Pulled the trigger on a M923- what next?

[LCA078]

Just purchased a 1984 M923 that went through Red River Depot refurb on 9/10. 1100 miles on odometer, no rust spots, and seems to start and run okay around the parking. I didn't take it on the highway for full run but it seemed tight.

It has good 11.00R20's so will be on the lookout for super singles in the near future (central Texas). Other than checking fluids before driving it home 15 miles for a complete look over, what should I do? I plan to replace the oil and filter and any bad hoses/belts..but anything else critical before I can drive a 100 miles to our ranch without fear of breakdown? I'll get pics as soon as I can!

 

[74M35A2]

Congrats !!!

 

[SCM35A2]

Congrats, after checking all the fluids Id check the battery voltage too.

 

[BenRoberts]

Give the torque rods a good check. Pry out in each one and make sure they don't deflect too much and the rubber isn't full of cracks

 

[CHIEFSONN]

Congrats, check underneath for any signs of leaks from break cylinders etc. may you have a safe trip home

 

[LCA078]

After reading around the forum a bit, looks like I need to invest in a good lug nut wrench and keep it in the truck. I’ll also break loose the nuts at our shop and retighten before I head out. Sounds like there have been painful tales of folks not able to get nuts loose out in the yonder...

 

[simp5782]

It's a red river rebuild with a NHC250. Better drop the pan and tighten the rod bolts as well.

 

[LCA078]

It's a red river rebuild with a NHC250. Better drop the pan and tighten the rod bolts as well.

I figured it would be a fairly tight truck so recently out of rebuild but now I’m a bit worried about it. What’s the story behind these rebuilds and the rods?

 

[simp5782]

I figured it would be a fairly tight truck so recently out of rebuild but now I’m a bit worried about it. What’s the story behind these rebuilds and the rods?

RRAD is an IROAN Site. Inspect. Replace only as needed. Some got motors that were being sabotaged. Wrist pins left loose. Rod caps left loose. Other crap. They would blow the motor with a load put on them. Or tap abnormally. Not all got engines. Some did. The A2 trucks from RRAD were the better ones. Had atleast one that didnt have any oil in it and the oil cooler petcock was left wide open.

 

[Floridianson]

On any truck with air brakes I like to make sure I have all brake chamber cage bolts and they are in good shape. Myself I clean them up and carry them in the truck.

 

[Ajax MD]

LOL...you guys are gonna give this guy the heebie jeebies. He'll never trust this truck!
I get it though, good information to have. Could save big problems down the road.

 

[LCA078]

LOL...you guys are gonna give this guy the heebie jeebies.

Lol- kinda true but I get it. I need to learn the ins and outs of these trucks so I’m prepared. I’m not a fan of learning in the emergency situation...

I wanted the NHC250 so I can have bragging rights for a big chunk of old school iron. Hope that doesn’t turn into a painful lesson.

 

[LCA078]

RRAD is an IROAN Site. Inspect. Replace only as needed. Some got motors that were being sabotaged. Wrist pins left loose. Rod caps left loose. Other crap. They would blow the motor with a load put on them. Or tap abnormally. Not all got engines. Some did. The A2 trucks from RRAD were the better ones. Had atleast one that didnt have any oil in it and the oil cooler petcock was left wide open.

ok- I’ll bite. Why would trucks be sabatoged by RRAD?

 

[Ajax MD]

Lol- kinda true but I get it. I need to learn the ins and outs of these trucks so I’m prepared. I’m not a fan of learning in the emergency situation...

I wanted the NHC250 so I can have bragging rights for a big chunk of old school iron. Hope that doesn’t turn into a painful lesson.

I think you'll be ok. Just don't take those rebuild tags as gospel that everything is A-OK.

I'm semi-new to diesels and very new to "big truck" diesels. To me, the NHC 250 is really interesting. I've been vacuuming up Youtube videos and articles about it and I'm still just scratching the surface.
Although obsolete, it seems simple and very durable, especially as de-tuned by the military so that idiots like me can't hurt it very easily.

 

[LCA078]

Truck is home!!! Got to auction lot and noticed a knucklehead left the batteries on and killed them so had to run jumper cables from my car and my dad’s truck to juice them up while we changed the right rear outer tire. I guess if all tires to swap that was the easiest. All lugs broke free with a three foot breaker bar and a good step up from me. I weigh 240 so at three feet it was around 4-500ft lbs to break them free. Thimbles were rust free and still had the shiny cadmium plating. Torsion bars were good, no drips, all fluids topped, and hardware looked okay. After a couple hours of charging, the truck fired up within a second of cranking- I was so happy!!! Pressure built up within a couple mins and I was off with dad following me with his hazards on. Got on the road and she got up to 45-50 without issue. Shifted solid and brakes were solid too (tested them on the access road before getting on msin). Mild shaking due to road but not bad. Some smoke behind the cab at first so expect a mild exhaust leak. Once up to temp, little smoke. Other than the steering wheel crumbling and ac not working (ha!), truck is good.

Overall, very pleased I joined the MV club!!

 

[LCA078]

 

[BenRoberts]

Very nice glad you made it home

 

[Privatewrench]

Congrats! Nice looking truck you have there. Be safe and enjoy your ride.

 

[Ajax MD]

It looks good! Glad you have a safe trip.