GM 4.5L Diesel May Still Be Alive

[Kubota-guy1911]

Big HP in 1/2 ton pickups is for smokin' the tires and other "playing", not serious towing.

kj

 

[FlaDon]

Big HP in 1/2 ton pickups is for smokin' the tires and other "playing", not serious towing.

kj

Put it in a 1-ton and you can do both.

 

[crashz]

A 1/2 ton diesel, as I imagine it, would be for those who put a lot of miles on a 1/2 ton truck and need decent fuel mileage, good drive-ability and reasonable capacity. I fit into this crowd. I bet there are plenty of others as well, based on the multitude of 1/2 tons I see on the road everyday with tonnue covers and GPS.

With 135K miles on my 2004 GMC 1/2 ton, I put plenty of miles on, mostly traveling within New England for personal and work uses. I don't carry heavy loads or often tow, but often need a truck bed for hand tools, samples and such. A great deal of the miles are highway, but some job sites require 4x4. The power of my V8 is more than enough for all occasions. The one issue I have is that mileage is only OK. I could downgrade to a light SUV, but it wouldn't really increase mileage substainially. I avergae about 18 mpg now. With some mods I may be able to increase that, but could not expect more than 21 or 22 mpg. A diesel that could attain 30 mpg on the highway would be perfect for me.

They should not be considered replacements for heavier trucks, but more efficient 1/2 ton trucks.

 

[Dmace]

They should not be considered replacements for heavier trucks, but more efficient 1/2 ton trucks.

Very well said, the entire post really. This is my predicament as well, I tow no more than 9k occasionally and don't need more than 1800lbs of payload. I do put around 30k miles a year and could use something better than my 16mpg V8 truck. I even looked at a smaller truck like the Dodge Dakota but it's only rated to 7,200lbs towing with a V8 and averages 20mpg on the highway. I ended up buying a used Ford Focus as a commuter car that gets 33mpg average so far.

My 1/2 ton truck with the same tow capacity and payload but with a small diesel getting 30 mpg highway would be ideal.
PickupTrucks.com: Is the 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 Light Duty Diesel a 5.0-Liter V-8
They speculate it will only return about a 25% increase in fuel economy though which would be around 25mpg. That would still be worth the optional engine as long as it's not some $6000 add-on.

 

[Diamondpilot]

They speculate it will only return about a 25% increase in fuel economy though which would be around 25mpg. That would still be worth the optional engine as long as it's not some $6000 add-on.

That is the problem. A diesel in a 3/4 ton and up is around $9000 right now. I would imagine the diesel options for a 1/2 ton are going to be right around the $6000 mark like you said.

I think you have done the best thing with a small computer car. I did the same but just sold it. It served me well even though it was not one of my favorite brands. Its like having the right tool for the job.

Chris

 

[Builder]

A 1/2 ton diesel, as I imagine it, would be for those who put a lot of miles on a 1/2 ton truck and need decent fuel mileage, good drive-ability and reasonable capacity. I fit into this crowd. I bet there are plenty of others as well, based on the multitude of 1/2 tons I see on the road everyday with tonnue covers and GPS.

With 135K miles on my 2004 GMC 1/2 ton, I put plenty of miles on, mostly traveling within New England for personal and work uses. I don't carry heavy loads or often tow, but often need a truck bed for hand tools, samples and such. A great deal of the miles are highway, but some job sites require 4x4. The power of my V8 is more than enough for all occasions. The one issue I have is that mileage is only OK. I could downgrade to a light SUV, but it wouldn't really increase mileage substainially. I avergae about 18 mpg now. With some mods I may be able to increase that, but could not expect more than 21 or 22 mpg. A diesel that could attain 30 mpg on the highway would be perfect for me.

They should not be considered replacements for heavier trucks, but more efficient 1/2 ton trucks.

Diesel engines are not always intended for lugging heavy loads, even though they do that very well. After spending time in Europe driving a BMW turbo diesel, I found out they can be great performance vehicles that blow away gas versions in fuel economy & longevity. I think that's what they have in mind for the 1/2 tons & large SUV's-increasing fuel mileage and engine longevity.

I'd buy a Duramax Suburban or Tahoe in a heartbeat. :thumbsup:

 

[sld]

I would fall into the category of only needing a 1/2 ton with moderate capabilities and great mpg. I am on my 2nd v10 Superduty mainly because they were the same price (or cheaper) than an equivalent 1/2 ton.

I don't really need to tow much more than 7k - 8k lbs and high payload can be handled by one of my trailers. My v10 mpg is a constant 12 but I try to drive other family vehicles when possible so it's only getting about 8k miles per year.

I remember my 1990 F150 Xcab 4x4 with a 351. It was a "weak" 210 hp and 315 ft lbs. Yeah, it was a little underpowered, but it always got the job done. How about someone using mpg as marketing hype for 1/2 tons versus hp and tq? I would jump all over something that got upper 20's to 30 mpg and could tow 7-8k lbs. I bet a lot of 1/2 ton drivers would.

Eventually fuel prices will go so high the market will change.

BTW, did DMACE say he owned a Ford? I almost fell out of my chair.:laughing:

 

[Diamondpilot]

BTW, did DMACE say he owned a Ford? I almost fell out of my chair.:laughing:

Crazier things have happened. I owned a GM for the last 3 years but just sold it a month ago.

Chris

 

[Dmace]

BTW, did DMACE say he owned a Ford? I almost fell out of my chair.:laughing:

I've owned many Fords from my last F350 dump truck to a Bronco II and even a Thunderbird back in HS. I am just not a fan of their Super Duty trucks...
My old truck -

 

[Builder]

I've owned many Fords from my last F350 dump truck to a Bronco II and even a Thunderbird back in HS. I am just not a fan of their Super Duty trucks...
My old truck -

Nor am I. I switched 3 years ago after owning mostly Fords for 20 years and after 60K on the new one, honestly could not be happier. It's funny how when you own something is so superior to a previous version of something you owned, it makes you forget how much you disliked the previous version. I just got a peek at a new GMC HD and could not believe the looks, quality & toughness. Looks like a military spec'd truck with the ride comforts of a Cadillac inside. I love the Dodges, too. Gonna be a tough decision between the 2 next time around. Exhaust brake & 6 speed Aisin/Ally have me anxious to buy......