Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

Which ones are the best for mileage, reliability?
I am looking for one to do the occasional tow job, but basically be my back up car and for when i need to move shit.

I have no clue what is out there or what is good.
I have heard a lot of good things about the ford diesels though.

Aaron

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

why do you need a diesel?
I really like fords chassis' at least on there 1/2 ton trucks, my old roommate had one of the new F150 and said it towed better than his old 3/4 ton

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

Cummins are probly the best for reliablity and power. Plus they've been around in the dodge trucks forever so you could probly find one pretty cheap. Fords Powerstroke is a damn good motor but will proby cost you a little more. 7.3 Strokers are pretty easy to come buy and are starting to get pretty cheap the 6.0 is still up there in price and IMO isnt the motor the 7.3 was I'd stay away from Chevys older diesels. There just not on the same level with the newer motors. The duramax is prety good but you will pay for it.

Diesels are alot like DSM's. They can make alot of power just by putting on Exhaust systems Intake pipes etc. Reprograming bigger turbos and injectors will have you buying driveline parts in no time.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

just dont get a dodge with a auto. A buddy had his tranny replace 4 times in 1 year. He gave up a got a ford

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

Yeah, if you want an auto, get a Ford with the 7.3. Diesels are pretty spendy though, so keep that in mind.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

What about a gas truck with a supercharger of some sort. By the time you pay the extra for a diesel and all of its components, and the fuel is usually $0.50 more a gas with a power adder will be a nice choice as well. My 6.0 stock comes with 325 hp and 370 ft•lbf of torque. My added radix supercharger added 100 hp and 125 ft•lbf of torque putting it up to at least 425/495 and that is not including the cold air intake, headers, and full exhaust. That compares to the stock rear wheel 210 hp and 405 lb-ft of the ford 7.3. Just something to think about. Good luck with your search.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

How much do you want to spend? That will decide what you are going to get.

If you are trying to stay below 25k then an older Ford 7.3 will be your best bet. Good looking truck and an engine that is tough as nails.

If you have a little extra dough I would get a newer 04+ Dodge with an auto or a Duramax. They are definitely better than the 03.5+ 6.0 Powerstroke.

Dodge cleared up all issues with their autos by 04, they are very stout trannys now and do not have issues like in the past.

I recently bought a 05 1/2 ton ram with the 5.7 gas and I wish I would have spent an extra 5k and got the 3/4 diesel. Still happy with my truck but after riding in a buddies hopped up diesel last weekend it made me want one. Must be something about 760lb/ft tq at the wheels.:D


What exactly are you looking to tow though? 1/2 ton tow capacities are pretty impressive now. I wouldnt want to haul a huge enclosed car trailer but I plan on towing my friends Talon to the track a few times this spring.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

Yeah but compare the 20mpg the diesel will still get after being modded with the 10mpg that you are probably getting after all of those mods. Probably less than 10 if you are having any fun with it.

Thats the beauty with a diesel. You can bolt on 120hp and a shit load torque without really bolting anything on. Go back to stock whenever you want you fuel mileage back by pressing a button or turning a dial.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

Well I am getting 12-13 in the winter with mashing on it almost all the time because that torque is so much fun and was better then that in the summer. Probably do get a bit better with the diesel tho. It is always fun to show a hot headed diesel guy with the gas too. Have beet an evo once as well, sorry mike had to say it.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

HAHAHAHA

that was a funny experience...

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

Cummins. The Navistar 7.3 is okay, 6.0 is junk, 6.4 is a service nightmare.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

No Duramax love? I havent heard a whole lot of bad about them in the recent years. Plus the GMs are pretty good looking trucks.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

I think he meant hte 6.5 td..... we have one in our suburban and I like it, it really benifited from a 4" tbe, intake, heath deisel reprogramming etc, but it def. is not as good as the 7.3's. Thats my first choice because of the price, then a duramax

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

There have been so many different versions of the Duramax that it's hard to remember what is good and what is bad so I just stay quiet. :D

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

Yeah, I dont remember which is which either. I rode in an 05 last night though with a chip, intake, exhaust, etc.. Fucker hauled ass. I was impressed.

Re: Diesel Pick 'em up trucks.
 

Wow, thats pretty impressive.

I am lucky to see 15 on the hwy with my Dodge, being nice to it.