Opinions on Diesel Trucks???

SageBrush · Jun 30, 2003

Re: Here\'s the deal on diesel trucks...

( You'll probably get a much better buy on something just over CDL. There are so many people looking for the 'just unders' that the market there is high. )

Your right about that, a decent F-750 brings a few $$$$'s
We will be hauling at least 140 miles and across a state line, I'll look into the AG provisions ... I didn't think of it... Thanks.

SageBrush · Jun 30, 2003

Thats why I never buy a first year model when they have a new engine.... Any new engine will have bugs.... except for Cummins of course. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

jlbota · Jul 21, 2003

Well guys.....After a long search I ended up with an 03 Dodge 2500 with the Cummins HO and the new beefier Automatic for this year. Shifts very strong unlike the years past. I drove several of the newer 6.0 Fords and didn't like the lag it had at the go pedal. It seemed once you got it going it had alot of pull. But the deciding factor was all the problems that Ford is having with the new Diesel.
I also drove a few of the Dodge's with the new Hemi engine and that sucker runs really good right out of the box. Much better than the older gasser 360. But fuel mileage was not so good. I was after a Diesel in the first place but couldn't resist trying out the new Hemi /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.
So we will see how it goes. It seems to me it will give me alot of dependable use over time. Thanks for everyone's input as it is greatly appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

SageBrush · Jul 21, 2003

Sounds good, I hope the auto trans holds up for you. I really like the Dodge quad cab, very nice. The cummins engine in those trucks are great pullers in stock form. I would recommend synthetic trans fluid if it dosen't have it already and a temp guage. Keep it "cool" and it will last.

cowboydoc · Jul 21, 2003

Ditto what sage said. The new transmission really isn't any different than the old ones. Just a shift kit basically and different programming. The Dodge is a very nice truck. You can't beat that cummins. Also would be nice if they made a true crew cab. But if you don't need the crew cab... 6 speed with the cummins now there is a great combination!

I hear you on the new fords. Mine has been great so far, knock on wood. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I hardly use my brakes anymore with that new transmission.

fenneran · Jul 22, 2003

To take this thread on an entirely new, but related path, here's is my current problem. I have an '88 Suburban with a 350 gas motor in it (small, I know). We purchased a 26 ft travel trailer that weighs about 7500#. The Suburban pulls it ok on the flatlands, but as soon as I get to a hill it bogs down (of course). We have 4 kids, so a PU is not a good solution for us. From talking to friends and mechanics, it looks like I have a couple of options:
1. Buy a newer, bigger Suburban or full-sized van that has the towing and passenger capacity I need
2. Pull the 350 and put in a 454 and tranny
3. Fiddle with the gearing on the existing tranny to get some more power
4. Put on headers and dual exhaust on the 350 to get a little more power
5. Pull the 350 and install a diesel (see, I told you it was related)

With the collective knowledge of this forum, do you all have any opinions? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

-Frank

MikePA · Jul 22, 2003

1. Buy a newer, bigger Suburban or full-sized van that has the towing and passenger capacity I need
Very expensive solution. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

2. Pull the 350 and put in a 454 and tranny
Not as expensive as Option 1, but still pricey. Heck, might as well just drop a 572 in there! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Might want to consider a GM Performance 383 (bored out 350). It would drop right in where the 350 lives and give a more hp and torque. Torque is what you need to move that trailer.

3. Fiddle with the gearing on the existing tranny to get some more power
4. Put on headers and dual exhaust on the 350 to get a little more power
I don't think either of these will provide the hp and torque you need.

5. Pull the 350 and install a diesel (see, I told you it was related)
I imagine there'd be so many things you'd need to change on the Suburban, this would be impractical.

The 'problem' with dumping a lot of money into an 88 Suburban is it's still a 15 year old vehicle, with a new engine in it. I've thought about replacing the 350 in my 1991 K1500 but decided to live with what I have until I can replace the truck.

What enlightened me was dumping $900 worth of repairs into my daughters 1992 Saturn. A few months later she was in an accident (not her fault, she's OK) and the other insurance company is still only going to reimburse me for a 1992 Saturn with 190,000 miles on the odometer. That $900 is gone.

cowboydoc · Jul 22, 2003

How many miles and what's the condition of the suburban?

MikePA · Jul 22, 2003

Frank,

I looked up a 1988 Suburban and assumed;

Good condition
150,000 miles
Automatic
Air
4wd
Power steering
AM/FM Stereo
Third seat

Private Sale, i.e., not a trade in, it's worth $2,500 in central PA according to Kelley Blue Book. The same vehicle with the 6.2 liter diesel is worth $2,390.

Odds are, you're going to have more than $2,500 in any of the upgrade alternatives you listed. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

fenneran · Jul 22, 2003

Mike,
Good guessing on the stats, just a little low on the mileage (166 instead of 150). Since I am in Western VA, it is probably a safe bet that the values are about right. Rats. Oh well.

So......If I was to look at a new(er) vehicle, would you all stick with a suburban-type of truck, or go with a van? Also, what do you think about a diesel vs gas? From what I gather, diesel has more torque and power, but what about daily driving (IE: MPG around town, etc). The plan is to take the trailer for a month-long trip out west next summer, so I have some time to find the right vehicle. Right now I jsut tow the trailer about 20 mile to the local state park, so no big strain on the car.

-Frank