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

[@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.

[@randywhelan8944]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@rustygindt2157]

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

[@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!!!!

[@allensharlow7763]

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

[@mintyman1968]

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

[@XDeadlyBlade]

That truck moves 🔥 I love older trucks

[@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.

[@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.

[@chactacarolina1857]

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

[@jboutdoors7019]

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

[@chosenone101]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@chrisandert3174]

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

[@terrycormier5492]

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

[@davidsimons6881]

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

[@claudethomas8084]

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

[@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!

[@jeremynealqld]

That is a dump truck worthy of the name.

[@jamesquinnie7573]

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

[@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.

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

Good looking truck Neil!

[@digdrivediy]

Hey Thanks Hank!

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@chrisschreier8433]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@prannoyindugula7806]

That will be nice for a vintage project

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

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

[@tomashbaugh8891]

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

[@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.

[@johnmetcalfe1917]

all sorts of fun with that beast

[@karlschupp8552]

Congrats!!! Enjoy the new truck!

[@DavidMartin-tp2in]

Beautiful old 5 star getting another chance at life.

[@thomasleahy3767]

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

[@johnspringer2142]

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

[@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

[@snowman5609]

Hi we had 4 generals with 8v92 Detroit and 13 speed transmissions back in the 80's that we pulled 4 1480 international combines with on A frame combine trailers down on the wheat run from texas to Canada they were a very good reliable truck and simple to work on.

[@digdrivediy]

Man, that sounds like quite an experience!

[@digdrivediy]

Man, what an experience!

[@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 😎👍.

[@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!

[@mmathis3947]

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

[@Crewsy]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@weepweep2225]

Big cam Cummins is a great engine! 800k on mine and still running strong

[@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.

[@russorpcom]

Best of luck with the "General"!

[@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! :)

[@gregd931]

Nice negotiating there Jefe! Kara got a new kitchen and you got a new money pit.

[@digdrivediy]

Ha! Perfectly said! :)

[@ohiofarmer1]

Nice truck! I have an 85 Ford L9000 with a Cummins and that same tranny, it's a great combination. I worked mine for 8 years fairly problem free. Shift at about 1200 and don't run the engine up to the governor before shifting. Low end torque engines that govern at about 1900rpm to 2100 rpm. Great rig!!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Gary! I'll get out there and work on my shifting!

[@rp1645]

Gary it funny I ran a Ford L-9000. It had the Detroit Diesel 8-71 with 5 speed.

[@ohiofarmer1]

@@rp1645 I used to have one of those too 😂

[@BigFarles]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks Marcus. Stay tuned 👍

[@jeffferanec4526]

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

[@casycasy5199]

congrats on the truck.the engine sounds great.

[@manganvbg90]

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

[@4321grp]

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

[@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!!

[@ritterjon]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Jon!

[@russellbelton8213]

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

[@jes6628]

Wow wasn’t expecting this.. nice 😎

[@cliffpalermo]

Saw one on the road yesterday, looks like its used on the daily, paint was patina from daily washes. Nice unit

[@digdrivediy]

I'd love to see a daily runner like this one! Was it around Ft. Wayne?

[@cliffpalermo]

Calvert County, MD south of Annapolis

[@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!

[@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

[@robertlemoine3500]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much Robert!

[@edsecorr7812]

Congratulations great job love your videos thank you

[@LukesJohnDeereGarage]

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

[@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

[@georgeenriquez612]

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

[@buildlife]

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

[@digdrivediy]

Ha!

[@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

[@t.s.racing]

Had 1 for several years hauling for extra money. 6-71 T Detroit and the 8L.L. as yours. It would run 72 m.p.h. level ground grossing 72,000. The 3rd. axle is actually called a " pusher ", not a tag axle. Mine had mini wheels on the pusher for ground clearance off road. Required a little extra maintenance because they spun MUCH faster than the drives. Great truck but cab parts became somewhat scarse even 20 years ago.

[@digdrivediy]

That's cool. I've never heard anyone around here ever call it a pusher axle but makes sense as to why. I should have just said "air axle"! Someone said that the cab shares a lot of parts with GMC pick-ups. I think it will get the job done for me.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@kennethtomaszewski3795]

Excellent purchase!!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@Sellarmusic]

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!

[@digdrivediy]

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)

[@scottlowman.1044]

Great buy! Looks & runs good.

[@dustinpitts2741]

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

[@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.

[@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👍🏻

[@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! :)

[@JohnnyG1956]

Fun video.... Before you do an oil change, have the oil analysised (I use JG Lubricant Services). It can tell you a lot about what is going on in your engine.

[@robtheslob9649]

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!!

[@digdrivediy]

That is a pretty nice setup...

[@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!

[@rodneystewart8958]

Nice looking truck get it road legal and keep it

[@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.

[@robfate8781]

Cool old dump...👍🏼

[@hollandduck79]

Hello🙋‍♂️ from the Netherlands🇳🇱 Koch Family. nice project truck Neil and thanks for the video . Sincerely Hollandduck

[@scottsoper]

Your crazy and I love that you are!! On the other hand both your Dad and you have owned large trucks and have CDLs so you are familiar with some of the paper problems of owning this truck. I do not know what computers an 1986 would have but if they do have a computer, it likely does not control everything and may be fully mechanical injection. This is good in an old truck because less to go wrong. Not having DEF is a BIG plus. This engine is likely to run long after it has run out of horse power; I would expect there to be no engine problems. My truck (not a dump truck) ran just fine even with a hole in a piston! (oil consumption was one gallon per 100 miles but it ran just fine) I am glad that you are thinking Brakes and Tires!! What you do have is a rubber problem! All the belts, hoses, parts of the brake system and tires are all too old, whether they look good or not!! That is big $$$ The tires have to come off to look at the brakes so to save a $ I would move the best and youngest tires to the tag axle. (there is a code on the tire that will tell you how old it is) I would consider new tires for the rest unless young used tires could be found for the rear two axles. I would put new on front. Might want to know about the axle as well so we don't just end up with cupped new tires. The tires have got to hold the weight up when loaded and you likely don't want to stop in the middle of "the project" to get a new tire after one shreds! Also consider new batteries with a battery shut off switch if it does not have one. That will go a long ways towards having some reliability under load! It will also reach into your wallet!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Scott! Lots of great advice and tips there. I already have a call in for some used tires but not having as much luck finding 22.5's as I'd hoped. I got a place that is going to go through it for me too. It should do what I want to do with little trouble I would think. The pocket book is gonna get thin if I really want to make this an everyday truck so I'll probably do what I have to for it to be safe at this point.

[@WorldsOkayestFarmer]

*You have a lot of energy taking that project on. Best of luck* #WorldsOkayestFarmer

[@digdrivediy]

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 :)