Good choice on making this a wrecker. You always need a wrecker of some type for a job. Having a tandem axle is great, but having a lift axle makes it even better. You showed the single axle cabover...IH ...didn’t you have an episode on that one? Are you gonna keep it or what? That’s a nice truck. I got to finally see this video completely...so cool to watch. Reminded me of when I pulled vehicles years ago with a wrecker and a semi with a 5th wheel boom...FUN stuff! I see what you mean about the front end of the wrecker coming up...that makes a big difference in your steering. Hint...Keep the cable above the A-frame. Wreckers are handy and fun. Again...Good stuff.
A nice 25 to 35 ton wrecker will be just fine. And for justifying the cost think of it as how much you can save towing yourself and when you sell the tow truck you will sell it for what you paid for it or more because we know you'll fix it up better than you when you bought it.
some people think it is necessary. others dont. the engine is cold, there are only one or two intake and exhaust valves open so you are not getting much air through the turbo anyway .
@@j.c.smithprojects i need one an a place to do it at the swap the boneyard here close to me wants 800 for every thing but i dont have a shop to do it in i have a junk airride from hendrickson under it now an we think its why it shimmys going down the road
@@j.c.smithprojects I know I've watched your videos before but some of those F750's can only be a few years old. I was wondering why they are retired so soon?
Fine job. Nobody's perfect all the time except this one fellow, a long time ago but we crucified him. But anyway don't be so hard on yourself, as far as a maiden voyage that was golden. And that rig looks perfectly functional for standard vehicles but like you said a hydraulic under reach is far superior. Be careful, Great videos and God bless.
i cant tell you how much i want to do that but the engine must meet the emission standards for the year the truck and original engine were manufactured....the 14l will not meet it.
Love the video, one thing about internationals I love the newer interior but I love the exterior look of the older ones lol more rugid looking, say hi to Jeff for me :)
JC I ran a 10 ton medium duty for several years well anyway why did you not use the chains under the dot bumper then you would have more lift with no chance of slipping loose by saddling the truck on the chain you minimize the up and down movements just curious
Great video and love the longer ones! I chuckled a bit when you would say "Let's keep looking" while "shopping" for a truck :) Hope you and Mrs JC are doing well and keep up the good work. I'm a Ron Pratt fan too.
Just looking at all these trucks the orange coe with the short frame is the one. You cut the frame 5' behind the cab double it on the buttup then get a longer truck frame with a single dual and put the pusher axel behind the air ride duals. Use that amazing hoist you fabbed with airbags.
The front end of your Wrecker was light because it was a tandem, not necessarily because of the walking beam suspension. The same thing would happen if it was an air ride tandem. When I started driving heavy wrecker 30 years ago I had an old-timer tell me once... "just remember, you can tow more with a single axle than you can with a tandem". Maybe not legally weight wise, but keeping the front end on the ground wise, a single axle wrecker is the way to go.
i understand that a tandem axle will pull weight off of the steers. my point was that a "walking beam suspension moved the pivot point of the truck being towed farther forward than an air ride would.
@@j.c.smithprojects The theoretical pivot point of an air ride tandem is the exact same pivot point of your walking beam... which is the center point between the two axles. (Trunnion) Even though there is not a physical center pivot point on an air ride system like there is with a walking beam, you still get the same affect (result) because the suspension air bags are plumbed together so they can equalize. By the way, nice job hooking up those trucks with your old school tow bar. Most guys in the towing business today wouldn't know where to begin with a tow bar..... they've been spoiled with hydraulic underlifts and frame forks. Lol. Keep up the good work. 🙂
i dont need all the glitz and glamour of a new hydraulic unit. i just need something that will do the job safely and consistently. i will be moving this wrecker to a single axle air ride like i should have done before.
The tow bar should never sit perfectly parallel to the ground or higher at the tow vehicle than the pivot on the wrecker side. I drive a tow truck for a living. All it takes is a hard application of the brakes and the vehicle being towed will push the tow bar up and slam the back of the truck. It has happened plenty of times from not using a tow bar the proper way.
You're going to lose front axle weight regardless of what truck or suspension you put it on. Its simply the nature of how tow trucks carry the weight. If anything, throw some thick steel plates behind the cab or weld up a box and pour concrete in it. It'll add front axle weight. Really anything that will put more weight on the front axle. The only way you'll get an air ride chassis to work kinda somewhat better would be to split the air bags front and rear and run less pressure in the front axle. And NEVER put that pusher down. If you think its lifting the front too much now, that pusher will make it significantly worse.
i am going to a single axle air ride. the pivot point on this walking beam is between the axles. by going to an air ride it will put the weight at the rear where the ride height valve can compensate. i wish i had a set of scales to show the difference in the two set ups.
I know you don't like to tell us what each trucks worth that you have to pay, but you got a lot. Hopefully you don't have pay too much for those Trucks as most are Parts Trucks? All the best from Canada
minority are parts trucks. you see the parts trucks and the "builds only. i buy many trucks that get small repairs that i dont video because it would get boring seeing the same general repairs over and over. like tires, batteries, filters, and paint.
Never fails JC , there are always the “ expert” trying to push their opinions as the only right way and they just know it all. They make your video interesting I guess lol. Keep up the videos JC , thumbs up ! Stay safe .
Funny ..iit sounnds kinda like the coomment on people pusing thier opinions .. os guilty of what they are acusing others of.. only one idea alowed and dont have an opinion .. no comments unless your sayn hoe great the idea is ... odd ..
My buddy Jamie Davis in hope bc contact him he is very kind caring man hr can help you with great ideas.. he's the best up here and he buys slot of equipment he has great ideas
I'm really surprised with how long the truck is it's lifting the front that much. Looks like the wrecker bed works good, looks a little short for the truck, but it works. To bad that tag axle isn't behind the drives lol
that walking beam put the load so much farther forward that it gave the leverage to the truck being towed. if it were air ride i dont thing it would have happened. the next truck will be air ride.
