD TO RAIL OR DRILL FLANGES”. They peeled off after a couple of years, so people did… All frame hardware was Grade 10.9 at Foden; not sure if that was worldwide. Thanks for the memories 🙂 I’ll be following this one!

[@braaapattack2937]

Seems like a good base, and sounds like you got it for a good price, I say build it, should be an interesting project

[@dirkkelly9596]

From what I could see looking promising, frame is the back bone that’s , if that’s good ya have a project if it’s bad ya have a collection of used parts to find homes for if the price is right it’s all good 👍

[@wabump8072]

Not a bad looking old Pete. It amazes me what you see on a “look over” that most people would miss. I’m not sure what you’re thinking for a build, but I’m definitely looking forward to it!

[@eddiepatterson5025]

If you decide to build it I’ll be looking forward to seeing it. When you mentioned going through the engine bearings a high volume oil pump would extra insurance long service.

[@daddyphatsax304]

Interested to see this build and what you have in store for it if it checks all the boxes. Thanks for sharing JC! Nice find!

[@brianherron5400]

Good roll back truck project.

[@J.R.in_WV]

The sluggish throttle / slow to return to idle thing is often from somebody messing with the Throttle shaft stop screw on the PT pump to get more fuel out of it, a good pump shop can set it up right for you. A big cam 2 or 3 wouldn’t hold any more oil pressure than the 4, 10 lbs per 1000 is plenty healthy, they made the main oil galley a lot larger on the 2’s and put higher flow pumps in them the idea being keeping the cams and followers supplied with as much oil as possible to get better life from them, which also is why they went to the big cam to begin with. I love a big cam Cummins, the 4’s aren’t my favorite with the low-flow cooling but as long as you’ve got a good rad, thermostats and fan shroud they do fine. The BC3 400 in my Paystar is the original block to the truck as verified by the serial number and has near 2 million miles on it, all of them as a dump truck so lots of stop/go and idling. Cat guys say a Cummins won’t last but 1.8 million miles with just bearing rolls and a couple in-frames is pretty good in my book.

[@paulresca6681]

Looks like a great start. Maybe a camper/rollback? Good luck and thanks.

[@malibuStroker]

As someone who worked at the peterbilt plant for 16 years and most likely worked on your truck, I’m shocked anything besides the running gear works at all!!! 90% of those broke on the line before they were completed.

[@mick00000000002]

i hear you. Australia will bring out new law . no old trucks. that will be the law. I'm fan of old trucks. ( god bless. PS yes I understand where you talk. god bless mick Australia

[@Fordfanatic895]

Man I’d hate for you to be my DOT officer in a roadside inspection hahaha. Definitely a truck with some potential!

[@gblonde2331]

Hey JC from my experience if the the door jam looks like that check the floor pans.

[@geraldparker7008]

Another great video! Hope you will decide to built from the way you talked about her she's a good old girl just needs some love!

[@jasontaylor7837]

It would make a awesome rollback

[@428dragpak]

You look them over like I do, records are nice but the eyes and experience have the final say, nice looking rig

[@sparty94]

great content, i'm learning a lot from your channel. i like to see these old girls get a breath of new life and go back into service.

[@greggb1416]

I personally believe that most of those big name 1990’s trucks, are/were the last of the “real” trucks… Now all plastic, emissions, electronics, more plastic, emissions, offshore components, more electronics, more plastic, DEF, more offshore garbage components, more plastic…, oh, did I repeat myself… Great purchase on your part, I hunk you will be happy with it. Thank you sir.

[@lmCIoudz]

The future is now old man. More efficient, more power, quieter and more comfortable.

[@greggb1416]

@@lmCIoudz yep, and many many more dollars…,

[@lmCIoudz]

@@greggb1416 I agree 100%. I love older trucks so much but some new trucks are definitely nice. I am currently in CDL school and we have some mid 2000s trucks, manual and autos. We also have an old cab over, can’t wait to start driving.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

that is all up for debate. today's trucks may be "rated" for more hp but rarely pull like the old trucks. they may be more comfortable to the "soft" world of today but old school drivers would take an old truck over this plastic junk any day. the comfort of these trucks is partly responsible for the decline in actual knowledgeable truck drivers. they make them "idiot proof" and anyone can drive one....maybe we should have better educated and trained drivers and less steering wheel holders. handling and controlling 80,000lbs and more shouldnt be done by just anyone. they have never made significant mpg advances in these trucks. comparable loads with comparable sized engines still get similar mpg....even with all the "overly complicated and under reliable" advances the manufactures claim.

