Diesel P/U Longevity

RobertN · Apr 13, 2006

I like most of what you say about this kinda stuff. I though, have found my Dodge to be a pretty good truck. It is similar fit and trim to my previous Fords, except the Fords were gas engine.

I still really like Ford trucks, and wouldn't hesitate to get another. But, I really like my Dodge a lot too. I personally, have not found anything in the newer Fords that would make me go running to them, even if they offered a Cummins(wouldn't turn one down though).

The GM is probably an OK setup. But, I like and use 4x4. Nothing can beat a solid front axle off-road and in the mucky stuff. I have had them before; there is not enough ground clearance or suspension travel.

As regards longevity, as others mention, most trucks will rot around the engine before there is any engine failure. As I mentioned in a previous message, this is espially true for folks that do a lot of over the road mileage. It's that start/stop, heat/cool cycles that will wear an engine.

FWIW, my other favorite truck is an Engine; E28. It's a Ferrara build with a 350hp Cummins and an Allison tranny. That big Cummins sounds so cool! And, it moves that fire engine around no problem

HGM · Apr 13, 2006

( You forgot the twin sequential turbos on the 6.4... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I figure my 99 F350 PSD stick to last and last... The only reason I might upgrade would be to a dually flatbed. Just change the oil regular and keep the air filter clean...

I also run a 3qt oil filter... can't hurt. )

Yea, /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif forgot that.... They try to avoid the term twin, but it is sequential.. Basicly, its a little turbo for low end power, feeding a larger variable displacement turbo.. This way they avoid the dreaded turbo lag.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

There is a replacement air filter for your truck available at the dealer.. Its awsome, made by Donnalson(for Motorcraft) and similar to the 6.0L filter. Much better quality and protection than anything else on the market(that I know of)..

Thanks for the reminder, I've been more consumed by the emissions, fuel system and serviceablility of the 6.4L, but the turbo is neat /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif..

Farmwithjunk · Apr 13, 2006

For years and years, ALL I'd own were Chevy's. Last one was a '98 model. (Gasser/automatic) That broke me of a bad habit. The boys at the Chevy truck plant musta had a big laugh when they shoved that P.O.S. out the door. (List of problem areas...Brakes, cooling system, fuel injection system, drive shaft, front axle (4WD), steering, radio, paint, electrical system (lighting), power window motors, Need I go further?

No more Chevy's in MY driveway, gas OR diesel.

I've owned a few Fords. LAst one was an F-350, 2000 vintage, Powerjoke Diesel, manual tranny, and at least 2000 rattles. Poorest built truck since my former Chevy.

Now I own a 2004 Dodge 2500, 4WD, 4-door, diesel/auto. LOVE IT! I heard all the horror stories about Dodge trucks. Can't verify any of them by me. 76,000 HARD miles, and the ONLY trouble so far has been a brake light bulb that burnt out. I tow a 14,000GVWR gooseneck. It's usually loaded to a weight around 9,000lbs (trailer and cargo) The Cummins diesel is the heart of the truck. It's reputation is untouchable. The rest of the truck has been (at the very LEAST) as good as anything, and a lot better than most of the trucks I've owned to this point. (At last count, that's been over 30 pick-em-ups during my driving "career".) I wouldn't hesitate one second to buy (or recommend) another Dodge to anyone.

I'm on my 3rd diesel truck. (Both PowerJokes before current Dodge/Cummins) I'd tell anyone who's using a pick-up as a "car" to skip the diesel. Short drives, lots of stop-and-go in town driving, and cold starts are the downfall of a diesel. A gasser would last just as long, cost less initially, and CAN BE cheaper to operate. Diesels are as much a fad as they are practical.

I know of several cases where someone will run a diesel pick-up to well over 500,000 miles. Even if that's highway milage, it finally takes a tole on the CHASSIS. Even if the motor should "run forever", the truck under it wears out just the same, gas or diesel. (I'm one of those "100,000 miles and out" kind of truck owners myself)

Like I mentioned, I tow a trailer with an automatic/diesel combo. My brother, my son, and 2 good friends do likewise. We've not had any troubles (collectively) with automatics in what totals several 100,000's of miles. We live in hilly country, use the trucks as WORK trucks, and keep up on maint.

