Re: [MV] 5-Ton Air Brake Conversion

Thanks for all of the suggestions on air brake mods for my M543A2
wrecker. I called up Memphis Equipment to ask them about their air brake
modification kits. They told me the kit will work on the M543A2, and
the current price is $4685, plus shipping for about 1,000 pounds of
stuff. Their kit retains hydraulic brakes on the front axle, actuated by
an air/hydraulic booster, due to difficulty fitting the S-cam brake
components on the front axle. Both rear axles get S-cam brakes with
spring parking brakes. Installation involves drilling out the rivets
holding the old backing plates; the new ones can be bolted on. The old
brake components (including the drums) all get replaced.

That sounds to me like it would be a really nice (but not cheap!)
upgrade for my wrecker someday.

I also asked them about re-power options while I was on the phone, since
I think my truck will need engine and tranny rebuilds before too long
anyway. They said that the old Mack END673 engine would drop in, but
wouldn't really make a big difference. An NHC250 with an Allison MT654
tranny is about 7" longer, and would require lengthening of the frame.

Do any of y'all happen to know of any interesting repower options
(ideally with an automatic tranny) that would be suitable for the M543A2
wrecker, would improve on-road performance without sacrificing off-road
performance, and would not require lengthening the frame, enlarging the
engine compartment, etc.?

In the end, would I spend enough improving the M543A2 that I'd be better
off just replacing it with a 900-series wrecker?

--
Mark J. Blair, NF6X <nf6x@nf6x.net>
Web page: [url]http://www.qsl.net/nf6x/[/url]
GnuPG public key available from my web page.

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