[@megamannn8527]

🎉surprise truck 🎉thanks for sharing your time 👍

[@solarfinder]

She definitely has potential. I'd love to see how it goes, nice purchase

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear J.C. Smith projects family. 👍👌👏 Uuuuuh, this truck looks great! I like the older ones way more than newer models. Despite of all the "little" things that have to be addressed, it seems quite a good vehicle. Congrats for purchasing it. I really, really hope that there will be a video series about this awesome machine. As always I'm eagerly looking forward to watch the next video. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to all of you.

[@chriss1227]

These trucks have a lot going on. Some of them must be endless money pits.

[@randydobson1863]

HELLO JC AND MRS SMITH ITS IS RANDY AND I LIKE U VIDEO IS COOL JC THANKS FRIENDS RANDY

[@donaldcampbell5277]

Can't belive all the little things you see that the ordinary person would never even think of.

[@ESPSJ]

Great video and I love how you show us all of the issues. I hope you find a good affordable rear end for it. I think it's a worthwhile project but like Stevie Ray Vaughan sang "Money's tight, nothin' free"

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

It ain't no Tim Gentry rig but it's a good start

[@j.c.smithprojects]

im a one man operation. this is a big purchase for me.

[@keepontruckinoutlawlife1248]

@@j.c.smithprojects yes zir

[@mikehiggins5233]

Nice 👌

[@stephenwilliamson1522]

Sound like you’re buying a money pit to me if I want to work and make a living for damn sure gonna be in Freightliner

[@j.c.smithprojects]

the only thing that is actually freightliner is the cab and hood.....which are the cheapest, draftiest, noisiest, and are the most prone to wiring problems of all. everything else under your truck is the same as peterbilt, kenworth, international and so on...all made by the same folks. the best thing about freightliner is there are more dealers spread out around the country than most others.if freightliner had something that no one else had or offered that made it far superior, they wouldnt be so low on the resale value.

[@sierraspecialtyauto7049]

Maybe the pto ran hydraulic motors on the jacks?

[@mick00000000002]

extremely happy details god bless

[@shawnsalllyfromthebackally4887]

Why don’t ppl talk about how much they paid that’s a big reason why we watch .

[@j.c.smithprojects]

do you share your pay stub with all of youtube? i think not. its classless, rude and non of anyone's business.

[@kevinlamarr1424]

I was wondering what that rattling was. Looking forward to seeing what happens with the project

[@haroldphipps3457]

Cab mounted stacks are usually a pain!!

[@sideview79]

I'm guessing a beast of a rollback 😎 If you have the clearance underneath you could use a carhauler front axle for an extra 5" or so of drop ! May put it too low to be practical though I would guess ! Good find and a great video...can't wait to see it come together !

[@haroldphipps3457]

Don't think they are 5" of drop. 3" to maybe 4". But they are normally 14,000 lb. rated axles. That stack-o-blocks is a bunch of height!!

[@sideview79]

Most I have been around are 20k.... my 07 Pete carhauler is 20k.... Getting rid of the blocks and switching to smaller tires would be plenty low for a rollback

[@haroldphipps3457]

@@sideview79 agree 💯% I didn't know most were 20k. Are the short tires rated that high? Do the trucks have the two steering boxes?

[@sideview79]

Mine are rated at 14 somethin for the pair and no just 1 box 👍

[@haroldphipps3457]

@@sideview79 then they ain't 20k axles!! Anything over 16k NEEDS the twin steering sectors. And there is a reason your front tire ratings equal 14k. Nice try! Thanks for participating! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡

[@bobbyalley5192]

It looked pretty good until you started looking at it !!!!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

still looks good to me. people pay more for trucks in worse shape. many just dont realize the actual condition because they have mot looked it over well enough. i showed everything i foiund that is wrong with it.

[@Eric.schmidt]

Love the music those big cams make though

[@johnduncan9749]

Owned a 95 379 ex hood with a C model CAT back in 2000 ran it for 7 years before selling it and seeing the old school cruise control next to the seat took me back a bit crank it up on the open road and give your foot a rest:)

[@lazaroverajr4586]

Big cam Cummins they will run forever

[@machinist5828]

Like a friend of mine says. It has good bones. Damn that's one heavy bed! If you don't want to use it sell it to someone to use as a bridge over a creek.......... LOL! Not really but it does take away from the amount of junk you can drag home........ Cheers Terry

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

How do you use your trucks? Haul what?

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i use them to move my own stuff.

[@armandoperez6673]

Hello JC,Wow thats a real evidence of how long you've been on the trade. You really look at what to look for. If you're going to be a quality controler on any production line, i guess i'd be one regular client, 'cause i'd be sure that it passed a thorough QC check. I Love you videos, i always learn something. Take care. Be safe. Oh and say hi to your reliable and faithful assistant (your lady)LOL.