Now whatta you wanna bet, while I'm sitting here bragging on my Dodge, something isn't falling off of it while it sits outside in the parking lot?

dmccarty · Apr 13, 2006

( Now whatta you wanna bet, while I'm sitting here bragging on my Dodge, something isn't falling off of it while it sits outside in the parking lot? )

CLANG! CRUNCH!

WOW! I heard the tranny falling to the ground all the way in NC!

/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Later,
Dan

jinman · Apr 13, 2006

NewToy, I'd keep your diesel until it puked. It'll probably be something other than the engine that will make you get rid of the truck. My Cummins has been pulling my Dodge around for just over 322,000 without ever so much as having the valve covers off. I'm on my third set of "lifetime" shocks and 6th set of brakes (front brakes). Last year I thought my transmission was dying, but I disconnected the battery overnight to reboot the PCM and the darn thing has been running perfectly ever since. I love to tell folks how I've spent more in fuel and oil changes than the truck cost me new. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

There's nothing that will help get your finances in great shape like not having a vehicle payment for over seven years. That's been the case on my last three vehicles. They were all over 10 years old when I sold them./forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

NewToy · Apr 13, 2006

jinman, I have been without a payment book for quite a while as well and it is a good feeling. I am very encouraged with the fellow posters comments and don't plan on getting rid of old faithful. It has served me well and it is still in good shape. It has been one of my smarter purchases so I believe I'll run the wheels off of it.
Thanks,
John

jcmseven · Apr 13, 2006

I went through this mental turmoil about three months ago. The folks here gave me good opinions, and I hope that I can pass that on also. I own a 2002 Power Stroke with the full-on Banks System, including the new variable prgrammer. I have far fewer miles on my truck than you, but I know several dealers and services guys that would kill to KEEP a truck like yours. Next year Ford will be releasing the new 6.4L diesel in the 3/4 tons, and it promises to be a good powerplant. This is essentially Navistar's last chance. I drove everything out there (twice) and thought and thought about whether to trade, and I did not. In the end the truck I owned ran better, was faster (by a lot) and was smoother than anything out there. I even called the Banks' guys to get their thoughts and they said do NOT trade. I think the same applies for you. My neighbor pulls pallets cross country with his trucks (three). He has two 7.3L and one 6.0L. He is trading the 6.0L due to its constant maintenence issues. He just turned 650,000 with one of his Power Strokes. I feel the Cummins engine is a solid powerplant and modified it runs well, as Dargo says. It probably gets a little better mileage on average too than the Ford. With any heavier duty pickup, one to me must focus not on the engine so much as the frame and chassis. Go to you nearest dealer in some ratty clothes, crawl on the ground and look at the big three offerings. I think you will quickly see a difference in the size and thickness of the framerails and the suspension, etc. I will allow you to decide which one looks the beefiest. In short, I feel your truck has a lot more life in it, and I would keep it. If you feel the need to trade (as I thought I did a few months ago) go with the truck that has the beefiest components first, as all the engines have reasonable quality--but probably not better than what you currently own. I think you are wise to continue to keep your existing truck.

John M

scott_vt · Apr 14, 2006

( jinman, I have been without a payment book for quite a while as well and it is a good feeling. )

Well stated, oh yes a very good feeling /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

scotty

ScottAR · Apr 14, 2006

Hmmm, all the aftermarket sequential setups I've seen the big turbo feeds the little turbo for more pressure... Lest the little turbo becomes an intake restriction... Maybe I reading incorrectly...

HGM · Apr 14, 2006

( Hmmm, all the aftermarket sequential setups I've seen the big turbo feeds the little turbo for more pressure... Lest the little turbo becomes an intake restriction... Maybe I reading incorrectly... )

I havent had the oportunity to completely disect the 6.4 turbo system, but I use the 4.5L as a reference.. There is a wastegate type valve between the turbo's. You are correct, I worded it wrong earlier.. The larger turbo is bypassed at lower RPM's and the valve will close as RPM increases.. The larger turbo will then continue supplying boost from there, through the little one..