The walking beam isn’t the reason your front end gets light. It’s basic physics and leverage. A spring suspension would do the same, as would an air ride. Also, watch your tow bar angle. You want it pointing slightly down so there’s less risk of it flipping up in a panic stop.
the walking beam is the reason the steer axle it lighter than i want it to be. it is as you said, basic physics and leverage. the walking beam but the pivot point in the center of the 2 axles. as i said in the video, the single axle air ride truck would have less lift due to the pivot moving almost 4" closer to the rear. also, the air suspension would allow the rear axle to be much closer to the end of the frame.as i said in the video, i am not a professional tow man. i was told by an older gentleman who retired from towing to set it up the tow bar that way. if there is a better way i will be sure to use it.
@@j.c.smithprojects it's the tandem axles that make the front axle light, not the choice of suspension. Single rear axle would shift the pivot point back 24" and significantly improve your front-end weight. Saw off the last few inches of the frame and sneak the bed further forward, and you're really golden.
You are amazing JC I have been watching you for years now and where you came from to now is a statement of your and Brenda's work commitment, watching you stroll around your available trucks for a suitable donor for the wrecker you must have around 30 or 40 trucks on standby. You reconfigure them so quickly I think you need to employ Jonathan W full time to pick up all the purchases for you! Your next purchase needs to be an 80 acre property close to home and build a 200x300 foot high roofed insulated shed with several truck lift hoists and all the trimmings Maybe 2 mechanics (flying Sparks Garage hubby as one as he is a truck diesel mechanic) and Drew as the other. Brenda need a secretary/book keeper /account. as well Oh don't forget a full-time videographer /editor as well to make the day easier for you. A huge well done JC you have shown how far one can pull themselves up by their own bootstraps Proud of you mate. Tony from Western Australia.
wow! thanks for all those kind words tony. i know you have been watching for a long time. i look forward to seeing you in the comments. i am hoping to get down to 30 trucks in the next year. i also want to downsize and sell off 4 properties and just have 1. i grew up poor and never want to be there again so i have no problem putting work boots on and doing what needs done. what i do isnt hard or difficult. if i can do it......anyone can! thanks again my friend!
I have been trying to think just how long it has been I think around the video you did herePreparing for our trip to Jonathan W's for his 4th 1 day rat rod build! ( th-cam.com/video/FNypavTtVCs/w-d-xo.html ) Its about time Jonathan did another one day build and boy hasn't he accumilated some vehicles on his property ! a truly amazing bloke as well . Another one you might enjoy JC is Halfass Kustoms ( th-cam.com/channels/lWkePG9rATJ4nbl__xRMJQ.html ) one extremely tallented bloke in his latest build he is doing 1951 Dodge Crusaderth-cam.com/play/PL9KhvUlf1n8t6DgYdXJ8bGpUTjNa1QFmv.html he just makes it look so easy! so your selling of 4 properties eh hmm towards a big one ...maybe? I know poor JC mum was divorced when i was 4 and had to raise my sister Jude And me on her own , let me just say mum is 94 now (may 7th gone) what we lacked in money she made up for in love and dedication to us.I have suffered chronic pain since i was 13 ,i turned 60 in Feb this yearall my jobs i have had bar the second being a clerk have been physicalwould i want to be rich? no bloody way I preffer the real, fair dinkum !true people of this world Tony When are you going to come for a holiday in western Australia ?
Wreckers are expensive. I have a couple. But man you have more trucks than most truck dealers. Sale some of them and you could afford to buy you a nice wrecker and quit building all these homemade wrecker jobs that you claim you hate...
i dont want to have a $50,000 -$75000 truck sitting around that i might use once or twice a month. it isnt cost effective. it would be different if i was in the tow business but i am not. i will buy one one when i find the right deal. until then i will deal with the ones i have.
@@j.c.smithprojects But you have $50,000-$75,000 in trucks sitting there anyway? I was just making suggestions. Do whats best for you. You could prob trade that rollback for a nice wrecker or sale it and buy one. I do diesel truck repair for the public myself. I just use mine for my shop. Prob about as much as you do. I used to do it your way. Were all getting older. Once you get a nice wrecker you'll wonder why you didn't get it sooner.
im not saying i dont want one. the trucks make money. the wrecker is something that will save me time and money but it will take forever to pay for itself. someday i will come across the right one.
Great video J.C 🙂👍 That truck done a great job, its a shame the walking beam suspension made it so light in the front end. Hopefully you can run across an underlift like you were talking about
Spray painting your sockets, extensions, or any tool, etc. a bright color will help you see them in dim light or even in daylight when they're laying on the ground. Once in awhile hit them with some more paint, since it does wear off, and it will help you spot them at a distance.
Is it possible to add an under-lift to a Holmes 750? I suppose the biggest problem with this is finding a Holmes 750! i'm intentionally not considering the question of what to put it on!
Check copart in Long island New York they have the wrecker real cheap that you're looking for. Keep in mind our Winters are not as bad as yours over there in Ohio and not all the truck see Manhattan streets most of the truck spend their lives in in the boros aka suburbs
hi Scott this might be a stupid question on the cord for your lights could you make a loop between the two chains so it's away from.being pinched but I agree about channel you were saving
Air ride is the daddy for that sort of load I guess. No fun driving around with ballast hanging off the front bumper. Double drive has great traction though...
JC Smith It’s been a while since I’ve been on your channel I’ve been subscribed for a long time Never ceases to amaze me how are you just get in there and get her done like it’s nothing at all guess that’s why you’re so successful at what you do keep up the good work and enjoy the channel
Was that the wife there too many lololol. Looks like a Development Frame Holmes Crossbar with a Not so Viable Boom. Fair play for taking the time to create.
