Diesel Trucks

Anonymous Poster · Dec 5, 2002

I will also state that diesels are not for everyone, I curse mine every time I change that 5 pound oil filter. It IS loud, the exhaust stinks in the winter, and the fuel does cost more per gallon(today anyways). If I didn't pull a trailer regularly, I don't know if I'd have one. That is because of the noise and the smell, not the "cost". The point I was trying to make with the $3000 more resale is that the diesel will not cost $5000 more than a gas to own in the long run, just up front. Look at it like air conditioning: costs $700 as an option, but will add the same $ when you sell it. And, as stated in my earlier post, the diesel saves me at least $.05 per mile, loaded or empty.
As far as the clutch, I have known people who can break anything. That dual mass flywheel does not like downshifts any more than a solid flywheel, nor do the springs in it like downshifts any more than those in a clutch disk. Manual transmissions are not for everyone, but they won't cost any more to maintain than an automatic of any brand, and they use a negligable amount of horsepower to spin.
BobinCols, I don't want to fault diesels, or make anyone think they are something that they are not. I think your point of being great for those who "need" them is right on. But, if I only had things I "need", my barn would be pretty empty! I hope if someone really just wants one, they treat themselves to it. It is worth it when you're going 70 in the fast lane @ 27,000# , passing a small truck pulling a pop-up camper!

wroughtn_harv · Dec 5, 2002

My bud with his 2002 Dodge diesel and eleven foot utility bed came by yesterday evening. I handed him the keys to Lucy and let him and his daughter take Lucy out for a spin. His first comment was about the power for a big truck and how quiet the Duramax is.

I have a friend who has a 2003 Dodge dually diesel. It is as quiet as the Duramax and the figures say has more power and torque.

I think the noise issue is going away with all the new ones. I haven't heard the new Powerstroke with the 6.0 litre (365 cubic inches). But I imagine to keep up with the competition they are real quiet too.

Jeff396 · Dec 8, 2002

Thought this was interesting considering our discussion of justifying a diesels cost from an mpg standpoint. It is a top ten list of gas guzzlers and that GM has all but three of the spots surprised me. The three not made by GM are all exotics from Ferarri and Lamborghini. The complete list is at the bottom of the page.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://autos.msn.com/advice/windowshop.aspx?contentid=4018601&src=msn>http://autos.msn.com/advice/windowshop.aspx?contentid=4018601&src=msn</A>

Jeff

em14 · Dec 8, 2002

Jeff,
I get much better mileage on my 02 Silverado with the 5.3 and automatic than the MSN reported … included is heavy use included off roading … I find this very hard to believe, and, as a matter of fact, I don’t believe it based on personal experience ….
Leo

Jeff396 · Dec 9, 2002

Keep in mind that the govt. cracked down a while ago on what mpg the manufacturers reported on their stickers. It seemed that noone could match their claims in the real world. In response they seem to have gone the other way with more conservative testing procedures so nobody feels mislead. The ones listed probably are a bit lower than most would actually experience. However, assuming all makes are rated the same way and that a manufacturer wouldn't put a figure on the sticker which was lower than was allowed by whatever tests the govt requires them to use, they would still fall into the top 10.

Jeff

JATO_RaT · Dec 10, 2002

Bob, I just saw the new (to me anyway) commercials Dodge has about the quieter Cummins in the trucks. That would certainly make it something to consider for many more folks. It was my biggest objection. The simplicity of the Cummins is certainly a fantastic selling point. When I open the hood and look around, everything is identifiable and visible. Maybe after I get 400,000 miles on the Ford I'll replace it with the Dodge. What do you think they'll look like in 2012?

rockyridgefarm · Dec 12, 2002

the amazing thing about the new Dodge is that there is NO sound insulation on the hood underside. It is almost TOO quiet

Anonymous Poster · Dec 13, 2002

I love my 12 valve!!!! Lots of clacking!! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

Nothing like pulling behind someone in traffic and they turn there head to look at you, but they only see your *grill* smiling back at them and you sounding like a semi!!

Hank · Dec 13, 2002

<font color=blue>the amazing thing about the new Dodge </font color=blue>

Just picked up my new Dodge, a 2003 Ram 3500 diesel. This is my first diesel. Moving from a gas Suburban to a diesel, it is a bit noisier, but noticably quieter than the other diesels I've encountered around town.

JATO_RaT · Dec 14, 2002

Hank, the new quieter Dodge certainly makes it a viable option down the road for me to consider. Prior to that, I just didn't want to spend that kind of money on a light truck that had to make that much noise simply to sit at idle. Obviously Cummins felt the need to get it quieter too. I can't tell you how many folks have refused to consider diesels because of the racket. My brother and brother in law both had 95 & 96 Dodges respectively with a Cummins diesel, both where sold within 15 months. Both went back to gas (different brands Ford and Chevy) because of the noise and because of nuisance things like front brake pads wearing quickly and interior rattles. I wonder if the new Fords will be quieter. The Duramax certainly is a big improvement as far as noise. I'll be looking out for the new Dodge truck with the diesel just to "not hear them". Good luck with your new truck. Rat...