General truck, diesel and smog question

[look 171]

I maybe selling my 93 cummins (120,000 original miles)to one of my sub contractor. I really don't want to sell and love the way the "truck" runs and drives, but he needs a truck. My excuse is to buy a newer one. The Dodge now has jump seats in the back with a full size bed which I really like (need I suppose). I was going to paint it and just drive it. I no longer haul all that much but when I do, its nice to have.

I like another diesel, and fuel milage on them are pretty darn good for a big truck. Now which one and I know some years, the Fords had some issues. My requirements are that I need to be able to seat four, as my kids are getting bigger by the minutes. This will haul all our bikes, Kayaks and other toys. Full size bed to haul plywood. 4WD is a plus, but not necessary for the snow. Have 4 runner for that.

[John Rogers]

When I was racing, I had a 2000 Ford F350 Dually with the International 7.3 liter engine which had no smog stuff and you didn't have to add the bottles of pee when you filled up. The dually is great in case any rear tire blows you are safe. I added an after market computer, 5 inch exhaust and different intake and it got 18 to 19 MPG when towing 18,000 pounds of toy hauler and race car. In race mode of the computer it would blow the doors off a Honda or other wanna be race car. Unless you need something new I'd suggest a 2000's sort.

[1990C4S]

My opinion: In this case if you do sell it you should probably get paid up front.

I don't think the work you've described justifies a diesel.

[cabmandone]

I'm curious, for the miles driven and the proposed use why a diesel? There's extra maintenance involved that it wouldn't seem would be justifiable based on what your use would be. Get a Chevy with a 6.0 gas engine and don't look back.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by cabmando

I'm curious, for the miles driven and the proposed use why a diesel? There's extra maintenance involved that it wouldn't seem would be justifiable based on what your use would be. Get a Chevy with a 6.0 gas engine and don't look back.

Yeah, thought about that too but just didn't want to deal with the smog here in CA anymore. Why the diesel? Well, my old fashion Dodge was simple and it just ran and ran without any issues. I just put in a injection pump in it due to a small leak. The rest of the truck is another story (body parts were not so good, even the paint is sihtty). My job is to fetch materials when needed for my me so I bought a diesel thinking I may need to haul a bunch of gravel or such, which I did.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by look 171

Yeah, thought about that too but just didn't want to deal with the smog here in CA anymore. Why the diesel? Well, my old fashion Dodge was simple and it just ran and ran without any issues. I just put in a injection pump in it due to a small leak. The rest of the truck is another story (body parts were not so good, even the paint is sihtty). My job is to fetch materials when needed for my me so I bought a diesel thinking I may need to haul a bunch of gravel or such, which I did.

The trouble I can see is finding a replacement that will be as trouble free. Most of the older diesels will have higher mileage and most have been used for pulling. The newer ones will have Cat's or Diesel Particulate Filters along with some sort of EGR and cooler system which becomes very problematic to say the least. You can't take a Ford 6.0 in your state (or really legally in any other state) and make it reliable. Most of the 7.3's will have crazy mileage on them at this point. You might get lucky and find an earlier Duramax but even those had a catalytic converter on them along with other emissions things and some of the earlier ones had injector problems. I think I'd put up with having to replace the occasional up stream or down stream O2 sensor in your position and just buy a gas truck.
I recently sold my 99 7.3 PSD and opted for a 2012 F250 with a 6.2 gas engine. I use my truck to pull skid steer loaders most of the time. The truck pulls great but the mileage is lower by a bout 3 mpg from my old 7.3. I weighed the cost of oil changes, fuel filters and the cost of diesel along with the fact I put about 10K miles per year on the truck and figured a gas truck would be less headache in the long run. I'll also add the modern 6 speed transmission in my truck is impressive and my turning radius is MUCH improved over my old ride.
Drive a 6.0 gas Chevy. I'm not a bowtie fan but that engine is pretty stout and I think it would do everything you need.

[John Rogers]

If the engine and trans are in good shape, sounds like a trip to Garage Los Ponchos to get rust removed, paint redone in any color imaginable and the interior redone in leather or that fake stuff. They are still in business as I talked with the owner a few months ago and they are still doing reasonable priced work.

[Dan J]

Just keep it. Let your friend find his own damn truck

[Evans, Marv]

Yeah, Los Panchos it still operating. The son runs it. I've got a '03 F350, 7.3L SRW truck with just shy of 170K on it. Since I hardly drive it, I'll probably have it when I die. When the truck was new, the extra for the diesel option was something like $3K. I understand you have to pay something like $8K extra to buy a diesel now days. For that much extra money, I'd think you'd really need a diesel or just have more money than you knew what to do with.

[Arizona_928]

I would keep it. You'll have a hard time replacing it.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by john rogers

If the engine and trans are in good shape, sounds like a trip to Garage Los Ponchos to get rust removed, paint redone in any color imaginable and the interior redone in leather or that fake stuff. They are still in business as I talked with the owner a few months ago and they are still doing reasonable priced work.

I am always concern that I will come back with a couple bags of stuff in my hub caps and then have the homeboys waiting for me on my way home to pick up their stash. That is if I don't get caught at the border by sniffing dogs and go to a MExican jail first

The interior is in damn good condition. The truck usually sat at my construction site waiting to haul stuff when needed

[look 171]

I think you guys are correct, I will keep it. I just got this bug up my ass about a newer truck, more power, better ride quality and better MPG. What I really want is the have the ability to seat a couple of adults in the back as my boys are getting bigger.

[look 171]

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/5978521479.html
I can't tell if this is s long or short bed truck? Looking for long bed so I can haul plywood

What do you guys think of this one? One thing about the earlier diesel is no smog. Anyone know when the cut off date is for smog on Diesels?

[911boost]

Looks like a short bed to me...

[look 171]

https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/5934069256.html

If I do this, I just have to get out further for this. This one is perfect for me, but maybe a little beat up?

[look 171]

Not too bad actually, but I like to have a little lower mileage, but it should be OK

[speeder]

Originally Posted by look 171

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/5978521479.html
I can't tell if this is s long or short bed truck? Looking for long bed so I can haul plywood

What do you guys think of this one? One thing about the earlier diesel is no smog. Anyone know when the cut off date is for smog on Diesels?

Build date some time in 1998.

[regency]

I'd keep your 93' Gen 1. I have a 92' Gen 1 and i get asked about 3 x per week if i wanna sell it. Yes, the paint's chitty and i've had to replace the headliner and a few other things but we love our truck.

In my opinion, the newer Diesels get poor fuel mileage, they're all SMOGed up, they're more expensive to service and not very reliable.

Steve

[Crowbob]

Originally Posted by Dan J

Just keep it. Let your friend find his own damn truck

The reality might be that he wants a new truck and his friend is facilitating the maneuver.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by speeder

Build date some time in 1998.

This applies to California. Other states are different, obviously.