Check out zaclift Miller has a dtu that just hook to the fifthwheel of a normal tractor not a bad option if you dont need a truck for recoverys nrc has one to
There's a lot of action going on in this video.. I'm going to take a nap after watching all the work you did. Glad the truck did what you needed, I can see another build in the near future for towing. Work safe, talk soon. Hurricane is past us now, see FB for the pics. Doug@ the "ranch"
Nothing I love more than truck shopping! Within a little over a month I bought 4 trucks, which is really good for me. All were great deals. Playing trucks sure is fun. 2 maybe 3 are just for parts.
Out of curiosity, what's it cost to buy a typical 15 year old MD in driving condition with plenty of flaws? Every time I look at 1 ton pickup prices, I wonder about getting a real truck instead.
@@TheBrokenLife I can't say myself as I don't know. Every truck I own was a great deal. I buy trucks for parts and the good trucks or easily fixed trucks that have use to me I keep and put to work. Instead of buying individual parts I prefer to buy an entire truck that has what I want and sell what I don't need. Makes getting parts for projects very affordable.
medium duty trucks can be bought for far less than pick up trucks. the fuel economy of a medium duty can be less than half of what a diesel pick up gets. it is a good option if you have a use for the heavier truck but not cost effective in up keep and operating cost as a daily driver to me.
@@j.c.smithprojects I only need a "real" truck a few times a year, so I'm not thinking about a daily driver here. That's why it kills me to spend $10k+ on what is likely to be a complete rust dumpster of a 1 ton pickup when hopefully not a huge amount more money would buy an MD that could do vastly more work, plus generally just be a lot more fun. A buyers guide video for this type of thing would be pretty cool. I can't be the only guy thinking about buying an MD as basically a farm truck to use a few times a year. Personally, my ideal case would be a 20' box with a lift gate and a serious hitch on it. Pull pretty much any trailer, haul just about anything inside it, load it without a monster hassle, be able to pick up from docks, etc. That would serve me well for the rest of my life for the things I can imagine doing with "truck". My personal limitation would be juice brakes though. I'm not sure how to get an air brake certification as just "a guy". Anyhow... If you'd like to make that video, I'd like to watch it. ;)
probably saved a couple of thousand towing those trucks yourself, big trucks like that can cost $1000 per truck depending how many miles you’re going. Looks like it worked just fine! Take care Mr and Mrs JC
I know it's too late now probably, but I think I have a left and right full cab sides with the corner and cowl with rockers. I bought like 6 sets from an overstock company. I resorted a lot of county trucks and they saved me a ton of time on the restoration jobs.
Nothing wrong with the walking beam suspension, you either need a longer wheelbase drawing vehicle or bolt some heavy scrap iron behind the cab or on the front bumper to keep your steer axle on the ground. The fact that the truck is fitted with large front tyres means that you could probably add 5-6000lbs of weight to the front or behind cab no problem. Keep in mind any tow truck irrespective of suspension type is just a balance beam with the fulcrum at the geometric centre of the rear suspension.
i didnt say there is anything wrong with the walking beam suspension. it is just not the best set up for what i am doing. they have their place. the pivot point is just too far forward for what i am doing. that truck is plenty long enough. it is already almost 30' long. that doesnt help when navigating these narrow roads. if i changed out to an air ride set up this truck would work very well. i have towed these same trucks with a much shorter single axle air ride truck with no steer axle lift issues. seems silly to me to add weight to front to compensate for the wrong set up. if i had no other truck choice, it would be a viable solution. i would just rather move it to another truck. not a big deal......
Next time you tow from behind. If your worried about the lighting wire falling into the tire. Tuck it under the wiper. Seen a ton of my tow buddies do it that way.I I really like that tow setup. Doesn't look too bad. Seems like it was built sturdy enough to haul. Look forward to more videos. Guess that Cascadia spun hearing would be too expensive to fix or swap a different motor to flip I guess.
not cost effective. the entire engine would have to come out. block may have to be line bored. the bearing material went through the entire engine. everything that oil is pumped to for lubrication is likely ruined. replacements are very expensive because so many people need them.
@@j.c.smithprojects one of the things I noticed no name or dot # on the truck also in mo when towing you must have overhead amber rotating lights on.. also you must be a bonfied towing company so they told me... just to name a few.. I did something like that and got into load's of trouble
i dont go by "what i was told". i go buy what the law is. no law says a man cant own a truck and tow another truck he owns behind it. marker, stop turn and tail are all that are required on the truck being towed. i have all, plus strobe lights on the truck being towed as well as the truck doing the towing. if got into trouble, perhaps you and or the officer didnt know the laws.
@@j.c.smithprojects I wasn't trying to tell you what to do or anything.. I have owned wreckers and roll backs as well as dump trucks, and over the road truck's.. I've been ticketed for not having my name on the dump even though it was not for hire and farm tagged.. after I sold my wreckers I made one for my own use and got tickets.. even after I put a rotating light on the truck
I like what you are doing with a home made tow truck. I would suggest you keep your tow bar less than level when picking up your load. When your bar is level or higher in a panic stop your load could catipult up onto your truck. When I first started towing it was with a sling or a tow bar. I really enjoy seeing them being used
Be careful with your lift chains on the bull bar. I always rap the loose end around the bar so that the chain will get locked in just in case you go over a bump or a dip and it gets slack. Years ago I had one pop out on me. Something you will never do again lol. Good video.
i agree with the extra rap. you can see i did just that on the second truck. there was no room to do it on the first due to the way the rear was made. had i done that the chains would have been caught between the bar and the truck being towed. didnt want to wedge a chain and have it rub in transit.
i have been drooling over the 30 and 40 series rollbacks with the under reach....best of all worlds for me right there! i just cant justify the cost. i have been entertaining the idea of adding an under reach to my 30' rollback.
the only problem is you cant tow a newer truck with the plastic bumper from the front. sometimes it takes a little thinking to make it work but it has always worked out.
