Posted by Sherman in Idaho [72.47.153.163] on Monday, November 02, 2015 at 19:51:00 :
Finished the 1800 mile Reno trip with the '62 D300 with no significant trouble. Went most of the way on US 95. All the way down and back I didn't see even one vehicle on the road from the '60s, and maybe only a couple of Ford trucks from the '70s. Don't seem to be any old rigs out on the roads any more.
Kept the speed at 50-55 on the flats and downhill, 2 very long days each way, averaging about 40 mph. There were plenty of hills and they were slow. Got 10 mpg loaded and maybe 11 empty, which I blame partly on having the stake sides on in the back which caused lots of wind drag. But there was also never the slightest engine knock, so I may tray advancing the timing some.
Came back with probably 4000 lbs payload, mainly a Bridgeport-type mill and a 13x40 lathe, plus much tooling. I was dreading climbing the White Bird Grade (2900' in 10 miles) and the Lewiston Grade (1900' in 7 miles) loaded but took the old highway in both cases, kept the speed at 25 mph in 3rd gear and made it to the top despite the transmission screaming worryingly. The old White Bird Grade was built in 1921 and paved in 1938, so it was built for rigs that are under-powered by today's standards. The new grade, built in 1975, is 7% the whole way, which is just too much.
I have one more shorter trip (800 miles and fewer hills) I have to do ASAP, but then would like to pull the tranny and replace all the bearings.
Half-a**ed brake job worked fine, which was good because on the downgrades the engine couldn't always hold it. Steering gear leaks but it was easy to top it off with my thickest, stickiest oil a couple times. Will have to change the seals there next summer too.
Will post a photo or two later. Thanks for all the advice and help in getting it job-ready.
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