Ford C9000 and CT9000
 

Although there was the Ford Super Duty C-series 900 model (powered by the Super Duty series of gasoline V8s in sizes of 401, 477 and 534 cubic inches), a lesser-known version of this was the diesel-powered C9000 (and the tandem-axle CT9000). I believe neither the C9000 nor the CT9000 were proper models, only available through a customized order basis.

YouTube - Esquimalt Snorkel
(Esquimalt Snorkel)

YouTube - Esquimalt Fire Dept Snorkel
(Esquimalt Fire Dept. Snorkel)

The C9000 and CT9000, I believe, were really just modified C/CT900s with the running gear of the Louisville 9000 series, such as the Detroit Diesel 6-71, 8V71 and later, 6V92TA engines and Fuller T905 (later T11605) or Allison HT series transmissions.

On page 373 of Ford Trucks Since 1905, in the 1971 chapter, there is a picture of a Ford fire truck operating somewhere in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. It was, per the caption, locally built and the fire pumper itself was supplied by Elias. The cab was from a W9000 series, low-mounted on a modified, 175" wheelbase C900 chassis. The custom job also involved fitting the cab ahead of the front axle as well as to accommodate additional firefighters behind the front seats. It was specified in that sense because its width could provide three-abreast seating. On the front grille, there is an H-series "DIESEL" plaque which indicates the presence of a diesel engine - probably a Detroit Diesel 6-71 or 8V71.

If anyone here could explain to me better about this rare breed of C-series, please reply to this post.

Thank you,



Ben Edge

The only diesel option ive ever heard of in a c series truck was the cat 3208 "ford v636" engine.. A 6v92TA engine would be awesome in one of those trucks.. Dont think Ford ever put em in but Im sure they're out there.

Ive been thinking of repowering a c900 crane Ive been holding on to. But dont want to use a 3208 because of personal experiences with the engine.. 6v92 would be a good candidate though.. Big cam 400 would be reall

Yeah, that information is a bit mixed up. It is true that the C/CT 900 were max. GVW versions of the C series with Super Duty gas V-8's, and the C/CT 9000's were diesel versions of the same trucks. The lighter C series trucks had a number of diesels over the years including Cummins C series, Detroit 6V-53's, and the British Ford diesels. However, the only diesel I ever saw in a C/CT 9000 was the mid-range Caterpillar 1140/1150/1160/3208 V-8's. Not only was this the largest diesel engine that would physically fit under a C series cab, the radiator was too small to cool any diesel over about 250 h.p.. No 'big' Detroit Diesel like the 8V-71 or 6V-92 was ever factory installed in a C series. Also, after the Super Duty gas V-8's faded away in the 70's, the Cat powered C/CT 9000's became pretty common, and I don't think they were a special order deal at all from the mid-70's on. Roadway had 1000's of C-9000 tractors. There were also diesel powered C/CT 900's from 1980-1991. They used the Detroit 8.2L V-8 diesel. A lot of those were built too.

I agree with everything Louisville Joe stated. Ford would have had to raise the cab, similar to what Chevy and GMC did to there period tilt cabs to install a larger Detroit, and I have never seen a tall Ford tilt besides the H model that ended in '65. The last versions of the 3208 turbo cats ( 250 hp ) were probably the best all around engine for the tilts.

That C definetly has a Detriot in it.Just what model,I don't know.That cab does look like it sits higher than the run-of-the-mill C models.Could be a 6V-92,6V-71 or even an 8V-71.Being a 9000 series,any one of these could be used.

As Im in the market to replace my 8.2 detroit "fuel pincher" in my c800 Ive been measuring and a 8v71 will fit little tight but will fit, however Im probably going for a DT360 or 5.9 cummins the 6bt is not a sleeved motor where the DT360 is a sleeved motor close on numbers output wise and over all size they are both upgradable and there is bellhouseings to fit most trans out there thru custom shops being i have such a dealing with cummins already Im leaning heavily to the 12valve cummins.

You do realize this thread is 9 years old.

Yes I do but figured it might stir up some conversation that might help me !

I would think the Cummins would be easier to live with. Double check the installed height, and what about overall gearing? Since you already have an oil burner, it's probably ok.

Being it tops out at 60 and there is no tach I have no clue on the actual RPMs its turning so I ll either want to regear it or have an engine that has a higher rev and torque band