@@j.c.smithprojects 😂😂 On another note, you should check out Ron Pratt's youtube channel if you haven't. He does mostly heavy truck and equipment tows and recoveries. He has a lot of good info.
like i said in the video, this frame has rust jacking. it needs to be taken apart and done right. that is a huge job that i dont have time for right now. i just needed to get a tow truck up and going so i could get these trucks moved.
no idea exactly. it changes daily. too many for sure. my goal is to get down to 30 or under. that way i can get down to just one property instead of 4.
Wow! That's pretty impressive, what do you do with the trucks? Do you restore them o you collect them? I would love to be able to have that much trucks hahaha
Mr. Smith when you tow a box truck from the back. It is easier to run the chains under the icc bar and with angle iron 4x5x1/2. When you run the chain over the icc bar the truck slides down from the chains. I also have a mack wrecker 750 holmes and zacklift for sale.
i toed a truck today with that exact issue. it limited the amount of lift i could get. running the chains under the icc was the fix. i would love to have an actual wrecker. i not a rich man so i am looking for something budget friendly. i dont mind putting a bed on one of my trucks or buying one that is ready to work.
Thanks for the video, that was interesting watching you figure out the wrecker mounting and tow those trucks doing what you needed to do to make them tow how you wanted. your cord mistake ended better than I figured, I thought you were going to end up with one real short cord and a real long one with only one plug on both of them. Take care
JC the only thing I see that I wood have done different is when you hook your chain in the tow bar is I was tot too rape the chain back around the towbar again but I see you did that on the cab and chassis
i agree. i wanted to on the first one but the chain would have been pinched between the icc bumper and the tow bar. didnt want to rub the chain like that.
@@j.c.smithprojects you are right I saw that when you was hauling it because trust me I will never critasize any one I definitely enjoy watching you and the boss shorten truck s and all the other things you do I have to go back and kechup on your videos I have been in NH for the last few weeks and haven't had time to watch them so you know lost of time I watch you video s on TV and don't get a chance to give them a thumbs up I give I enjoy your and John w most of all
I learn the most interesting things watching your channel. I don't know if I'll ever apply any of it, but it's fun all the same!
Good choice on making this a wrecker. You always need a wrecker of some type for a job. Having a tandem axle is great, but having a lift axle makes it even better. You showed the single axle cabover...IH ...didn’t you have an episode on that one? Are you gonna keep it or what? That’s a nice truck. I got to finally see this video completely...so cool to watch. Reminded me of when I pulled vehicles years ago with a wrecker and a semi with a 5th wheel boom...FUN stuff! I see what you mean about the front end of the wrecker coming up...that makes a big difference in your steering. Hint...Keep the cable above the A-frame. Wreckers are handy and fun. Again...Good stuff.
Like videos like this great job making wrecker
A nice 25 to 35 ton wrecker will be just fine. And for justifying the cost think of it as how much you can save towing yourself and when you sell the tow truck you will sell it for what you paid for it or more because we know you'll fix it up better than you when you bought it.
if i buy a actual wrecker, i would want to put it to work towing for others to cover the cost of purchase, insurance, plates and maintenance.
Need a sock over the exhaust so turbo doesn’t spin?
some people think it is necessary. others dont. the engine is cold, there are only one or two intake and exhaust valves open so you are not getting much air through the turbo anyway .
34:54 what socket/attachment are you using on them u-joint bolts?
It is a snap on 12 point u joint strap socket. i have the 12mm, 13mm and 1/2". other companies sell them as well.
i need a spring ride front end for a columbia
The columbia has a spring ride front axle.
@@j.c.smithprojects i need one an a place to do it at the swap the boneyard here close to me wants 800 for every thing but i dont have a shop to do it in i have a junk airride from hendrickson under it now an we think its why it shimmys going down the road
Why do you have so many F750's???
i build trucks
@@j.c.smithprojects I know I've watched your videos before but some of those F750's can only be a few years old. I was wondering why they are retired so soon?
aged out. many fleets replace their trucks often for tax reasons, maintenance, warranty and several other reasons.
@@j.c.smithprojects It's cool that you give them a second life.
I'd get fired for doing these hookups
what does that mean? you had an under reach and didnt use it? you hooked up in an unsafe manner?
@@j.c.smithprojects means u hooked up in a unsafe manner need more than grade 70 chains
two 1/2" grade 70 chains are rated for 22,600. this chain is pulling and not lifting over head. it works fine
Me: I think I'll cut the grass today .
JC: I think I'll build a truck today.
Me : Grass ain't going anywhere. I'll watch JC build a truck today .
@@ronriehle1337 LOL! :)
Cut grass? I am not even that ambitious.
Fine job. Nobody's perfect all the time except this one fellow, a long time ago but we crucified him. But anyway don't be so hard on yourself, as far as a maiden voyage that was golden. And that rig looks perfectly functional for standard vehicles but like you said a hydraulic under reach is far superior. Be careful, Great videos and God bless.
Lesfeldick n Robert breaker mysteries exsplains church mixes the two gospels
"Well if you're dumb enough to not move your stinking fingers" Best quote from you in 2020.
You can put the 14l Detroit in the 2012 Cascadia and you will have a nice comfortable truck for you and your Wife
i cant tell you how much i want to do that but the engine must meet the emission standards for the year the truck and original engine were manufactured....the 14l will not meet it.
There are plenty of good wreckers being aged out in California due to C. A. R. B emissions regulations.
