"older" 3/4 diesel truck, what's good?

[rrental]

A change in work makes owning a pickup truck for daily use no longer necessary. At the moment I have a half ton diesel truck that will be sold and I am thinking of buying a 2500 diesel for towing and a more fun car for daily use.

The current truck (ram 1500 diesel) had some emission issues repaired under warranty. I was thinking the used tow truck should be before the urea adding time.

I have owned a 2006 F350 and the 2009 F350 and both spend a lot of time in the shop. I was wondering if any of the pelican brain trust knows about the chevy diesels and what year would be most worry free.

[speeder]

Tell me your budget for this truck and I'll tell you which one is the best in that range.

[aigel]

7.3 Ford - really good, but they are getting long in the tooth and demand very high premiums considering age and mileage. I had an Excursion with the 7.3 and miss it dearly after it was totaled. It was pretty thirsty though FWIW.

I know, not the discussion at hand, but tell me what's wrong with the Ram? That's what I have now, coming up on 10k miles. I would not change into an older diesel truck for that, unless there were major issues. I get 28 mpg cruising on the highway, even with a truck camper I am well north of 20mpg.

G

[rrental]

Originally Posted by speeder

Tell me your budget for this truck and I'll tell you which one is the best in that range.

Somewhere between $25K and $35K. (canadian) It will buy anywhere from 2008-2012 depending on miles. Really would not mind older if they are bullet proof.

Doesn't need to be fancy. Will be used primarily for (long distance) towing. As it will not be the daily driver. Yearly mileage would be about 10-15k.

[rrental]

Originally Posted by aigel

7.3 Ford - really good, but they are getting long in the tooth and demand very high premiums considering age and mileage. I had an Excursion with the 7.3 and miss it dearly after it was totaled. It was pretty thirsty though FWIW.

I know, not the discussion at hand, but tell me what's wrong with the Ram? That's what I have now, coming up on 10k miles. I would not change into an older diesel truck for that, unless there were major issues. I get 28 mpg cruising on the highway, even with a truck camper I am well north of 20mpg.

G

Nothing really wrong with it. Got the limited and it drives like a SUV. Love it but it's just not big enough to tow the toy hauler. I sold my business and I would like to move into a heavier truck primarily for towing and a fun fast sedan like a M or AMG as the daily driver. We used the RAM last year for towing at it was ok, but this year we will be on the road a bit more. (kid races go-karts)

The only thing that got me worried is the issues I had with the emission system. A few warranty repairs, that might be expensive later on. If I can avoid that with the 3/4 ton that would be great.

[aigel]

I was going to say, the 2500 will be like driving a school bus compared to the RAM 1500. But sounds like you will either haul with a 2500 or drive a sleek sedan, so that's good. To me the RAM was the perfect compromise, replacing an SUV while also doubling as camping vehicle, hauling a pop up slide in camper.

What was wrong with the emissions system? I got an extended warranty up to 100k bumper to bumper, so should be good to go for 5+ years. I will also gauge the future from the past experience on the truck. So far so good - but it is still a puppy at 10k miles. Only repair needed was the tailgate handle which arrived broken from the factory ...

G

[enzo1]

Duramax.......The LBZ (engine code "D") debuted in late 2006 and continued into 2007 sold only in the "classic" body style. It has an improved engine computer tune that produces increased power and torque over the 2005.5 LLY version of the motor.

Changes include:

Cylinder block casting and machining changes strengthen the bottom of the cylinder bores to support increased power and torque
Upgraded main bearing material increases durability
Revised piston design lowers compression ratio to 16.8:1 from 17.5:1
Piston pin bore diameter increased for increased strength
Connecting rod “ I ” section is thicker for increased strength
Cylinder heads revised to accommodate lower compression and reduced cylinder firing pressure
Maximum injection pressure increased from 23,000 psi (1,585.8 bar) to more than 26,000 psi (1,792.6 bar)
Fuel delivered via higher-pressure pump, fuel rails, distribution lines and all-new, seven-hole fuel injectors
Fuel injectors spray directly onto glow plugs, providing faster, better-quality starts and more complete cold-start combustion for reduced emissions
Improved glow plugs heat up faster through an independent controller
Revised variable-geometry turbocharger is aerodynamically more efficient to help deliver smooth and immediate response and lower emissions
Air induction system re-tuned to enhance quietness
EGR has larger cooler to bring more exhaust into the system
First application of new, 32-bit E35 controller, which adjusts and compensates for the fuel flow to bolster efficiency and reduce emissions"

