Truck ?? and best years

[dgl24087]

If I needed a diesel truck this would be it: 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 for sale in Salem, VA Hart Motors

 

[Putter]

Yours?

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[cowski]

i like fords with the 7.3 diesel or a gas engine.stay away from mid 2000's dodge trucks with automatics.chevys have light front ends if you off road.

 

[sldva00]

The 3rd generation cummins 5.9l 03-07 is what I would be looking at. You wouldn't have to mess with emmision control (post 07) and you don't need to worry about the VP44 injection pump (pre 03). To many, the 5.9l was the best engine cummins ever made. Of course I'm bias since I have a 5.9, but it's a 2nd generation. After 250,000 miles, still runs strong. I did replace the fuel system from the VP44 to the tank. Installed a FASS 150 and replaced the injection pump around 225,000 miles

 

[EastTexFrank]

The Ford 7.3L is a great engine, not a speed engine, but will pull rated capacity all day long. Ford 6.0L equipped trucks are really cheap, while I have never owned one myself, several people around me have and quickly got rid of them, from what I read, its NOT a choice you want to make.

You're right about the 7.3 not being a speed engine but it's not the fault of the engine but rather of the programing. I've owned one for over 10 years. Just recently I've started pulling a large 5th wheel with it and felt the need for a little help. I installed a 6-position programmer on it. Just running around, no towing, it gives you an additional 100 hp and you wouldn't believe the difference in performance out of that engine. Towing on the 50 hp setting makes pulling the 5th wheel a breeze. It also gives me an additional 2 to 3 mpg which isn't bad at all.

I would steer clear of anything that has been excessively modified.... You might not believe what some people are doing to diesel pickups these days.

Yes I would. See above.

 

[Diamondpilot]

This is a loaded question. Here is my personal experience from a guy who has had 4 diesel truck and about 12 gas trucks since 1997.

Dodge - 5.9L is great, rest of the truck so/so, auto tranny awful. Do your research of 5.9L for killer dowl pins and bad blocks.

Ford - 7.3L and 6.0L were both good motors for me. Many report problems with the 6.0L Autos in the 04.5 and later years (Torqushift) are great. Rest of the truck is hands down the best on the road.

GM - Allison is great. Dmax is a good motor after 06 for the most part. Could not give me a earlier one. Light duty front end compared to Dodge and Ford. Rest of the truck is middle of the road. Not as bad as Dodge but not as good as Ford.

Again, this is just my opinion.

Now the question? Do your need a diesel or do you just want one. I pull that load and more all the time with 1/2 ton F-150's and 1/2 ton Nissan Titan. I am going 800 miles this weekend to Knoxville to get a 9,000# boat with my Nissan Titan and have no worries at all.

Diesel are expensive. Tires, oil changes, initial purchase, fuel, ect. If you really need a 3/4 ton or up get a SRW 1 ton and look at the Ford V-10. Yes, they drink fuel but can be bought cheap and will pull whatever you strap to the back of it. Another option if you are a GM man is the 8.1L in a 3500. They are a strong motor also.

Chris

 

[fowllife]

I kind of agree with Chris here, if thats all that your towing why not just get a 1/2 ton, or at least a gas? If you just WANT one then thats a different story.......I pull that and more regularly with my 1/2 ton Chevy.....but my next truck will be a 3/4 or 1 ton SRW.

For all that your towing I would suggest a SRW if you go with a 1 ton. Granted a dually will pull better and has a higher payload but it also has 2 more tires to replace......

 

[bdeboer]

1. Regen good or bad? DPF
2. Manual or Auto?
3. urea or what ever that emissions fluid crap is good bad?
4. Best model years I'm not brand specific. Got a ford tractor and truck, a jeep, and a tacoma.
5. is the cummins 6.7 better than the 5.9?
6. is the 7.3 the best of fords offerings?
7. any other questions i should be asking

We have an '08 Chevy Diesel, only real problem it has had is the down pipe on the turbo replaced. There was partially burnt diesel smell in the cab during regeneration that made this noticeable.

The "light" Chevy front ends have been in use since 1988, so form your own opinion. Bearings etc. could be any issue with any 3/4-1 Ton truck with over 60K.

2011 is the first year for the "Urea" in 3/4-1Ton trucks I think the bugs should be getting worked out for 2012. I did see the jugs of it in the local Tractor Supply last night.

 

[Rancher Ed]

1. Regen good or bad? DPF
2. Manual or Auto?
3. urea or what ever that emissions fluid crap is good bad?
4. Best model years I'm not brand specific. Got a ford tractor and truck, a jeep, and a tacoma.
5. is the cummins 6.7 better than the 5.9?
6. is the 7.3 the best of fords offerings?
7. any other questions i should be asking

1. Regen is bad. It is on all trucks made after Jan 1, 2007 (2008 model year) and reduces mileage ~3-4mpg or more compared to trucks without it. It also washes diesel into the oil.

2. It is up to you. Dodge, I woud stick to a manual. Ford, manual with the 7.3 and either one would be fine if you decide a 6.0 will work for you. GM, the Allison is great but if you want a manual it is fine also.

3. Urea is only in the new trucks (2011s) and it is better than just a DPF for mileage.

4. In this order I would look at 2006-2007 GMs with either trans or a Dodge 2003-2007 with a manual trans, then, 1999-2003 (7.3L) Fords with a manual trans, 2001-2005 GMs with either trans, and last a 2005-2007 (6.0L) Ford with either trans. I would avoid the 2003-2004 Fords with a 6.0L

You have to dicide if you want to look at the Ford 6.0. We have one in our 2004 Excursion with 108k and have had to do something with the turbo and the oil cooler/EGR. Some people have no problems, others have nothing but problems. The 2005 and newer tend to have less problems and they also have the better front end.

5. The 5.9 cummins is preferred to the 6.7. The 6.7 came out in 2008 and has a DPF (regen) and doesn't get nearly as good mileage.

6. IMO yes, the 7.3 was Fords best engine.

7. I agree with the others who said stay away from trucks that have been modded, chipped, etc.

Hope this helps.

Ed

 

[DiverDarrell]

Thanks for the replys exactly what I'm looking for.

With the mountain ranges in-between where I'm going and everything else I have is going to be diesel, a diesel is a must. the mountain ranges is what would keep me from towing more hay overall.