Where do they get sold if you don’t mind me asking
Love the video, one thing about internationals I love the newer interior but I love the exterior look of the older ones lol more rugid looking, say hi to Jeff for me :)
Seems like it's working out pretty well!
it saved my quite a bit of cash by towing these 4 in myself.
JC I ran a 10 ton medium duty for several years well anyway why did you not use the chains under the dot bumper then you would have more lift with no chance of slipping loose by saddling the truck on the chain you minimize the up and down movements just curious
Great video and love the longer ones! I chuckled a bit when you would say "Let's keep looking" while "shopping" for a truck :) Hope you and Mrs JC are doing well and keep up the good work. I'm a Ron Pratt fan too.
glad you enjoyed it eric! love watching tow trucks in action......just a boy and his toy trucks, only bigger.
Just looking at all these trucks the orange coe with the short frame is the one. You cut the frame 5' behind the cab double it on the buttup then get a longer truck frame with a single dual and put the pusher axel behind the air ride duals. Use that amazing hoist you fabbed with airbags.
The front end of your Wrecker was light because it was a tandem, not necessarily because of the walking beam suspension. The same thing would happen if it was an air ride tandem. When I started driving heavy wrecker 30 years ago I had an old-timer tell me once... "just remember, you can tow more with a single axle than you can with a tandem". Maybe not legally weight wise, but keeping the front end on the ground wise, a single axle wrecker is the way to go.
i understand that a tandem axle will pull weight off of the steers. my point was that a "walking beam suspension moved the pivot point of the truck being towed farther forward than an air ride would.
@@j.c.smithprojects
The theoretical pivot point of an air ride tandem is the exact same pivot point of your walking beam... which is the center point between the two axles. (Trunnion) Even though there is not a physical center pivot point on an air ride system like there is with a walking beam, you still get the same affect (result) because the suspension air bags are plumbed together so they can equalize. By the way, nice job hooking up those trucks with your old school tow bar. Most guys in the towing business today wouldn't know where to begin with a tow bar..... they've been spoiled with hydraulic underlifts and frame forks. Lol. Keep up the good work. 🙂
i dont need all the glitz and glamour of a new hydraulic unit. i just need something that will do the job safely and consistently. i will be moving this wrecker to a single axle air ride like i should have done before.
The tow bar should never sit perfectly parallel to the ground or higher at the tow vehicle than the pivot on the wrecker side. I drive a tow truck for a living. All it takes is a hard application of the brakes and the vehicle being towed will push the tow bar up and slam the back of the truck. It has happened plenty of times from not using a tow bar the proper way.
Damn you tubby closed my account...I have missed your stuff... finally found you...again..
I’m looking for a 90’s FLD 120 hood please let me know….. thank you
You're going to lose front axle weight regardless of what truck or suspension you put it on. Its simply the nature of how tow trucks carry the weight. If anything, throw some thick steel plates behind the cab or weld up a box and pour concrete in it. It'll add front axle weight. Really anything that will put more weight on the front axle. The only way you'll get an air ride chassis to work kinda somewhat better would be to split the air bags front and rear and run less pressure in the front axle.
And NEVER put that pusher down. If you think its lifting the front too much now, that pusher will make it significantly worse.
i am going to a single axle air ride. the pivot point on this walking beam is between the axles. by going to an air ride it will put the weight at the rear where the ride height valve can compensate. i wish i had a set of scales to show the difference in the two set ups.
you should put a hooklift system on one of the red ford f750s
I know you don't like to tell us what each trucks worth that you have to pay, but you got a lot. Hopefully you don't have pay too much for those Trucks as most are Parts Trucks? All the best from Canada
minority are parts trucks. you see the parts trucks and the "builds only. i buy many trucks that get small repairs that i dont video because it would get boring seeing the same general repairs over and over. like tires, batteries, filters, and paint.
Never fails JC , there are always the “ expert” trying to push their opinions as the only right way and they just know it all. They make your video interesting I guess lol. Keep up the videos JC , thumbs up ! Stay safe .
Funny ..iit sounnds kinda like the coomment on people pusing thier opinions .. os guilty of what they are acusing others of.. only one idea alowed and dont have an opinion .. no comments unless your sayn hoe great the idea is ... odd ..
If your still looking for an under reach I'd look into a zacklift
i am always looking....the zacklifts i have seen start at $23k. sizable investment for me....maybe someday.
My buddy Jamie Davis in hope bc contact him he is very kind caring man hr can help you with great ideas.. he's the best up here and he buys slot of equipment he has great ideas
you and jamie are buds?? that is great. i really enjoy watching him and his trucks at work. would love to meet him and talk trucks some day!
Scotch lock here in Australia we call them Jesus clips as he is the only person who knows when they will work keep up videos
Amen brother!
I just saw a 2007 international sleeper with a spun bearing for 2500 on market place and thought you. Then your video popped up.
funny how that works!
What is your email I can send you pictures for a homemade underreach that uses cables from Holmes 750.
j.c.smithprojects@gmail.com
The towing light bar has to be on the grill I've been telling for 15 years in another thing you hooked up that truck wrong
well you and the ohio state police see it differently.
"Its got a lot of rust.... just keep looking". 🤣
I'm really surprised with how long the truck is it's lifting the front that much. Looks like the wrecker bed works good, looks a little short for the truck, but it works. To bad that tag axle isn't behind the drives lol
that walking beam put the load so much farther forward that it gave the leverage to the truck being towed. if it were air ride i dont thing it would have happened. the next truck will be air ride.
