Can anybody recommend another forum to discuss big trucks? I'm particularly interested in avoiding trucks with unreliable newer electronic controls.
I'm in https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/forums/trucks.28/ and they do have trucks there.

 

Earlier, you wrote:


If an F-550 7.3L 4x4 is what you are looking for, then there is more information about that particular type of truck within the archives of Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums than can be found any other active forum on the internet.


For visitors to this thread who may be new to FTE, and are interested in finding more information about the same type of truck, know that a good amount of information may be distributed through relevant sub-forums:

For engine & drivetrain discussion, search this sub-forum: 1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

For body & general discussion, search this sub-forum: 1999 to 2016 Super Duty

For gooseneck towing discussion, search this sub-forum: Fifth Wheel & Gooseneck RV Towing

For second unit body and frame mounting discussion, search this sub-forum: Large Truck

 

The target is moving as I acquire data. Manifold are the successful entrepreneurs in my business who say "I wish I'd-a bought a big dump truck earlier" so I'm also considering a tandem dump now. Peterbuilt or IH are leading candidates. Ford, alas, was rarely present in the tandem market.

I'm active in those four forums recently, and it's been fruitful. I still want an F-550 7.3 now but I think I'll use it to replace my ritzy 6.7 drw F350 well before its 18 computers, EGR, catalysts, DPF, dual cooling circuits, twizzler sticks, selectable color interior lighting, sunroof and other complexity begins to require service.

 

Ford was very much into the TANDEM truck market from the 60's till they sold the truck line in 97. Both "F" and "L" series were big in the market.

 

I liked the old L series Fords I had but their not over loaded with leg room, even for my 6'1" height.
I switched from Ford to Peterbilt and really like the 379 series but the shorter hood 357 makes a better local haul truck, that said leg room in a Pete is a little better than the Fords but would still be tight for your height.
For your 6'6" size I'd look at a KW, more room in them than anything else out there today.
You couldn't give me a Freightliner, seen to many with bungie straps holding the dashes up after the plastic broke.

This is the very popular Hendrickson walking beam suspension found of many dump trucks.
The axles mount to the white connecting points at the ends of the beams, a very tuff suspension but it is a bit rough riding.



This is the newer Air Over Walking Beam Suspension, I've never see one in real life but do like the concept.
You'd have the side stability of the older spring setup but should have a softer ride, especially when empty.


Not sure how long this setup has been out, retired from big rigs in 08, Have a single axle F-800 dump and my F-450 to tow trailers.
Don't let anyone talk you into buying a dump truck with semi style air ride suspension, anything other than a good flat pad to dump on is a recipe for flopping one on it's side.
I've owned Cummins and Cats but don't rule out a good Series 60 Detroit, my last Pete had one, rebuilt it at 1.2 million miles, sold it a 1.5 million when I retired.

 

Have I got the perfect truck for you!!
Built Ford tough check
Heavy GVW 43000, GCVW 70000 check
High roof for headroom check
Hendrickson tandem suspension check
No electronics of any kind check
No DEF or computer check
All markings in Texan/English check
Gets about the same mileage loaded or empty! check
Extra transmission if you can't shift the other one check
Delivery available check
It's the red one in picture

 

I would put that in my living room, not take it to the quarry ! I'm sure my wife would understand ... maybe.