Help identifying old big Ford truck

[TexasTruck72]

Hey everyone! I know this isn't a bumpside, but I figure some of you would be able to help me identify this old Ford semi truck that a friend of mine wants to scrap. I told him someone out there would like it as it is(including myself) but he thinks it would be better to part it out or scrap it. Not sure. The only thing I know about it are as follows:

-engine is a 1992 Caterpillar 3208, diesel
-interior looks like 1970s or early 1980s
-automatic transmission(I was told)
-67 style window crank handles
-steering wheel looks like the late 50s era Ford truck steering wheels
-original AM radio included
-runs fine

Here's some pictures of it. Any knowledge of these type of trucks would be greatly appreciated. I would like to save an old Ford from being scrapped if possible. Might be able to work out some type of trade or deal with the owner. He mentioned $1600 would buy the whole thing. I don't have a need for a big truck like this, but I think it would be a cool thing to drive around town and take to car shows.

[basketcase0302]

This might help:
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 00#p612784

[tylerb43]

I'm not an expert, but my brother has several dumps. That's a Ford L8000, I would guess late 70's/early 80's model?

I do know that maintaining a truck like this is not cheap. Parts aren't cheap, and the labor is a killer, unless you're a diesel tech and can DIY.

[wildcard]

The grill and interior look exactly like a 79 model that a drilling company I worked for had. We had a water well drilling rig mounted on it. It had the 5x4 gears in it. Interesting to drive but had a very rough ride.

[AlleyCat]

Just found this thread. Yes it's most likely an LN8000 but I've seen a few LN9000's with single rear axles. In their heyday these were a pretty common fleet truck. First generation L models were introduced in 1970 and ran until the mid 90's when Ford built an entirely new L series truck. Shortly after the second generation trucks were introduced Ford sold their heavy truck operations to Freightliner Corp. Freightliner rebadged them as Sterling.

First generation L series ranged from the lowly hydraulic brake, gas engined LN600 to the king of the Ford truck hill LTL9000. Base line L models all looked pretty much the same no matter what the GVWR but there were some different length hoods. The biggest trim change was the introduction of an aluminum grille in the early 80's. In the heavier models there were set back steer axle and aerodynamic versions which used the same cab and grille structure but the hoods are different. LTL's used a unique long, boxy ( and friggin heavy ) hood. The top of the line models such as LTL and LTS were aimed at the long haul trucking market. The LTL's had better interiors and lots of little goodies the base models didn't get. Through out the series engine choices ran from FT ( 330, 361, 391) and SD ( 401, 477, 534) gas engines thru diesels from Caterpillar, Cummins and Detroit.

First generation L models are still one of my favorites to drive. Like anything else they have their downside. L models were prone to cab rust, keeping the wipers working can be a chore and pulling the trans on an Aeromax version can cause a Saint to invent swear words. All in all though they are one tough old truck.

[bindernut]

I spent alot of time in one of those toling around AZ, our was a 1992 and had, basically, the same dash. I drove the truck to the job site and opperated the 25ton boom crane attached to it. I can't remember what Cat it had in it but if I were on a flat hyw with a nose wind, it couldn't maintain 55mph. furthermore, it couldn't hold itself downhill either. There's a 6% grade between Cal-Nev-Ari and Laughlin, NV about 3 miles long and a stop light at the bottom. I'd crest at about 5mph and be emergency braking the whole way. More than a couple times I seriously considered the runaway truck ramp at the bottom. All that said, she was slow and old but never left me stranded.

[dirtwrench]

I'm a little late, but couldn't resist this one.

I own an 1981 LN700, single axle grain truck with the 429 4bbl & Ford 4spd auto. When I was young, Dad bought a brand spanking new 1972 LN700 361 5&2 spd set up with hyd tag axle and 22ft box. I can remember a lot of miles going under Dads purple Louisville hauling anything that would fit. Both these trucks are the exact same body style as the one you have pictured, but I would guess the guys who called in an L8000 are correct.

[AlleyCat]

I'm a little late, but couldn't resist this one.

I own an 1981 LN700, single axle grain truck with the 429 4bbl & Ford 4spd auto. When I was young, Dad bought a brand spanking new 1972 LN700 361 5&2 spd set up with hyd tag axle and 22ft box. I can remember a lot of miles going under Dads purple Louisville hauling anything that would fit. Both these trucks are the exact same body style as the one you have pictured, but I would guess the guys who called in an L8000 are correct.

The extra zero in the model number denotes a diesel however the hood badges didn't always match the model. I recently scrapped an LN7000 fire truck. Although it had Detroit Diesel engine the hood badges are marked 700. I saved the badges since they are darn near perfect.

[hazelnut]

Nice write up Clay. And agree with you a 100% about the LTL hood being big & heavy. Ive got a LTL9000 quad axel and its all one man can handle just raiseing the hood LOL. Its got a 3406 CAT w/15speed and not to many of the newer trucks can handle it from a standing start.

TexasTruck, I would check to see how much insurance&tags would cost you for this truck. Its been a long time since ive owned a single axel but my quad axel cost me $5000 for insurance and $1200 for the tags a year. I took it off the road because of the operating cost. Your insurance&tags would be a lot cheaper but owning a big truck can get expensive when you have to pay for tires, diesel fuel, maintance ect, ect.