The walking beam isn’t the reason your front end gets light. It’s basic physics and leverage. A spring suspension would do the same, as would an air ride. Also, watch your tow bar angle. You want it pointing slightly down so there’s less risk of it flipping up in a panic stop.
the walking beam is the reason the steer axle it lighter than i want it to be. it is as you said, basic physics and leverage. the walking beam but the pivot point in the center of the 2 axles. as i said in the video, the single axle air ride truck would have less lift due to the pivot moving almost 4" closer to the rear. also, the air suspension would allow the rear axle to be much closer to the end of the frame.as i said in the video, i am not a professional tow man. i was told by an older gentleman who retired from towing to set it up the tow bar that way. if there is a better way i will be sure to use it.
@@j.c.smithprojects it's the tandem axles that make the front axle light, not the choice of suspension. Single rear axle would shift the pivot point back 24" and significantly improve your front-end weight. Saw off the last few inches of the frame and sneak the bed further forward, and you're really golden.
You are amazing JC I have been watching you for years now and where you came from to now is a statement of your and Brenda's work commitment, watching you stroll around your available trucks for a suitable donor for the wrecker you must have around 30 or 40 trucks on standby.
You reconfigure them so quickly I think you need to employ Jonathan W full time to pick up all the purchases for you!
Your next purchase needs to be an 80 acre property close to home and build a 200x300 foot high roofed insulated shed with several truck lift hoists and all the trimmings
Maybe 2 mechanics (flying Sparks Garage hubby as one as he is a truck diesel mechanic) and Drew as the other.
Brenda need a secretary/book keeper /account.
as well
Oh don't forget a full-time videographer /editor as well to make the day easier for you.
A huge well done JC you have shown how far one can pull themselves up by their own bootstraps
Proud of you mate.
Tony from Western Australia.
wow! thanks for all those kind words tony. i know you have been watching for a long time. i look forward to seeing you in the comments. i am hoping to get down to 30 trucks in the next year. i also want to downsize and sell off 4 properties and just have 1. i grew up poor and never want to be there again so i have no problem putting work boots on and doing what needs done. what i do isnt hard or difficult. if i can do it......anyone can! thanks again my friend!
I have been trying to think just how long it has been I think around the video you did herePreparing for our trip to Jonathan W's for his 4th 1 day rat rod build!
( th-cam.com/video/FNypavTtVCs/w-d-xo.html )
Its about time Jonathan did another one day build and boy hasn't he accumilated some vehicles on his property ! a truly amazing bloke as well .
Another one you might enjoy JC is Halfass Kustoms
( th-cam.com/channels/lWkePG9rATJ4nbl__xRMJQ.html )
one extremely tallented bloke in his latest build he is doing
1951 Dodge Crusaderth-cam.com/play/PL9KhvUlf1n8t6DgYdXJ8bGpUTjNa1QFmv.html
he just makes it look so easy!
so your selling of 4 properties eh hmm towards a big one ...maybe? I know poor JC mum was divorced when i was 4 and had to raise my sister Jude And me on her own , let me just say mum is 94 now (may 7th gone) what we lacked in money she made up for in love and dedication to us.I have suffered chronic pain since i was 13 ,i turned 60 in Feb this yearall my jobs i have had bar the second being a clerk have been physicalwould i want to be rich? no bloody way I preffer the real, fair dinkum !true people of this world
Tony
When are you going to come for a holiday in western Australia ?
Find someone that has a DTU for sale it has a under reach
What are you doing with the old orange cabovers tractor anything or is it 4 sale.
that is the only truck i own that i will never sell.
more like this pls!
Wreckers are expensive. I have a couple. But man you have more trucks than most truck dealers. Sale some of them and you could afford to buy you a nice wrecker and quit building all these homemade wrecker jobs that you claim you hate...
i dont want to have a $50,000 -$75000 truck sitting around that i might use once or twice a month. it isnt cost effective. it would be different if i was in the tow business but i am not. i will buy one one when i find the right deal. until then i will deal with the ones i have.
@@j.c.smithprojects But you have $50,000-$75,000 in trucks sitting there anyway? I was just making suggestions. Do whats best for you. You could prob trade that rollback for a nice wrecker or sale it and buy one. I do diesel truck repair for the public myself. I just use mine for my shop. Prob about as much as you do. I used to do it your way. Were all getting older. Once you get a nice wrecker you'll wonder why you didn't get it sooner.
im not saying i dont want one. the trucks make money. the wrecker is something that will save me time and money but it will take forever to pay for itself. someday i will come across the right one.
I know what you are talking about
Great video J.C 🙂👍 That truck done a great job, its a shame the walking beam suspension made it so light in the front end. Hopefully you can run across an underlift like you were talking about
hello zane! nice to see you. i have another truck in mind for this wrecker unit.
It’s not yurs you can’t take take off . Till you buy it. Lol.
no idea what you mean.
I liked the truck selection process video too🤗
That saw is amazing
Spray painting your sockets, extensions, or any tool, etc. a bright color will help you see them in dim light or even in daylight when they're laying on the ground. Once in awhile hit them with some more paint, since it does wear off, and it will help you spot them at a distance.
Is it possible to add an under-lift to a Holmes 750? I suppose the biggest problem with this is finding a Holmes 750! i'm intentionally not considering the question of what to put it on!
I been looking for parts for a 2007 Freightliner Columbia so I can finish a project.
Check copart in Long island New York they have the wrecker real cheap that you're looking for. Keep in mind our Winters are not as bad as yours over there in Ohio and not all the truck see Manhattan streets most of the truck spend their lives in in the boros aka suburbs
hi Scott
this might be a stupid question on the cord for your lights could you make a loop between the two chains so it's away from.being pinched but I agree about channel you were saving
Check out govplanet website and ironplanet website and see if you like there trucks with a jerrdan body on them
Air ride is the daddy for that sort of load I guess. No fun driving around with ballast hanging off the front bumper. Double drive has great traction though...