[@jeffreykbevins7116]

That is a pretty good looking old Pete, I like the old ones the best . Good luck with the truck for your project truck . I will see you later in another video, so take care and stay safe working on the truck . 🤗👍💫

[@hollandduck79]

Hello from the Netherlands and thanks for the video. Sincerely, Hollandduck

[@jesseshultz4370]

I’ve got a 94 379 that had that same tachometer issue that only worked on hard bumps, and it ended up being two solder connections at the plug on the back of the gauge had cracked out. So with some care removing the bezel I was able to solder it back together and I still have the original tachometer!

[@richardhoneywell7411]

Great video J.C. this truck has a lot of good points and some bad ones too. But with the way you checked it over could be a interesting project stay safe J.C Smith

[@robertquast9684]

We have a 93 377. Your tach and speedo could be pin fitment. Had to replace our tach to correct it. The magnetic speed sensors can be a pain as well as you know

[@jeffmaclean7700]

Boy nice find bud. That’s going to make a nice ride

[@scottreed5460]

I’m sure you know already but you can turn up the oil pressure by adding a shim to the oil spring in the oil pump. It’s a silly Cummins thing for the era.

[@jonathanmurphy4562]

It’ll be a great truck once it’s gone thru , another plus is that it’s emissions free . Peterbuilts and kenworths are my favorite trucks

[@gkenn99]

286" wheelbase is a common number for a road tractor w/sleeper. That's what our 389 is.

[@OneMechanic]

😁👍

[@kentuckyteck9302]

Personally I’m partial to cat 3406E but no matter what this looks like it’ll be an awesome build to watch

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i like a mechanical engine for the simplicity and reliability. i like the n14 red top, 3406e and the 12.7 in electronic engines.

[@kw900lkevin]

Jpaydirt did a series on low oil pressure and high oil temp fixes on a N14 know it's not essentially similar engine

[@scottreed5460]

It may not be stretched, it may be a heavy spec truck with factory liner

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i wouldnt think it is a factory liner due to the fact of where it starts and ends. plus there are extra holes in the outer frame that are not drilled into the inner. that is usually a pretty good indicator.

[@augustinboyd9626]

GREATEST OF LUCK JC AND SAFE TRAVELS FOR YOU AND MRS. JC, KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS THANKS AGAIN

[@scottreed5460]

Totally agree about the low-flow cooling but easy to convert to old style. Not a powerhouse but I love the big cam personally…

[@localcrew]

Don’t know if you have watched Jeff Anderson’s channel “Jpaydirt” but he had a great video or two about a Peterbilt with Cummins big cam 400 or NP14 and his struggle with oil pressure issues. He couldn’t find a new oil pump that wasn’t junk so he ended up buying a new pump from a dealer somewhere and found it to be way out of side clearance specs right out of the box so he tore it down and had a machine shop mill the housing down a few thousands and generally clean it up. Made a huge difference. Apparently it’s important that these engines build pressure rapidly for the injectors to work right. I suggest strongly that you give his videos a look if you’re going to embark upon a quest for higher oil pressure in your Cummins engine. This is going to be a nice truck when you’re done with it. 👍

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i saw parts of that from ole jeff. he is such a great guy. no bs....just getting it done. i am trying to source a n14 or 3406e for the truck. if i have not found one by the time i get to that stage. i will move forward with the rods, mains and oil pump (with mods).

[@rickbarger5161]

30

[@g41thomas]

How much you paid for it?

[@j.c.smithprojects]

how much money do you make a year? your question and this one are two things you never ask a person. manners....

[@flyfliker]

Looking forward to future updates. Thanks for sharing.

[@jlletaw1954]

As soon as that truck aired up enough to let the brakes go - I'd been in gear & off that lot before the seller changed their mind

[@bigrockauto]

Nice Truck

[@Ezrider359]

looks like it has some good bones, ill be curious to see what you do with it. my bc3 had similar oil pressure turned out to be a broken piston cooler.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

wonder if these ones are plastic...old and brittle. i should probably replace all of them as a "just in case" thing. it has good power and doesnt smoke like its burning oil. so i think i will roll some bearings in as preventative.

[@Ezrider359]

@@j.c.smithprojects I don't think they changed the piston coolers till the n14 it will be easy enough to see with the pan off

[@bobt5002]

JC what rears are under it I’m assuming it don’t still have 38s

[@ianatkinson8464]

Looking forward to seeing what you have planned for it😎👍

[@tonywilliamson915]

Still a nice find jc wouldn't take to much to have a good work truck

[@cesmith4566]

Finally a good looking truck! Much better than your weekend ride

[@j.c.smithprojects]

hopefully it will be even better when i am done.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Actually the yokes and cross is the U-joint. I was corrected when I worked at an farm implement dealership.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

they can call it whatever they want. all that matters to me is the viewers understand what i am trying to point out....

