I Bought A Tri-Axle Dump Truck [Hasn't Been On The Road In Seven Years] 1986 GMC General

I can't help myself! This 1986 GMC General Dump Truck came up for sale and we have an upcoming project we could use it on. In this video we easily start up this GMC General and then drive it home to get a better look at exactly what we have gotten ourselves into.
The truck was parked in 2015 and has been started regularly which made it easy to get running again. However, it still needs some attention before we hope to be able to use it.

[@gordonbrown6616]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

Exactly!

[@utubota5522]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! She's used to it by now but you're right, I am certainly lucky for the support and the family that helps!

[@rp1645]

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.

[@andytrimble9579]

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!

[@digdrivediy]

That's cool! I hauled milk off the farm in the early 2000's but I drove a Mack and then an International.

[@InsaneBimmer]

It's so funny watching someone who isn't familiar with heavy trucks figure things out. You'll get there bud.

[@jimmcconnell5829]

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

[@kennolte5801]

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.

[@ryanhays4326]

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!

[@digdrivediy]

Glad it brought back some memories. Thanks for checking out the video Ryan!

[@chrisandert3174]

I always loved the look of those generals. There was quite a few in my area never see them anymore. Nice purchase

[@XDeadlyBlade]

That truck moves 🔥 I love older trucks

[@jamesquinnie7573]

That truck ready to go to work!!!! Sounds good and turbo whistles sounds good 👌

[@randywhelan8944]

That my friend is the greatest find I've seen in a while. 400 BIG CAM , awesome

[@davemathesonjr.3642]

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!

[@digdrivediy]

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!

[@rustygindt2157]

Makes me wanna go out and get a job driving dump truck. Drove those things for 40 years. Love um!

[@mintyman1968]

Love that old general. I have no doubt it’ll pay for itself in work.

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

I can't wait to see the project. Keep these videos coming and let me brag again on the production and camera work.

[@davidsimons6881]

Nice old General. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.

[@allensharlow7763]

I’ve always loved 12:20 tandems and tri axle dump trucks , and always wanted one, nice truck

[@chosenone101]

Beautiful truck....I see those Generals from time to time in the junkyards on my travels.

[@blackdogexcavator21]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

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.

[@rp1645]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

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!

[@khtractors]

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!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a lot Ben! It's no International but it should do the trick for now! :)

[@donsgotmoney]

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.

[@matthartlage889]

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!

[@digdrivediy]

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!

[@claudethomas8084]

Another good project. I like old truck there very tough and easy to work on.

[@thor942]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! We like it here :)

[@karlschupp8552]

Congrats!!! Enjoy the new truck!

[@mikelewisoutdoors6434]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah, I was surprised at how well it has held up.

[@jboutdoors7019]

That’s a SOLID old truck Neil! Some tires oil and grease and brake/clutch adjustment and your all set.

[@joshsingleton8312]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Josh!

[@scottlowman.1044]

Great buy! Looks & runs good.

[@johnmetcalfe1917]

all sorts of fun with that beast

[@russellbelton8213]

Love the truck can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with it

[@VicsYard]

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!!!!

[@tomashbaugh8891]

I’m a collector of projects! Love it Neil I think I’ll use it, lol

[@ralphgwynn9325]

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 😎👍.

[@J.R.in_WV]

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.

[@RCPSU4]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

It did have a Detroit originally I believe. I think the paint will stay for now!

[@jes6628]

Wow wasn’t expecting this.. nice 😎

[@thomasleahy3767]

Have trooper hoover go through it. I always like that content. Enjoy the project! Can’t wait to follow along.

[@tonieveritt7045]

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.

[@scottdesart275]

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

[@edsecorr7812]

Congratulations great job love your videos thank you

[@Crewsy]

Looks like a good purchase that will do well for your pond build. 😉

[@georgeenriquez612]

Nice truck Neil👍🏻 I like it. Clean for it’s age

[@johnspringer2142]

Man you got a really nice truck there! Looks like they kept it in good shape

[@ronfrance4041]

Just popped up outta nowhere in my feed. Huge fan of the General’s. For this reason I’ll subscribe!

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome Ron! Thanks for the sub and thanks for the comment!

[@terrycormier5492]

Big cam very dependable hope it does well on the farm nice

[@chrisschreier8433]

Very nice. I’ve driven a GMC General before. Not bad.

[@casycasy5199]

congrats on the truck.the engine sounds great.

[@ritterjon]

💥 Looking forward to watching some dump truck projects! *Keep on tractoring!*

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Jon!

[@edsecorr7812]

Great love your videos thank you

[@4321grp]

The Big Cam Cummins was one of the best truck engines ever made.

[@kennethtomaszewski3795]

Excellent purchase!!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@paulwiedeman4501]

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!

[@bigchuckyinkentucky6267]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! I hear ya on that one Big Chucky!

