Freightliner trucks - Detroit series 50 engines ?

[Coalsmoke]

Hey guys, anyone know anything about these engines? Are they sleeved, and are they as good as the well liked / well known detroit 60 series? This is about all I know about them: "The Series 50 is a 4 cylinder version of the Series 60 engine, it is an 8. 5 liter and uses twin balance shafts to help control the natural vibrations of a 4 cylinder engine. " I'd really appreciate any info anyone wishes to pass along about them.



Also, I'm looking into a Freightliner, FL106 or there abouts. I'm having a hard time understanding the older (late 1990's early 2000) FL numbers, seems there were FL50- all the way through to FL 120 somethings??? SOme of them like the FL 60, 70 FL80 and FL106 seem pretty much the same, excpet I can't seem to find anything lower than a 106 with the Detroit in them. This numbering system has got me baffled because I have nothing to reference the the numbers too, so any info in this regard would also be REALLY appreciated.



thanks,

Coalsmoke

 

[bmoeller]

http://www.freightlinertrucks.com/trucks/find-by-model/m2-100-106/



Looks like the 106 is a new model. They have them from the 50-112. The 120 and 132 are class 8 trucks. I think the 112 is also (or a class 7?), just a lighter truck. Seen some with semi trailers as well. Probably similar in size to a KW T-400.



I've been in a FL70, and if you are tall, you may not have enough legroom. I don't, but I also wear jeans with a 40" inseam. :-laf



As to whether Frieghtshakers are any good, I can't say. Virtually anyone I've asked, normally says, "It's just a Frieghtliner. "



At least as looks go, I'm partial to the FLD132 (Classic XL) trucks. FLD120 have a set-back front axle, and the 132 has a set forward axle.

 

[nickleinonen]

The Series 50 is a 4 cylinder version of the Series 60 engine, it is an 8. 5 liter and uses twin balance shafts to help control the natural vibrations of a 4 cylinder engine.

it is exactally as a ddc 60 series with 2 cylinders cut off... literally. . the crankshaft is not a standard 4 cylinder crank with up/down/down/up pins on it like you would expect. it is a inline 6 crank with 2 cylinders lopped off. . that is why it really needs the balance shafts to balance the engine out [at least on the first series of them, don't know if the newer ones are re-engineered]. wet sleves like a 60 series. .

 

[cwcox]

FL50 series would be the lightest, with GVW range moving upwards to the FL112. FL50 to FL80 use the same hood, squared off and sloped. The FL112 has a much larger hood to accomodate larger radiators to cool higher HP engines. (Often you will see FL80's with a two inch spacer/filler along the bottom of the hood to also accomodate same).



These are super solid trucks, typically very dependable and a great value. Now the down side, head and leg room is at zero premium. If you are over 5'10", think long and hard. If you get the air ride seat (recommended), do not inflate all the way. When you hit a really big bump it will launch your head into the ceiling! Interior finish quality is so-so. About average for a work truck. They can be dolled up pretty nice without much effort. The cab is designed as a cabover unit, converted to conventional use, so ergonomics are really sort of poor.



Depends on what you'll use it for, dump, weekend workhorse, great. Need it for long haul towing of the RV, etc, might want to take a very long test ride. That series 50 Detroit will never make you frown though, great engine.



I'd take a hard look at the Sterling, better cab layout, or if you can afford it, the newer Freightiner M2 is dynamite. If I can be of more help, just email me at work- -- email address removed --. I work out of the Pittsburgh, Pa area. We usually have a few of the medium duty trucks in stock, and there are about 650 in the corporate inventory (all used units). Maybe I can help you out. Good luck!

 

[Coalsmoke]

Nickleinonen, bmoeller, and CW, thanks for the information.



This truck will be a single axle heavy equipment welding and service truck. I've narrowed it down to the Fl106, mostly because of engine choice, although one step down (the FL80) would do fine as far as capacity goes. I'm relieved to hear that the Detroit 50s is a decent engine. I'm a little ticked that Cummins doesn't have sleeves in the 8. 3L ISC, but it does in the 8. 9L ISL, but the ISL seems to be used mostly in motorhomes. So, if I want a sleeved engine without getting too big of a truck, that pretty much leaves the Detroit 50 series, which if I'm not mistaken, can take a compression engine brake (instead of the Cummins 8. 3 which can only take an exhaust brake). I'm not really considering the CATs, I've heard too many unfriendly things about them, mostly from the local repair shops and owner/operators footing the repair bills. It seems CAT builds their engines expensive.



CW, I really appreciate the detailed info, thanks. I'm about 5' 10" on a good day so the cab should be ok. I've sat in a FL120 and it seemed fine, but it also had an overhead sleeper so no height issues there. I agree about the FL interior finish, or lack of. Too much grey platic, and in the new ones you'd get lost if you ever wore a grey suit. However, I think if I got one of the older Freightliners, I'd just re-do the dash with a nice wood panelling like the Petes and KWs have. Plus, that way there'd be lots of room for gauges and aux switches. I did as you sugested and checked out a Sterling, definitely a much nicer truck inside, but, looking at the pricing it doesn't make sense for me to consider it. I'm hoping to spend somewhere in the mid $20K to low $30K range, and the Sterling logo seems to eat up a chunk of that budget.

 

[plowking]

fREIGHTLINER

i HAVE A 1997 fld112. The designation is wheelbase as my truck is similiar to 120, except shorter at hood closure. Parts for this truck in my area can be a problem. No matter what you buy, make sure you have a good parts source. I've had friends and business associates have trucks sit for few days for something simple. I had a International I liked better. Freightliners are famous for weak piano hinges on doors, been known to pop open, especially on bumps. The new Freightliner Century or Columbia class are rumored to have carbon monoxide leaks into cab from ducts or A. C. especially on Detroit and Mercedes engines. I don't know if this applies to smaller class trucks. Could be the aerodynamics are changing the air flow causing problems. My wife drives a Sterling triaxle and hasn't had best of care by previous owner. It has a Cat and has numerous oil leaks and interior, door panels and storage bins are falling off. The head light bezels have fallen out and had to be remounted. I believe she said there are two grades of Sterlings, but her boss unfortunately got the cheaper one. Good luck with what ever brand you buy. plowking