[speeder]

Originally Posted by rrental

Somewhere between $25K and $35K. (canadian) It will buy anywhere from 2008-2012 depending on miles. Really would not mind older if they are bullet proof.

Doesn't need to be fancy. Will be used primarily for (long distance) towing. As it will not be the daily driver. Yearly mileage would be about 10-15k.

Ok. The best truck in the lower end of your range, (and arguably the best PU truck ever sold), would be a 2006/'07 Chevy or GMC 2500 with the 6.6 LBZ Duramax and Allison 6-speed automatic transmission. If it's a 2007, it needs to be the old (classic) body style, not the new body style '07 which had a different emissions system and gets much worse fuel mileage.

Do not buy this truck, or any diesel PU, if it has been modified under the hood in any way, including the air filter/intake. If it is stock and has been maintained by an adult, it will run force and set you deep into the seat when you push he loud pedal. It will tow heavy up a mountain w/o downshifting and get great mileage plus run virtually forever. Nice truck they put it in, as well.

In the upper end of your budget, you could get a 2012 or newer Ford Superduty with the 6.7 Powerstroke and some miles on it. Do not even look at '08-'11 6.4 Powerstrokes, no matter how smoking the deal seems. They are junk and you will be crying. The 6.7 has 800 lb./ft. of torque at something like 1600 rpm and they can stop the rotational axis of the earth. It will laugh at any trailer you hook onto it and get good mpg while being quiet and refined. Amazing trucks but very expensive new or used.

Either of these two trucks are stupendously good.

[speeder]

Enzo and I were typing at the same time.

[aigel]

That Duramax is awesome. I was not able to find one in reasonable time and for a reasonable price when truck shopping. $30k easily, if you get one with lower miles and unmolested. The "unmolested" part was the hardest in Suburbia with a lot of wannabe cowboys jacking them up and tuning them ...

2006 LBZ Duramax

G

[rrental]

Originally Posted by aigel

I was going to say, the 2500 will be like driving a school bus compared to the RAM 1500. But sounds like you will either haul with a 2500 or drive a sleek sedan, so that's good. To me the RAM was the perfect compromise, replacing an SUV while also doubling as camping vehicle, hauling a pop up slide in camper.

What was wrong with the emissions system? I got an extended warranty up to 100k bumper to bumper, so should be good to go for 5+ years. I will also gauge the future from the past experience on the truck. So far so good - but it is still a puppy at 10k miles. Only repair needed was the tailgate handle which arrived broken from the factory ...

G

Something with the particle burner. Engine light came on a few times and went into limb mode. Remember this is a first generation half ton diesel. Was one of the first coming of the production line early 2014. Pretty sure they learned a lot and improved the 2015. Again, not saying it's a bad truck at all, just would like to avoid expensive repairs on the tow rig.

Thanks for the info. That's some great advise. Second the Fords. We had a 2006 for 3 years, and a 2009 at the shop we just sold. Not good trucks.

For the F350 Ford's 2012 lots of them for sale but most oil rig beaters. Have to be very careful.

Aigel, did a quick write up on the RAM here: What are your thoughts on new 1/2ton diesel ram?

[aigel]

Thanks - I actually had read your post before on the RAM thread, but it has been a long time! Keep us posted on the hunt for a new diesel.

G

[NY65912]

STAY FAR AWAY FROM THE FORD 6.4 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

I just bought a '13 Chev 3500HD with the Duramax/Allison combo and I am in love with it.

