Advice Needed From TT Owners

[Tadpole]

I am going to inspect a '26 closed metal cab TT tomorrow, and I value the insight from those on this forum to help me. Are there any common problems or hard-to-acquire parts I may need to be aware of? Are the metal "phone booth" cabs any more scarce or common? This truck has a two speed rear but no aux trans. Thank you in advance!

[TXGOAT2]

I have no experience with TTs, but I can say with assurance that's a very fine looking TT, and the 2 speed axle is a big plus. Fewer TTs were produced than Ts, and most of them were worked to death long ago.

[RajoRacer]

Solid doors are a + and the original door handles are rare - both inner & outer. I've worked on a few but I have a C-Cab Express.

[mtntee20]

Tadpole,

As was stated, TTs were worked hard. Thus, check the spokes. It's easy to see if there are major problems since those spokes appear to be painted. Look for chipped/cracked paint - a sure sign the spokes are loose. Grab the tire at the top and push in then out. If you hear any creaking the spokes are loose but not as critical as when the paint is showing damage. Both of these would indicate the truck would be OK to drive "some". I would not take it on a long tour or rough roads without someone following for help if something broke.

Second: Check, as best you can, to ensure the frame is straight and not bent down in the middle or rear indicating severe over loading. Check how the hood fits between the radiator and cowl first and then side to side right to left. This will indicate if the front end of the frame is straight or has been in an accident and it out of align somewhat.

The photo shows the truck in what looks to be great condition. If you find loose spokes or bent frame, you can use either/both to adjust the asking price.

If you're planning on touring, you MAY want to look into an auxiliary transmission such as a Warford. KC Lane is building NEW 3 speed Warfords and they are very nice. I have one and enjoy it very much. Helps me "keep up" with traffic better.

While TTs are fewer in number, that DOES NOT make them worth more money, generally speaking.

Good Luck,
Terry

[George House]

What’s REALLY rare are the metal stakes (8) on the stake bed. And if you have a TT Ruckstell, you probably have the sought after 5.25/1 worm and ring gear. Still, expect to cruise around 28-30 MPH without over revving the engine.

[Tadpole]

I appreciate the great information so far, unfortunately though the attached photo is just a factory publicity photo for reference. But it looks very similar to the truck in question, which has no metal stakes.

I may be jumping the gun, but does anyone have a set of the cowl lamp brackets for these cabs?

[George House]

Cowl lamp brackets are being reproduced. Contact the vendors advertising with MTFCA.

[Dan Haynes]

I'm a TT fan and have several and can tell you this; without an aux. transmission, the worm-drive Ruckstell is not a high-value asset. Especially if it has the low-speed gears (~7:1). The truck will top out at 15 mph.

With the "high speed gears" (LOL), which are around 5:1, you can hit 25+ mph, though Ford recommended keeping it reigned in to 22 mph.

High speed gears and a three speed "Super Warford" with underdrive/direct/overdrive will make a very useful and fun rig.

Also, if you want a good laugh while you are sitting in it, remember Ford called that the "Three Man Closed Cab".

[RajoRacer]

I probably have a set of original lamp brackets.

[A Whiteman]

If you're planning on touring, you MAY want to look into an auxiliary transmission such as a Warford. KC Lane is building NEW 3 speed Warfords and they are very nice. I have one and enjoy it very much. Helps me "keep up" with traffic better.

I second this advice, but with teh proviso that it leans more to 'must have' side, but not compulsory

[A Whiteman]

Check the operation of the Ruckstell (2 speed rear), it should be positive and smooth, not sloppy nor should it pop into neutral (can happen on slowing down mostly).

The TT has two reduction speeds (not an overdrive) speeds - slow and slower. The 2 speed axle gives you two more speeds, so you now have: slow, a bit slower, slower and much slower. Great for carrying loads and creeping up steep hills that cars may have to stop on

Engine, transmission and front axle assembly are interchangeable with cars. Rear axle, springs, driveshaft and brakes are unique to the TT.

You can get parts, they are not more expensive but can be harder to find. With the MTFA book or Ruckstells. they are easy to repair for the average mechanic - if you follow the directions.

[StevenS]

Checkout the 2 speed rearend real good, if the truck was worked to death, it will be bad. I had to use eight rearends to rebuild mine and have some extra parts to almost make another. Most of the standard and 2 speed rearends I found had problems. But I did learn a lot taking so many apart and rebuilding one and dry fitting another.

[TheSaintDiscJockey]

TTs are cool trucks, but not for everyone. I also have a '20 Runabout. I got my TT this past June. A '23 with a wood cab. I do not have it on the road yet. The most obvious distinction is their size. They are simply bigger and longer than your typical T. Mine measures about 15' in length. Their wheelbase is 125" as opposed to 100" on a T. Also, be mindful of the height. Mine measures 81". This could be problematic as to where you will store it. My '23 does have a Warford, which was a big plus when I bought it.
I agree with the above comments. Good luck!

[Burger in Spokane]

My 26 sounds similar to the truck in question. With work and diligence,
I have made it a reliable brute that sees regular use as my work truck throughout
the good weather months. It will cruise all day at 35, and tops out at 50.

Last week, hauling a unit of 3/4" T&G plywood back from Idaho, where I
was able to buy the material for $10 a sheet cheaper than I could locally.
My modern could not possibly haul this much weight.

[Tadpole]

A hearty thank you for all the good information! I am going to keep looking for now, the truck I had the pleasure of looking over needed a bit much for the price. All wheels needed respoked, the front spring needed replaced, hood and radiator did not line up, among other things.