1989 L9000
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 179
Likes: 10
Cummins made 365 Big Cams. The tag should be on the LF of the engine.
The blue thumb button denotes a deep reduction transmission. Thumb button will only move when the range selector, flipper on front of ****, is down. Transmission is most likely an 8LL but possibly a 15 or 7 speed as well. Look for a tag on the right rear of transmission. Some thing like RT14608LL or RTLO15715.
The blue thumb button denotes a deep reduction transmission. Thumb button will only move when the range selector, flipper on front of ****, is down. Transmission is most likely an 8LL but possibly a 15 or 7 speed as well. Look for a tag on the right rear of transmission. Some thing like RT14608LL or RTLO15715.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 8
I'm sure I'll figure out where all the gears are once I start driving it back up here. A bigger question is, how hard is it to change out the air bag on the cush-n-aire seat? It loses air pretty fast, and if I'm going to be driving it for 6-7 hours on it's maiden voyage, I'm going to replace that before I start.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 179
Likes: 10
Seat air bag is usually no big deal. Look at the condition of the bushings and such first. Might be better to replace the seat as mentioned.
There is way over 100 different models of Road Ranger twin countershaft transmissions. Not saying you would not figure it out but some have very confusing shift patterns. Some models have what is referred to as the hidden hole. It is not a Fuller recommended shift pattern but can prevent changing ranges when empty. Try this while empty: Low range ( flipper on front down ) then shift the thumb button ( Blue ). Start all the way left and back behind reverse. Then forward to the right side of reverse followed be straight back. Then shift, preselect, the the blue **** and shift the gear stick straight forward. Then carry on as you have been doing. If that works empty it will work loaded and is useful starting heavy from tough spots. Done properly you only have to use the clutch to start off.
There is way over 100 different models of Road Ranger twin countershaft transmissions. Not saying you would not figure it out but some have very confusing shift patterns. Some models have what is referred to as the hidden hole. It is not a Fuller recommended shift pattern but can prevent changing ranges when empty. Try this while empty: Low range ( flipper on front down ) then shift the thumb button ( Blue ). Start all the way left and back behind reverse. Then forward to the right side of reverse followed be straight back. Then shift, preselect, the the blue **** and shift the gear stick straight forward. Then carry on as you have been doing. If that works empty it will work loaded and is useful starting heavy from tough spots. Done properly you only have to use the clutch to start off.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 8
Another part of this truck I have no experience with is the engine brake. There's a switch on the dash for it, although my cousin said it doesn't work. Any info on this, and possible troubleshooting would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,503
Likes: 2,820
That switch have a stylish "Jacobs Engine Brake" logo on it?
Given the complexities of a Jake, being that it is incorporated into the valve train of the engine, I would caution anyone without experience to consult with a qualified diesel repair shop. It is possible to take vehicle from function to scrap in short order if you put your mind to it.
Given the complexities of a Jake, being that it is incorporated into the valve train of the engine, I would caution anyone without experience to consult with a qualified diesel repair shop. It is possible to take vehicle from function to scrap in short order if you put your mind to it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 324
From: Harned, Ky
There should be a limit switch on the clutch linkage and throttle linkage, often these get out of adjustment or go bad or the wiring breaks.
I recommend you get the truck home and learn how it operates before digging into the small stuff, if your not comfortable messing with some of the electrical and air systems you need to find someone that knows how to work on big rigs.
Don't let anyone bypass the limit switches on the engine brake for other than testing proposes. A improperly wired engine brake can come on at the wrong time killing the engine causing the power steering to quit possibly resulting in a wreck.
After you get it home I may be able to help you figure some stuff out.
I recommend you get the truck home and learn how it operates before digging into the small stuff, if your not comfortable messing with some of the electrical and air systems you need to find someone that knows how to work on big rigs.
Don't let anyone bypass the limit switches on the engine brake for other than testing proposes. A improperly wired engine brake can come on at the wrong time killing the engine causing the power steering to quit possibly resulting in a wreck.
After you get it home I may be able to help you figure some stuff out.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,779
Likes: 872
From: Foothills of NC
Did you get your transmission type sorted out? The blue switch on the shifter tells me it is an 8LL or 15 spd.. Blue splitter ***** are on 8LL and 15 speed deep reduction transmissions, red splitters are on 13 speed, and silver are on 18 speed transmissions.
edit. Messed up and put red under 18 speed. Should proofread more.
edit. Messed up and put red under 18 speed. Should proofread more.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 8
Yes. You were absolutely right about the deep reduction etc. It's a 715 Road Ranger. I've used it enough now that I no longer use the clutch other than starting out. It pulls 30,000 pounds of corn or beans pretty well. It was a bit of project, and we can no longer haul gravel with it since I welded the tailgate shut, but overall it turned out pretty good. Being it only has 133,000 miles on it, if I die when I oughta it should outlive my farming career. 
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,779
Likes: 872
From: Foothills of NC
Not sure about the RT-715, but on the 915 and up, when using deep reduction, take off in the gear you need, usually 1st if you are needing deep reduction. Shift up through the gears to 5th, flip the deep reduction button to out while still under throttle, then shift right up to 4th like you would change any other gear, then 5th, shift range splitter to high and go through the rest of the gears.
This gives a smooth, even step through every gear instead of stopping to shift or getting a hard clunk if shifting out of DR while staying in the same gear. I've driven lots of 15 speeds and owned a few. Love them.
This gives a smooth, even step through every gear instead of stopping to shift or getting a hard clunk if shifting out of DR while staying in the same gear. I've driven lots of 15 speeds and owned a few. Love them.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 8
Ttranny
thanks yardbird, that's the same way the visit told me. So far, it's pulled everything starting in low range, so I haven't needed DR. Much easier to shift than my 70 loadstar, with the 5 and 3.