[Skytrooper]

Do you require a diesel ? They can be very expensive to maintain. I have switched from diesel to gas. Much cheaper to repair, fuel price is cheaper, mileage is so close as to not be a factor. Pulls a 28' enclosed race trailer just fine, and large gooseneck horse trailer (loaded) without issue. Unless you are dragging a house behind you, most likely a diesel is more truck than you need. Of course it is your decision what you do, or do not need. I just am giving you my observations from hauling cars and horses up and down the eastern seaboard. Good Luck with your search !

[enzo1]

Originally Posted by speeder

Enzo and I were typing at the same time.

a friend has one, he says make sure you get 4x4 cause the front end is heavy and sinks in mud or snow. I was in a debate with him his vs Cummings, drove his a few days convinced me he was right... transmission is good too. It is hard to find a nice one for the money or I would have one.

[ckelly78z]

I am currently in the market for a replacement truck to my 99 powerstroke 7.3 only because the truck is rusting to the bone, while the 240,000 mile motor still runs strong, the leather Lariat interior is still very good, but it seems like all the body panels have several gaping holes in them.
I generally get about 18 mpg empty, and 14 mpg pulling the 30' camper with 4 people, 2 dogs, and a load of firewood and bicycles.

I have looked at V8 gas motors and just don't lik the available torque for towing. The V10 seems to answer the power/torque problem, but every guy I talk to said 12 MPG is the best it will do, and more like 8-9 mpg pulling something. I have been impressed with the Ford 6.0L diesel as long as it has been bulletproofed from some of the factory shortcomings, and will probably try to find a nice 04-07 F250 under $15,000 with the diesel. I won't consider a Chevy, and can't afford a Cummins.

[speeder]

I owned a nice 2005 6.0 Powerstroke and loved it. It was still under the 5 year/100k power train warranty and bone stock, serviced at a really good Ford truck dealer. I miss that truck.

A good 6.0 is possible if it's been maintained and never, ever modified/chipped/etc. Same with earlier Duramax trucks, those had injector issues but if sorted out and not already damaged from someone driving with a bad injector, they can be great. The LBZ Duramax we talked about above did not have injector issues, those are pretty much bulletproof. If they haven't been modded. Be very wary of modded diesel trucks and run like hell from anything with a K&N type air filter.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by ckelly78z

I have been impressed with the Ford 6.0L diesel as long as it has been bulletproofed from some of the factory shortcomings, and will probably try to find a nice 04-07 F250 under $15,000 with the diesel. I won't consider a Chevy, and can't afford a Cummins.

I would advise restricting your search to 2005-'07 Superduty trucks. Massive improvements to the chassis in '05 and significant small improvements to the power train.

[rrental]

Originally Posted by ckelly78z

I am currently in the market for a replacement truck to my 99 powerstroke 7.3 only because the truck is rusting to the bone, while the 240,000 mile motor still runs strong, the leather Lariat interior is still very good, but it seems like all the body panels have several gaping holes in them.
I generally get about 18 mpg empty, and 14 mpg pulling the 30' camper with 4 people, 2 dogs, and a load of firewood and bicycles.

I have looked at V8 gas motors and just don't lik the available torque for towing. The V10 seems to answer the power/torque problem, but every guy I talk to said 12 MPG is the best it will do, and more like 8-9 mpg pulling something. I have been impressed with the Ford 6.0L diesel as long as it has been bulletproofed from some of the factory shortcomings, and will probably try to find a nice 04-07 F250 under $15,000 with the diesel. I won't consider a Chevy, and can't afford a Cummins.

Why no chevy?

[Arizona_928]

12V cummins, or an 7.3. Both bullet proof. If you don't mind a 2wd and automatic the pricing becomes reasonable. Very rare to see older diesels for sale locally, but then again. Border state, high latino population, and well face it. Those trucks are used for landscaping.

I would even say ok with 6.2/6.5 Detroit. Great milage, lasts forever, but not a lot of power...