[@ArmoredXJ]

Great looking truck and In good shape! Definitely a plus that you have been familiar with it for that long! Some day I hope to have one too! Can’t wait to see what that project is!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Stephen! I hope it will all come together this fall.

[@kennethtomaszewski3795]

Fun to drive!

[@louisroman7134]

Thanks for sharing.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffferanec4526]

Nice old workhorse right there, & classic good looks to boot! :-)

[@robfate8781]

Cool old dump...👍🏼

[@johnspringer2142]

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]

It's fun to drive.

[@mmathis3947]

Great truck those 400 big cam cummins are tough and have plenty of power and that trans is a 8ll

[@default9740]

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”!

[@digdrivediy]

With 12 acres you definitely need "something"! :)

[@default9740]

@@digdrivediy Already have a wee Kubota BX tractor with FEL, my wife is reeeaaally hoping it’s enough.

[@terrancesnyder9323]

Good evening Neil

[@bobpurs]

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. 👍✊

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Bob!

[@MyClutteredGarage]

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 🤣👍

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Ed! I remember that show and loved that truck. Great idea. I hope not too many late nights though! :)

[@percyfreeman6948]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome. Maybe one day I'll graduate to a Pete! Thanks so much for watching!

[@chactacarolina1857]

Great truck Big Cam 400 Cummings is a great powerful engine. You got a super deal

[@crookedrowfarm6100]

Hauling dirt out while digging a swimming pool is a must. You could haul it out with a smaller dump truck but where is the fun in that.

[@digdrivediy]

Exactly

[@outdoorswithandy732]

congrats on the new truck. I haven't seen one that color in a long time.

[@williamfreeh1198]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! Yeah, I can see that. I'm hoping to get the job done and probably send it on down the road.

[@buildlife]

Super cool truck. I think you will get allot more done now that you have a GM in the lineup!

[@digdrivediy]

Ha!

[@kevincreech7345]

Hauled oddles of hay with a 85 shaker and a big cam 400 more then enough power and never a moments trouble

[@DadBurl]

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.

[@terrypotter4779]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Nice! I'm glad for that!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for the info👍🏻

[@tkskagen]

Nice purchase as it looks as if the previous Owner took relatively good mechanical care of it! Trailer actually may be a bonus to your fleet for a Mini Excavator and other equipment depending on the Job Site. 🎇 HAPPY 4th of JULY! 🎆

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah that trailer is a nice little bonus. I may have to sell it however to finance improvements on the truck!

[@MarkWilliams-vp7xw]

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

[@kevinlamarr1424]

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

[@russorpcom]

Best of luck with the "General"!

[@briancarpenter8297]

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!

[@digdrivediy]

You're right, it is fun! :) Thanks Brian.

[@Justinsr1983]

Great engine, that truck is in very good shape

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah, I have seen so much worse. I was pleasantly surprised by how almost everything still works well.

[@davidarrand4501]

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.

[@wiregrassequipment9090]

That is going to make a real nice truck

[@prannoyindugula7806]

That will be nice for a vintage project

[@manganvbg90]

What a cool truck. I would lie if I said I wasnt yeallous of your machinery inventory 😎

[@leol1682]

Man love the truck

[@MannistoCay]

That will carry a load and then some. Can't wait to see the "project". 🚜🇺🇸🇨🇦 Happy July 4th!

[@philipmarsland6265]

Drove same with 892 Detroit log truck many year’s ago

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

Good looking truck Neil!

[@digdrivediy]

Hey Thanks Hank!

[@randybennett7643]

Beautiful truck man..I drove one identical except mine had Detroit power.same tranny though..I still use it daily..it runs when nothing else does..that frame looks great considering ur where it snows..we don't have that issue in south Georgia lol.. whatever u do plz never get under bed with it raised unless safety bar is engaged..take care and congratulations

[@bradkonen03]

Cool truck. Love to see dump trucks , and you’re opinions on it. Maybe go to equipment auction and narrate/ voiceover what you think of items. That’d be interesting. 👍🙂

[@TheSnowboy1959]

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.

[@BigFarles]

Just got in for irrigating. Awesome truck. I’m jealous. I would guess a pond build.

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks Marcus. Stay tuned 👍

[@kprocat7578]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

Hey that's a good tip! I didn't think about them sharing parts with the pick-ups! Thanks a bunch!

[@LukesJohnDeereGarage]

Looks like a fun project! I mean useful tool...

[@dustinpitts2741]

400 big cam is a awesome engine 8 LL trans you did good

[@jeremynealqld]

That is a dump truck worthy of the name.

[@jackel440]

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.

[@digdrivediy]

That's a good guess. Stay tuned!!

[@doughadley9448]

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!!

[@digdrivediy]

I like that clarification on the chicken lights, er, I mean cab lights! Good distinction there for sure. Thanks Doug!

[@robertlemoine3500]

New sub . Looking forward to the next week. Thankyou sir .

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much Robert!

[@DavidMartin-tp2in]

Beautiful old 5 star getting another chance at life.