I enjoy watching the way you and your wife work so well together. Success is a team effort
JC Smith
It’s been a while since I’ve been on your channel I’ve been subscribed for a long time
Never ceases to amaze me how are you just get in there and get her done like it’s nothing at all guess that’s why you’re so successful at what you do keep up the good work and enjoy the channel
To much talking
Was that the wife there too many lololol. Looks like a Development Frame Holmes Crossbar with a Not so Viable Boom. Fair play for taking the time to create.
Check out zaclift Miller has a dtu that just hook to the fifthwheel of a normal tractor not a bad option if you dont need a truck for recoverys nrc has one to
Hello Mr J C and wife.
There's a lot of action going on in this video.. I'm going to take a nap after watching all the work you did. Glad the truck did what you needed, I can see another build in the near future for towing.
Work safe, talk soon. Hurricane is past us now, see FB for the pics.
Doug@ the "ranch"
glad to hear everything is ok after the bad weather. i have been having trouble accessing internet at times. i will check out the pictures.
Nothing I love more than truck shopping! Within a little over a month I bought 4 trucks, which is really good for me. All were great deals. Playing trucks sure is fun. 2 maybe 3 are just for parts.
it is......until you have too many. the cost adds up faster than you think.
Out of curiosity, what's it cost to buy a typical 15 year old MD in driving condition with plenty of flaws? Every time I look at 1 ton pickup prices, I wonder about getting a real truck instead.
@@TheBrokenLife I can't say myself as I don't know. Every truck I own was a great deal. I buy trucks for parts and the good trucks or easily fixed trucks that have use to me I keep and put to work.
Instead of buying individual parts I prefer to buy an entire truck that has what I want and sell what I don't need. Makes getting parts for projects very affordable.
medium duty trucks can be bought for far less than pick up trucks. the fuel economy of a medium duty can be less than half of what a diesel pick up gets. it is a good option if you have a use for the heavier truck but not cost effective in up keep and operating cost as a daily driver to me.
@@j.c.smithprojects I only need a "real" truck a few times a year, so I'm not thinking about a daily driver here. That's why it kills me to spend $10k+ on what is likely to be a complete rust dumpster of a 1 ton pickup when hopefully not a huge amount more money would buy an MD that could do vastly more work, plus generally just be a lot more fun.
A buyers guide video for this type of thing would be pretty cool. I can't be the only guy thinking about buying an MD as basically a farm truck to use a few times a year. Personally, my ideal case would be a 20' box with a lift gate and a serious hitch on it. Pull pretty much any trailer, haul just about anything inside it, load it without a monster hassle, be able to pick up from docks, etc. That would serve me well for the rest of my life for the things I can imagine doing with "truck". My personal limitation would be juice brakes though. I'm not sure how to get an air brake certification as just "a guy".
Anyhow... If you'd like to make that video, I'd like to watch it. ;)
2805 forward look at something fell off the wreaker. Sounded plastic.
Can I go
Can not bet a Kenneth
I like it a lot…..!
How many truck do you have?
too many! how many do you want? i would like to get down to 30 eventually.
probably saved a couple of thousand towing those trucks yourself, big trucks like that can cost $1000 per truck depending how many miles you’re going. Looks like it worked just fine! Take care Mr and Mrs JC
well worth the 6 hours of work to put the bed on this truck for sure.
Looks good
I know it's too late now probably, but I think I have a left and right full cab sides with the corner and cowl with rockers. I bought like 6 sets from an overstock company. I resorted a lot of county trucks and they saved me a ton of time on the restoration jobs.
no it isnt too late. i own many 4900 and 4700 trucks with rusty cabs.
Nothing wrong with the walking beam suspension, you either need a longer wheelbase drawing vehicle or bolt some heavy scrap iron behind the cab or on the front bumper to keep your steer axle on the ground. The fact that the truck is fitted with large front tyres means that you could probably add 5-6000lbs of weight to the front or behind cab no problem. Keep in mind any tow truck irrespective of suspension type is just a balance beam with the fulcrum at the geometric centre of the rear suspension.
i didnt say there is anything wrong with the walking beam suspension. it is just not the best set up for what i am doing. they have their place. the pivot point is just too far forward for what i am doing. that truck is plenty long enough. it is already almost 30' long. that doesnt help when navigating these narrow roads. if i changed out to an air ride set up this truck would work very well. i have towed these same trucks with a much shorter single axle air ride truck with no steer axle lift issues. seems silly to me to add weight to front to compensate for the wrong set up. if i had no other truck choice, it would be a viable solution. i would just rather move it to another truck. not a big deal......
Next time you tow from behind. If your worried about the lighting wire falling into the tire. Tuck it under the wiper. Seen a ton of my tow buddies do it that way.I
I really like that tow setup. Doesn't look too bad. Seems like it was built sturdy enough to haul. Look forward to more videos.
Guess that Cascadia spun hearing would be too expensive to fix or swap a different motor to flip I guess.
not cost effective. the entire engine would have to come out. block may have to be line bored. the bearing material went through the entire engine. everything that oil is pumped to for lubrication is likely ruined. replacements are very expensive because so many people need them.
The functionality of that bed is nice. Like you said it’s not the perfect choice but it seems to work really well.
it is very "cost effective!"
I live in mo and If I tried towing with something like that the dot or mo highway patrol would put me under the jail
explain the problem to me.
@@j.c.smithprojects one of the things I noticed no name or dot # on the truck also in mo when towing you must have overhead amber rotating lights on.. also you must be a bonfied towing company so they told me... just to name a few.. I did something like that and got into load's of trouble
i dont go by "what i was told". i go buy what the law is. no law says a man cant own a truck and tow another truck he owns behind it. marker, stop turn and tail are all that are required on the truck being towed. i have all, plus strobe lights on the truck being towed as well as the truck doing the towing. if got into trouble, perhaps you and or the officer didnt know the laws.
