Howdy,

New member from sunny Las Vegas. I came across this forum trying to identify a water truck for my neighbor and thought I'd try my luck. I think it may be an L8000. Does anyone have any recommendations for service literature or know how I might go about identifying the year/engine/transmission?

Thanks



VIN TAG

 

Decode:
R80AVBA5970

R80 = 1973-on LN800 Diesel

A = Detroit Domestic Special Order. Your engine should have some identifier on it via a plate, decal, etc. If need be, you can post pictures and other members will help ID it for you.

V = Kentucky Truck Plant

BA5970 = 1978 series number

138 = 138" wheelbase

X = Antique Ivory

R803 = 1973-on LN800 Diesel, GVWR 27,500lbs

8C8 = Custom Cab without butterfly hood. C is a seat code, I don't have that.

___ = Blank transmission code. Transmission was part of the Domestic Special Order. As with the engine, you'll have to go looking

__5 = Blank rear axle code, again, part of the DSO.

__5 = Ford 12,000lb capacity front axle WITH power steering, OR Ford 7,500lb capacity front axle WITHOUT power steering.

27500 = 27,500lb GVWR

130834 = 13 is the New York District, the rest is the special order number.

If something doesn't match, let me know and I will recheck.

There might be a way to look up the special order but I am not sure about that. New York is a long way from Vegas but there's been plenty of time for it to move out west.

 

This CD doesn't list the LN series, but their next one for '80-'89 trucks and the prior one for '64-'72 both list LNs so I think you would be safe with this one:

https://www.hipoparts.com/1973-79-fo...ts-catalog-cd/

If you're a heavy truck guy you know all about CDL etc.

If you are new to heavy trucks, well you're going to find out about all that.

Stay tuned, people who run or have run these are here and more help might be on the way.

 

Wow! Thanks 85e150. That's more info than I expected. I have little experience with heavy trucks other than being a heavy equipment operator in the Air Force 30 years ago.

My buddy inherited this truck and asked if I could help him bring it over to his place. We filled the tires, checked the fluids and nursed her along with low transmission fluid and several air leaks. Never realized how much fun it would be to revive this old truck and bring it back to life. I've replace two new front tires and rebuilt the dash control valve for the brakes. My next step it to change the fluids and perhaps refurbish the radiator depending on what surprises pop up. I'll definitely check out the parts CD. Do you know where I might begin poking around the transmission for an ID stamp? Also, I'm a little confused on the vintage of the truck. Is it a 1973 engine in a 1979 truck (series number)?

Thank again.

 

Your truck is a 1978 model. When I posted something that says "1973-on", it is from the '73 to '79 Master Parts Catalog and an indication that the item or designation was the same from 1973 to at least the end of the catalog period, in this case 1979.

Your engine tag identifies it as a Detroit 6V-53N, with a manufacturing date of 10/1977.

According to this decoder:

vinwiz.com VIN Decoder

Your truck was built in November of 1977 as a 1978 model. So a 10/77 engine makes sense.

If you don't have a CDL, you should really watch out driving that thing on the roads. CDL penalties are no joke.

Does it have an automatic trans? Auto or manual, there should be a sticker similar to the engine sticker or something cast into the side of the case.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the CDL heads up. It's at my property about an hour out of town so there's no operating it on any roads. Even though the area is rural, I certainly wouldn't put it on the road without a CDL.

It has an automatic transmission. I have to get underneath with some water and a brush to knock off the mud in search of a label or stamp. Do you know of any good sites to search for tech literature (service)? As I mentioned, my first order of business is to change the fluids.


Thanks,

 

Once you determine the transmission maker and hopefully the model, you can find info on line for all the specs and requirements. Allison is the most likely suspect here and they have all kinds of info for the Allison operator/owner.
https://www.allisontransmission.com/...pproved-fluids

 

Thanks so much for all your help. I'll be back out to inspect the transmission this weekend.

What an awesome site. I have three mid 70's F250 service body trucks I have to do some work on. This site will be my first resource for assistance.

Is there a mobile version of this site?

 

When you log in via a cell phone, it will give you the option of the Mobile version or "Full Site" which looks just like this.

I always use "Full Site" and I can't even make my phone go to the Mobile version, except by accident when I'm in a hurry!

I'll ask about it.

Happy New Year!

 

Got it. Thanks again and Happy New Years to you as well.

 

Great to see another LN8000 with a 6V53 Driptroit in it besides mine.
If its been sitting a while please check to make sure the injection rack moves freely. Bar the diesel over by hand first noting the free movement of said rack before even attempting to start her up.
Also check emergency blower flap (little trip lever on top of the blower) is not in the closed position when you do attempt to start her. A CO2 fire extinguisher or a large block of wood suitable to block the complete air intake is advisable to have as well.
great truck mate.