[@christopherjohnson6056]

Another one I’m going to be looking forward to.👍👍

[@Jammer.1]

I seen the speedo not working while you was driving it at first !

[@4X4F250Diesel]

I love it the more you show the more you plain on swapping out, can't wait to see it.

[@ydocproductions5593]

Great find J.C! I agree I’m not a big fan of the spray paint job done on interiors, but the rest of the truck looks really clean for being so old. Hope you have a great weekend😀👍. When are you planning to do your next live stream?

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i dont know cody. you want to do a live stream together one sunday evening?

[@ydocproductions5593]

@@j.c.smithprojects Sure count me in👍

[@waynedunne4507]

Your a glutton for punishment JC. Big job ahead. “It is what it is” I heard a master mechanic say once. Hello Mrs JC.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

doesnt matter of its big or small....its all work.

[@1965Gindy]

Beautiful truck. You're fortunate.

[@woodycash6585]

I saw something were some did a long hood conversation on a short hood

[@thomaslockley945]

That drive definitely looked likes Ohio that 6 lane lol

[@squintin480]

Leroy and I can’t wait till the next episode of this project!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

my boy leroy! he would look good with his head out the window and his ears blowing in the wind.

[@gregbrown4962]

Did I see manual slack adjusters on the back axle? I know you said you looked up the build sheet and it had a 63inch sleeper. Did the specs show the original wheel base or cab to axle length? It looks like the old truck has some good bones.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

no it doesnt show wheelbase or cab to axle.

[@jopete681]

That’s low flow big cam 4, you should do a hi flow swap from a big cam 3. I got two of them and love them!

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i wont put enough miles on it for it to make a difference. this truck and the load will likely never go over 50k lbs.

[@kwshilts]

It is a lucky truck to have you as a new owner. How long will it take to bring it up to your standards? I am hoping this will be a continuing series for your channel.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

it will take years to actually complete the truck. it is going to be quite the investment.

[@michaelhartloff3833]

Looks like the new project overkill

[@kw900lkevin]

think that is the low flow cooling system

[@ervinhenschel9260]

Gonna be a sweet project!

[@danlabelle6210]

Awesome project

[@DependableAutoTruck]

thanks for sharing

[@chrishigdon1070]

just got a 1958 6400 chevy dump truck given to me,has a 283 v-8 4x2 shifter and the body is rust free, need to re wire it, it started life as an Army truck for freight now just going to be a putt around rig going to do a Cat diesel swap. that rig you bought is awesome , love that model good luck on your build, P.S. if you know of any 6 hole 8.25x20 inch wheels my truck has one that is a split rim and that's not good. chris from cashmere

[@j.c.smithprojects]

just sold off 4 of them from my 48 f6...

[@chrishigdon1070]

@@j.c.smithprojects keep looking guess they are hard to find, maybe I should go bigger

[@avcproductions_ant_modrow]

Found you on Facebook had to come and subscribe :)

[@j.c.smithprojects]

glad you found us.

[@normangallant9879]

It is a good start.Good luck

[@Freakybacon-dx7ki]

Petercrap 379

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i assume you OWN something better?

[@Freakybacon-dx7ki]

@@j.c.smithprojects I own a petercrap 389 🫡

[@hayesshaffer2157]

Is it going to be a rollback, and are you going to put a sleeper back on it.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

rollback but probably no sleeper. my rollback bed is 30ft already.

[@RCRCustoms]

The crossers that are on 6” spacing are like that so when they land and ship the block for the big cranes. It’s an awful lot of weight on a relatively small footprint.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i just didnt understand why there were some at 6" while others were at 12" o.c.

[@RCRCustoms]

@@j.c.smithprojects no problem, the best way to learn is to ask questions or watch KZbin videos right 👍

[@Ktgsvtrdg66]

Sweet ride!🤘🚛

[@nickslistm246]

I'm kinda feeling a recovery or wrecker project in the making here. J.C. you've been saying for a couple years you wanted to make a great reliable recovery truck. I'm kinda feeling it here.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

rollback

[@nickslistm246]

@@j.c.smithprojects i figured it had to be something like that as to how you keep saying it needed to be low but still highwayable.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i fight the height of my freightliner rollback constantly. hoping to drop it at least 8".

[@dakotamcclure6165]

Nice find