@@j.c.smithprojects I wasn't trying to tell you what to do or anything.. I have owned wreckers and roll backs as well as dump trucks, and over the road truck's.. I've been ticketed for not having my name on the dump even though it was not for hire and farm tagged.. after I sold my wreckers I made one for my own use and got tickets.. even after I put a rotating light on the truck
I like what you are doing with a home made tow truck. I would suggest you keep your tow bar less than level when picking up your load. When your bar is level or higher in a panic stop your load could catipult up onto your truck. When I first started towing it was with a sling or a tow bar. I really enjoy seeing them being used
some others have mentioned that as well. i have since been setting it that way. thanks for watching.
A
Are any of the trucks for sale?
i will sell every truck except the orange 9670 cabover.
Be careful with your lift chains on the bull bar. I always rap the loose end around the bar so that the chain will get locked in just in case you go over a bump or a dip and it gets slack. Years ago I had one pop out on me. Something you will never do again lol. Good video.
i agree with the extra rap. you can see i did just that on the second truck. there was no room to do it on the first due to the way the rear was made. had i done that the chains would have been caught between the bar and the truck being towed. didnt want to wedge a chain and have it rub in transit.
Jc if you still have the big roll back, Miller is offering a undereach for those now. That would be kinda the best of both worlds, other than expense.
i have been drooling over the 30 and 40 series rollbacks with the under reach....best of all worlds for me right there! i just cant justify the cost. i have been entertaining the idea of adding an under reach to my 30' rollback.
Hey brother I agree about the wrecker bed but if anyone can make it work it’s you. As far as an under lift check out zacklift products.
zacklift is a nice unit but still a little too pricey for me......i would need to find a used one.
I remember running a 05 Columbia with a c15 cat brand new with a company back in the day lol
I'm glad you used that wrecker bed , I thought it had possibilities when it set next to the old shop! No shortage of trucks to put it on!
the only problem is you cant tow a newer truck with the plastic bumper from the front. sometimes it takes a little thinking to make it work but it has always worked out.
How much would you sale one of the f750's for?
Are all those trucks your babies? ;)
uggggg!!!!
@@j.c.smithprojects 😂😂 On another note, you should check out Ron Pratt's youtube channel if you haven't. He does mostly heavy truck and equipment tows and recoveries. He has a lot of good info.
i watch ron pratt. i have a bad obsession with tow trucks for some reason.
why didn't you clean the rust off the frame and paint before putting on the tow bed??
like i said in the video, this frame has rust jacking. it needs to be taken apart and done right. that is a huge job that i dont have time for right now. i just needed to get a tow truck up and going so i could get these trucks moved.
A man who is never without a plan, thanks for taking us along. Tom
Hey have you looked at a zach lift . Or maybe find a used under reach to mount on your roll back
i have. they start around $23k. i would love an under reach for my 30' rollback.
How far would you travel to buy trucks.
You need some counterweight behind the cab, maybe 2 ton concrete block.
no....i think i just need the right suspension.
Hello I need parts for my old tow truk
Your sling tubes are upside down.wrap the chains on the crossbar.
its not a sling.
Pro tote has few videos that might help with your hooking
I would have used one of the f-750s, add an axle, build the frame, put in an 18 speed, and build the engine for a tow truck
wow.......
Don’t waste your time trying to uncle Leroy a tandem we have a 16 ton jerrdan body on a 750 can handle 26ft boxes and road tractors just fine
How many trucks do you have?
no idea exactly. it changes daily. too many for sure. my goal is to get down to 30 or under. that way i can get down to just one property instead of 4.
Wow! That's pretty impressive, what do you do with the trucks? Do you restore them o you collect them?
I would love to be able to have that much trucks hahaha
i buy them, fix them and sell them. i think between trucks, trailers and trucks i bought for parts i am right at 90 or so today.
Mr. Smith when you tow a box truck from the back. It is easier to run the chains under the icc bar and with angle iron 4x5x1/2. When you run the chain over the icc bar the truck slides down from the chains. I also have a mack wrecker 750 holmes and zacklift for sale.
i toed a truck today with that exact issue. it limited the amount of lift i could get. running the chains under the icc was the fix. i would love to have an actual wrecker. i not a rich man so i am looking for something budget friendly. i dont mind putting a bed on one of my trucks or buying one that is ready to work.
@@j.c.smithprojects i have a tow truck for sale with underreach and tire lift for sale.
email me pictures and details. j.c.smithprojects@gmail.com
Thanks for the video, that was interesting watching you figure out the wrecker mounting and tow those trucks doing what you needed to do to make them tow how you wanted. your cord mistake ended better than I figured, I thought you were going to end up with one real short cord and a real long one with only one plug on both of them. Take care
i should have known better than to put that cord in there. dumb move for sure.
I need one of those red ford's u got .....
how come you so many trucks
JC the only thing I see that I wood have done different is when you hook your chain in the tow bar is I was tot too rape the chain back around the towbar again but I see you did that on the cab and chassis
i agree. i wanted to on the first one but the chain would have been pinched between the icc bumper and the tow bar. didnt want to rub the chain like that.
@@j.c.smithprojects you are right I saw that when you was hauling it because trust me I will never critasize any one I definitely enjoy watching you and the boss shorten truck s and all the other things you do I have to go back and kechup on your videos I have been in NH for the last few weeks and haven't had time to watch them so you know lost of time I watch you video s on TV and don't get a chance to give them a thumbs up I give I enjoy your and John w most of all
Love the long detailed videos!
thanks. i like to put it all together instead of many smaller videos. however the majority of people like the 15 minute videos better.
@@j.c.smithprojects Most folks have the attention span of a goldfish...
i would have to....SQUIRREL!