What diesel trucks to avoid

[RayCo]

I'm casually considering getting rid of my Tahoe and getting a diesel truck or Suburban. I don't really think that I have the need for a diesel truck, but I figure I'd outgrow a 1/2 ton truck eventually, but would probably never outgrow a 3/4 ton, especially if it's a diesel. And I figure now is a great time to get diesel trucks since they're so cheap.

I wouldn't be looking to get anything new. I'd be fine with something from the late 90s or early 21st century if the price is right. I believe I've heard people mention staying away from certain years of diesel Chevys and GMCs. Is there any truth to this? I'm pretty biased toward GM vehicles and would prefer to stick with GM, but not if there are known problems with the diesels in the era I'm talking. Any recommendations on what to stay away from if I'm looking at the late 90s?

Thanks

[Lasgambler]

I can't tell you what to stay away from. I know the 991/2 to some 03's with the 7.3 PowerStroke Deisel is a good truck. Some people run them to about 450k before they die.

I have a F250 crewcab 4x4 3.73 gears, with aftermarket Mods and I get around 17 mpg if I drive it easy. If I really put my foot in it I can get that down to 12!!

They are cheap now. I am considering a 2001 Excursion with the 7.3 now.

Good Luck

[ihookem]

GMC or Chevy 05 or 06. The injector problems are gone and it's before the emission controls are mandated.

[RayCo]

Diesels are no longer emissions-exempt? I guess that this only applies to newer ones that were made after this change though, so that's good at least.

I calculated that it'd cost me about an extra $21/week to drive a diesel, but this is a high estimate assuming that I get 13MPG with my Tahoe now and get 11MPG with a diesel. I actually wouldn't be surprised to get better mileage with a diesel and wind up breaking even, especially since I drive like an old man even though I'm only 32.

[crbr]

Originally Posted by RayCo

I'm casually considering getting rid of my Tahoe and getting a diesel truck or Suburban. I don't really think that I have the need for a diesel truck, but I figure I'd outgrow a 1/2 ton truck eventually, but would probably never outgrow a 3/4 ton, especially if it's a diesel. And I figure now is a great time to get diesel trucks since they're so cheap.

I wouldn't be looking to get anything new. I'd be fine with something from the late 90s or early 21st century if the price is right. I believe I've heard people mention staying away from certain years of diesel Chevys and GMCs. Is there any truth to this? I'm pretty biased toward GM vehicles and would prefer to stick with GM, but not if there are known problems with the diesels in the era I'm talking. Any recommendations on what to stay away from if I'm looking at the late 90s?

Thanks

GM's Duramax LB7 engine in 2001 - 2004.5 year models....run away... Injector problems far outweigh the benefit of an inexpensive buy or the poor-attempt by GM to anty up a 7 year / 200,000 mile warranty.

Those that may have the LB7 here, please don't take offense. I just call it like I see it.

I had two (2001 and 2002) of them and went through 4 sets of injectors.

I now have 2007 crew cab with the LBZ engine (no emissions, as are on the 2007.5 LMM engine). Does all I need it to do for a 360 HP engine. I'd really like to have a 500 HP Cat in a pickup and be done with it.

The best years for Duramax are 2006 - 2007 early models (Classic series) with the LBZ engine. The 2004.5 - 2006 LLY engine is an improvement over the LB7 by virtue of different injectors and reconfiguration of injector placement on that engine.

Don't take my word for it... Read here.. a great forum for good info. Actually one of the Administrators there is a member here.

TheDieselPage.com Forums - Powered by vBulletin

I also have a 2000 Suburban with a 350 gasser and love it for the purpose it serves for passenger capacity.

You can read about the late 90's 6.5 diesel on The Diesel Page Forum (the link I posted). There are some good engines in the late 90s.

I'll stick with GM until Ford can work out their tire wear (gone bad as far back as the new 1983 F350 I had) and Dodge can put a bit more quality in their door hinges and such.

The Cummins is bullet-proof but just in the wrong chasis / body for my preferences.

Ford is no longer #1 for much of anything (no offense intended) in my book.

I'm not into make / model bashing. They all speak for themselves, just as do the preference of buying a particular model. My GMC HD 2500 diesel serves me well.

[Diamondpilot]

The guys here have it right. I would stay away from the GM's mentioned. I had one and it was a piece of _________. I had injector and glow plug problems right and left plus electrical problems that left a bad taste in my mouth for GM trucks. I was a Ford guy and have went back after the GM mistake I made. That said I have a neighbor with a 07 classic and he has had good luck. Already has 30,000 on it and no major complaints. Anything post 05 in a GM should be fine. Stay away from the 6.2/6.5 series GM.

Also consider anything from the other makers, Ford and Dodge. The 7.3 in the Ford and the 5.9 in the Dodge are legendary.


Why you are at it do not limit your search for a 3/4 ton. Trust me. I had tow and the single rear wheel 3500 series is a much better buy and on the used market should be near the same price since they are only about $500 more than a 3/4 ton new.

Chris

[Ductape]

I was in your shoes a year and a half ago. I wanted a diesel truck that has a good reliability record, and that was AFFORDABLE since i was planning on buying outright with no loan. I really wanted an extended or crewcab, loaded, automatic truck. This left me looking at mid-late 90s Fords and Dodges (since the Duramax powered Chevys were too new to be affordable to me). I ended up finding my truck on Craigslist, a few hours away. I had to settle for a regular cab, but how could i complain when the truck was loaded and only had something like 63,000 miles on it ! It came with a contractors cap and Fisher snowplow. I bought it from the original owner, and the plow was only a couple years old (so it didn't have 60,000 miles of plowing on it). I sold the plow , since i do my driveway with my tractor. I paid $10,000 for the truck, and am into it for around 9 since i sold the plow. It has run flawlessly with only regular maintenance........ the only repair i had to do was replace a camshaft position sensor. I tow my Bri-Mar dump with two and a half ton of firewood in it, or two ton of pellets (shown) hardly knowing its back there. In fact, with 5000 lbs. of firewood in the wagon, i just set the cruise contol on the highway and frget its there. My truck has the towing package with the 4:10 gears, and as long as i keep it under 65 on the highway, i EASILY top 20 miles per gallon (with no trailer, obviously). I highly recommend this era Ford / Powerstroke truck........ though i would gladly have purchased a similarly equipped / priced Dodge / Cummins.

P.S. My truck is a 97

[RayCo]

Great experience-sharing Ductape. Thank you. That's one of the justifications I've made up in my mind so far is that I want to be able to haul a dump trailer. I can rent one from the local rental place, but I can only do so if I have a vehicle that is rated to two 10,000 pounds (not GVW, actual towing).

[chh]

My BIL has a Ford similar to Ductapes. It currently has around 120,000 miles on it. It's only problem has also been the cam sensor. It is higher geared and gets about 20 to 21 mpg on the highway empty. It does a good job of towing a travel trailer or car hauler with a car or tractor on it. He hasn't tried anything heavier.
Personally I'd stay away from any of the new trucks with the new emissions junk until they get all the bugs out and find a way to get the fuel milage back up.

[mlauk]

If it isn't too much for your pocket book, I would look for a 2003-2004 Dodge. Great mileage, power and reliability. Don't listen to these guys bad mouthing the body and chassis on the Dodge, they hold up as well as any Ford or Chevy. I've got a 77 Dodge Power Wagon and have never had any problems with doors or anything.