Truck Buying Advice - Off Topic

banjopicker66 · Post by **banjopicker66** » November 22, 2007, 11:18 am

I need another truck, one with better gas mileage, and better towing capability. I am hoping the combined knowledge of the board can help me out here in making a choice.
Cost is a major factor. I hope to turn the value of my 2001 Dodge 1500 4x4, 5.9L (360 CID) automatic with 80K miles into an older (mid-90s?) or higher mileage 2wd 2500 (or F-250) diesel without having to put out too much cash.

I get about 13 - 15 MPG highway now (empty), will a diesel do me any better?

Reliability is the highest priority after the cost. Brand name is irrelevant.

What years and models would you NOT recommend and why?
What are the best diesels for pickups?

Thanks, and I appreciate your thoughts.

John

Truckfarmer · Post by **Truckfarmer** » November 22, 2007, 11:44 am

Banjo, I bought a 96 F250 Crewcab with a 7.3 turbo PowerStroke diesel in it in June. Staying true to form of my luck lately, that was when diesel fuel was cheaper than gasoline. Now gas is $.30/gallon cheaper.
My truck gets about 14 mpg when pulling the trailer but it does that oh so well! I love the way this thing pulls! Daily driving nets me about 18mpg. My plans include a chip and performance exhaust to get it into 20mpg range.
If you are looking at a Ford PowerStroke, 1999-2003 7.3 trucks use an intercooler for more power. Ford had several upgrades in 1999 when they introduced the new Super Duty trucks.

Jarrod · Post by **Jarrod** » November 22, 2007, 12:46 pm

From what I understand about powerstrokes, the 7.3 liter is the best engine of the bunch. THe newer ones are problematic and expensive to fix. I have seen f250, 2x4 with powerstrokes around here 1999-2001 for between 8500-12000 depending on condition and options etc. Chip it and put an exhaust on it and you should get around 19-20 mpg

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » November 22, 2007, 1:39 pm

diesel cost is same as premium fuel here. a few years ago when we had the 85 f350 it was 35 cents less.still i have been thinking of getting another diesel or finding one to put in a slick.

heres some "toys" i saw today
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/pts/485327339.html

http://anchorage.craigslist.org/pts/485324923.html

seem spendy, not sure what they do.

this is more to my liking. probably a 6.9
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/car/486135087.html

Xcessive · Post by **Xcessive** » November 22, 2007, 1:45 pm

I had a 95 Ford powerstroke w/ 5 speed (crew cab, shortbed dually) was getting about 18MPG w/ it rolled over 350K miles on it and sold it for $5800. Now I have my Bronco (96 Eddie Bauer) w/ 351. Plenty of power. Still a half ton, but I dont do a lot of towing anymore. Great DD and get 15-19 MPG depending how far I want my foot in the gas and what type of driving im doing

pipedobber · Post by **pipedobber** » November 22, 2007, 3:28 pm

I have a 2003 F-350 cab and chasis that I have my welding bed on. It is the 7.3 powestroke with automatic and 4x4 with 4.10 gears. The truck weighs 11,900lbs. I can drive it to the job and let it idle all day while welding up the pipeline and drive it home and it gets 14mpg. I figure for the wieght it pulls and the type of work it does, I can't complain on the fuel mileage. I don't think you could do that with a gas burner.

Xcessive · Post by **Xcessive** » November 22, 2007, 9:28 pm

2006 f-350 with the v-10. It's the mechanics work truck. Absolutle pig. with crane arm, welder, utility bed, and all the other stuff hauled around in that truck gets no better than 9 MPG. Would deffinatly go diesel.

Johnny Canuck · Post by **Johnny Canuck** » November 23, 2007, 9:40 am

Banyo, I would avoid the 6.0 powestroke. I have head nothing but bad things about them , especially and including the F.T.E. forums, but also Bulldog Tom.

Have a buddy, who has never owned ANYTHING but Ford trucks, used the company 6.0, and decided his next new truck is gonna be a Dodge Cummins. in fact, he is shoppping around in the states for one now.

JC

Yellardawg · Post by **Yellardawg** » November 23, 2007, 11:17 am

I had a '99 LWB, ext cab, 4X4 F250 with the 7.3 L. Engine was wonderful. Had to lock out the hubs in wet grass and had this truck stuck more than any other truck I've ever owned (not mudding it either). Ride was rough (unless towing or carrying a load) and got about 17 mpg highway. Sold it with 150k+ miles for well above what I thought it was worth. Liked the truck alot (just keep it off of soft ground, it weighed a ton....several tons).