This is the 2nd time that i have shattered the gear on the input shaft. The first time was due to previous owner maint or lack of. Had the tranny rebuilt and was hauling a dozer when about 8 of the gear teeth sheared off. Leaving it with only 1 gear 4th. I dont think i'm putting out to much power should be around 320hp. Is anybody else having this problem or know whats causing this.

 

How did this happen -under load or at a launch??

 

This happened both times while i was loaded and running about 65 to 70. first time their was 10k on trailer this time it was 18k

 

How often do haul that 850? If it Shattered last time when you had the dozer loaded on there I am wondering if it could be the cause along with thoses bombs? I know quite a few pople haul heavy and don't have many problems. That 850 is nearing 20K lbs. and trailer too. Just a thought. Good luck -Anthony

 

Rich, I'm sure I'm going to catch alot of grief from this. Before the bashing this is just my opinion and everyone knows what that is worth. About 6 months ago I started hauling trees on the side mostly to Atlanta and Charlette(sic). In the nursery business you don't haul for people if you don't gross 30000#plus. Again this is my opinion but I truly believe these trucks or any other pickup truck are not designed to pull 30000# plus reguarly. A normal trip would be 250 to 300 miles up and down 6 to 8% grades. I had run my truck for 4 years with a PM2 and slipped the clutch in cold weather for that long and never had anything wrong with my truck (other than LP and VP) in that time. I added an E brake and started pulling. Well the transmission is not designed for that kind of weight the Dana 80 is tough but it is marginally strong enough for this. I had the fifth gear nut fixed before it came off. I busted the center out of my clutch (exhaust brake is the main reason. The drive train is made for power in one direction.) Replaced it with a OFE SBC. I blew off intercooler hoses going down the road. Now the trans. has shattered the gear set I strongly feel this was from pulling the guts out of it I have quit hauling a month ago but could feel the trans. starting to self destruct then. Replace wheel cyl. and seals. Needless to say my trucking time was not profitable I thought it was but I'm still fixing stuff I damaged while doing it. When you here guys on here saying don't do it listen to then they know! The Cummins engine is TOUGH but the rest of it is not as tough don't get me wrong these are great trucks but you have to get the right tool for the job.
I think a person could take a stock truck and have better luck but when you double the power and double the load they are suppose to pull you are going to have trouble. It's not the trucks fault it is mine. As bad as I hate to say it a Ford F-450 or 550 is what is needed for that kind of weight. It's ashame you would have the PSD in it. The PSD would not like the 8% grades with 30000# plus. The weight police have nothing to do with this although I have to say what I've read about people being sued and criminal charges did weight in my decision to quit.I have weighted my truck often and been 31320 and the trees wet been at 35000# that is alot. I've heard people say if you can't idle off with a load in a diesel you can't pull it don't believe them I've had to slip mine alot in first gear to get it moving but it did.


Be gentle!!!!!!!

Barry (just my opinion!)

 

overfill the tranny by 1/2-1qt, and put a temp gauge on it if you're going to be hauling heavy...

or...

get a 6sp

Forrest

 

I'll agree with the 6 speed then you are on to your next weak link

 

I'll second the "wrong tool for the job" reply.

 

I agree with JBody... There is a limit to how much a truck will do then it will start popping parts... I know the feeling quite well...

1972 Dodge pickup and I used to pull trees up the side of a steep bank and break the front axle quite often. It would break the front U-Joints and inner and out stub shafts! (4 wheel drive LOW range)... What I learned is to reduce the load. Cut you weight of pull !!!!