It's a 210 Volvo total weight with trailer is around 65000lbs, truck has a Cat 3406B with 13 speed and walking beam suspension. It's not short on power or anything. A few times i've even threw a few tons in the box or haul extra attachments and i'm around 100,000lbs and it handles it no problem. The cab is far from great, it's definitely the more basic for that timeframe also lacks extra things like EGT, etc for gauges. If I found a good deal on a box i'd go for it, 95% of my hauling is concrete and the floor is pretty beat and the overall size is a bit small, an extra few yards capacity would be nice.
My dads truck has had some issues for sure, but most were emissions related, if deleted it wouldn't be as bad.
Understood. In my opinion the 3406 is a phenomenal engine, and the 13 spd is pretty good for heavy loads, especially if the rear diff ratio has you max out at 55 (is that MPH or KPH?). The walking beam is a rough ride but works well in off-road situations, and is tough as nails. Re- bushing is easily accomplished (many specialized service providers that will come to you to perform this) so I don't see that as a very good excuse to unload the truck.
I would attempt to install a cab air ride system before bailing on the truck. If you still can't deal with the ride then I (myself) would still look for a pre- emissions ride. If you have time to work on your own stuff, upgrades (like a pyrometer to register EGTs) is not difficult. A new seat (with heat/cool, vibration for your sore back, etc) can also be installed relatively easily and inexpensively. If there is a ton of cab noise, there are ways to seal off, and insulate the cab to increase the comfort level.
As far as your comments on your dads truck, yes, you can eliminate the emissions but you are still left with a 12 year old truck (an International no less) with a maxforce engine. I have no experience with one but you, and other posters, have not indicated much, or any, praise for this engine. Really, it comes down to the suspension, and comfort level on your dad's truck.
Another poster mentioned a rear end "take- out", with a different suspension and gear ratios, as an option. I know that it would add expense and time but you still have the truck you know, the engine and trans that you like, and no emissions. Somebody else mentioned putting $20k into the truck to bring it up to what you want. I think that would be the better option than buying your dad's truck and you'd still be $60k ahead. The only possible downside is if you decide to sell it (after you drop the $20k into it), you may not get your money back out of it. That's hard to say if that's the case, or not. After all, you would be selling a pre- emissions truck!
As it relates to the rock box that I mentioned, I was looking at buying new. There are not a lot of "deals" out there right now as construction has been BOOMING in the western US for some time now. That being said, I was quoted a brand new 16' Western bed (fully AR 450, dual acting hi- lift, spreader, apron, cab guard, full length fenders, electric tarp, air gate latches, hoist, and mounted to a sub frame, for +/- $22k (US). This sounds like a lot but I paid $17k for a 15' 23 years ago (that was mounted, cab painted, and included the buck plate/hitch as well).
