Opinions on Diesel Trucks???

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> diesel has more torque and power </font>
Diesels typically produce more torque and get better fuel mileage than their gasoline counterparts. While the driveability of diesels have pretty much risen to a gasoline vehicle, there's usually more maintenance involved with a diesel, e.g., two batteries, more frequent oil changes. Whether or not this will be a big deal varies with each person.

Some other questions...
- How will you use the vehicle after the trip out west? If it's a one time trip, consider renting a vehicle.

- Do you need 4wd? Suburbans and Expeditions come in 4WD. The vans I have seen that are 4wd are aftermarket conversions. Perhaps the factories make them now?

- You can get a 3/4 or a 1 ton van, but for resale, I'd imagine the Suburban/Expedition would have a better resale value than a 1 ton van.

- A crew cab pickup can seat 6 with 2 bench seats. Would that work?

 

[cowboydoc]

I don't know of any vans that could pull a 7500# trailer loaded with all your stuff and your family. With that trailer loaded and your family you are probably over 10k. You are going to need a 3/4 ton suburban or the excursion from Ford. Another idea is to go with a crew cab pickup.

As far as diesel vs. gas in that size vehicle diesel will give you better mileage and will last longer. Couple that though with a higher initial cost. If you plan on keeping the vehicle for a long time, 100k or better, go with diesel. It is also usually easier to sell a diesel as well. That 6.2 that Chevy used to have was a real dog. It would probably run worse than your 350.

 

[fenneran]

Mike,
<font color="blue"> - How will you use the vehicle after the trip out west? If it's a one time trip, consider renting a vehicle. </font>
The current Suburban is my main vehicle for getting around now, so it will be the same with anything new I would get

<font color="blue"> - Do you need 4wd? Suburbans and Expeditions come in 4WD. The vans I have seen that are 4wd are aftermarket conversions. Perhaps the factories make them now? </font>
Yes, we have a 1/2 mile driveway with two hills and a corner and we are at about 2,000ft in elevation. We get between 2-4 feet of snow per year (I know, not a lot for some, but enough to warrent a 4wd)

<font color="blue"> - You can get a 3/4 or a 1 ton van, but for resale, I'd imagine the Suburban/Expedition would have a better resale value than a 1 ton van. </font>
I tend to agree

<font color="blue"> - A crew cab pickup can seat 6 with 2 bench seats. Would that work? </font>
I don't think so. For around town it would be OK, but I can't image the 6 of us in it for a month. Having the three seats with two persons in each seems to work out well for long trips. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

-Frank

 

[SageBrush]

Towing wise the 3/4 burbs are great. I take it you have a 1/2 ton? The 3/4 4x4 is a great tow rig. If you have a 3/4 already a 377 or 383 stroker is choice I would look at. Then you can beef the trans too /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If its a computer (or not) rig already, don't forget about being able to transplant a late model vortec etc... If its carb, your choices are endless /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

My grandfather put a late model 350 in a 1977 truck, runs great for the money. I bought a electronic motor (TBI) and trans with 10K on it for $900 which was a great deal from a work mate who partimes at a salvage yard. Stock used big blocks are $1,500 and up in Alabama complete with all the stuff still on the motor. I like the take outs because you get everything including the air cleaner. My last one even had the fuel filter and line still on it. Some guys have been swaping in the Cummins motors into chevy's, they are not cheap at all. But, oh my... what power.

 

[dmccarty]

fenneran,

I want diesels in all of our vehicles if I could/can get it. My
F350 has the PowerStroke. My wife's car is getting a bit
old and we will be lucky to get a few more years out of it. I
really want her to get an Excursion since its the only SUV
with a oil burner and has the size we need. But its price is
out of this world.

Ford does make a E350 van with a diesel but I don't know if
it can tow the weights you need. The Ford website will say
for sure. I don't think I would want to work on a diesel in a
van though! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif The van is priced, even with the diesel
cheaper than the Excursion but the wife refuses to drive
anything that looks, sounds, smells like a van. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Ford WAS going to but a smaller version of its new diesel in
the Expedition but that engine got canceled. Ford seems to
be pulling some DUHs! with diesel lately. The are trying to
make the tree huggers happy but they are not putting diesels
into there vehicles that allow them to raise their CAFE
numbers. The Excursion with a diesel, depending on your
type of driving and how much you put your foot into it, are
getting milage like my F350 4x4 Crew Cab long bed PU. I get
17.7 to 18.6 around town and if I keep the speed under 70
on the highway I can get 19.6 mpg. But Ford has people
review the Excursion with a gas burner which is a fuel hog.

I dont get it myself.

The diesel will cost you more up front but if you keep the
vehicle for a long time I think its worth the extra dollars. And
you will get a good chunk of the price of the diesel back when
you seel the vehicle. I know my Chevy with the old 6.5 got
a better price than a gas burner would have.

Its a touch decision on what to do. But its harder when you
throw the diesel into the equation. Or maybe its easier since
only Ford has a diesel in a SUV and a van.

Good Luck,
Dan

 

[Bird]

Frank, in my opinion you do need to simply trade vehicles. Another Suburban, or an Excusion, would be my first choice. As for changing that 350 engine for a 454 . . . well, there's a number of things to consider. You not only need to change the engine and transmission, but you'd also need heavier front suspension. I see you didn't mention which differential ratio you have in that Suburban; something that makes a considerable difference.

Personally, I thought he was nuts /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif but just as a fun project for his grown son, my brother bought an '84 half ton Suburban with no engine or transmission about a year and a half ago, then bought a 454 engine and transmission out of a wrecked one ton dually. Goodness knows how many hours plus lots of dollars, but we completely rebuilt that wagon; new tires, wheels, shocks, springs, brakes, brake lines, tie rods, had a transmission shop go through the transmission, and we tore down the engine and rebuilt it completely, new upholstery, new paint, new dash top, etc. And the boy has no intention of pulling a trailer; just wanted a big wagon with lots of power. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[SageBrush]

That much work sounds daunting. He must really love the old Burbs.

 

[fenneran]

Bird,

I'm not sure about the ratios, I bought the truck used from a guy who did a lot of work on it....apparently. When I went to get some service done the first time, my mechanic said that it had some 88, 87, 86 and 89 parts in it. It is jacked up a little, but I don't see a lift kit, so I think he jsut beefed up the suspension. It is a 3/4 ton, but he put on a 1 ton axle /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. So it is a frankenstein to begin with. I know I can't afford an Excusion, so it looks like my best bet would be to keep looking for a newer, beefier burb.

This forum is the greatest!

-Frank

 

[fenneran]

For those who are interested, here is a photo of the beast (and the yanny!)
Photos

-Frank

 

[MikePA]

Frank, that's a nice looking Suburban! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif A mild lift kit for those solid axle trucks are just re-arched springs. I'd be tempted to go the 383 GM Performance engine route. At least check into the price of one.