What type of truck do you use?

[gb70]

Was thinking about the Ford F350's 1 ton with the earlier 7.3 diesel in them. I have a 2001 GMC Sierra with the gasoline 5.3 but is only a 1/2 ton.

[MosportGreen66]

At Barrett Jackson I test drove one of those new Super Duty Ford diesels. Man that thing is a beast.
I have an '07 Denali and it pulls fine with enclosed trailer and car.

[CamarosRus]

I'll be very interested to read responses on this one.......

Owner of the very reputable, highly regarded "POWER SHOP" in Enumclaw,WA (Casey Kane's home) told me that the Ford Diesel truck repairs keep his kids in college.....

NO, I still havent bought my diesel yet. Narrowed down to 04 1/2-05 LLY Duramax or 03-04 1/2 DODGE Cummins H.O.

[Mr. Chevy]

I have a 08 Ford F150 4x4 supercab with the small V-8 in it. It is a great truck. Used it to tow my Nova to Vettefest in November in an enclosed 20 ft trailer. There were times I forgot that the trailer and car were behind me it towed so nice!!

Excellent work truck.. Lots of power.. Suspension is heavy duty!!

Rich

[jeff morocco]

we have an '05 chevy crew cab diesel/allison. it pulls the 53' w/ 2 cars, golf cart and everything needed for a weekend of racing just fine. only get about 250 miles per tank but pulls real well.

[gb70]

[ QUOTE ]
we have an '05 chevy crew cab diesel/allison. it pulls the 53' w/ 2 cars, golf cart and everything needed for a weekend of racing just fine. only get about 250 miles per tank but pulls real well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is it a 1 ton? What size diesel is in there?

[Chateau Slate 66]

The ultimate tow rig IMO is the Dodge Cummins with the 5.9 liter (pre- 6.7 liter) and the later 48RE automatic transmission (post- 47RE). The year range should be around 2004-2007 I believe. I have worked on a LOT of the different diesels. My distant second choice would be a Ford with the 7.3 liter only.

[CamarosRus]

I've been told by the CUMMINS customer advocate at Chrysler that the 03-04 1/2 was the sweet spot engine for the 5.9

"The reason to avoid a 2004 5.9 DODGE made after Jan 1, 2004 is because of the changes made to the injection system and how it's used to meet the tightened NOx regulations that came in with the start of 2004 calendar year.
2004.5 trucks run higher rail pressure and fire the injectors up to 4 times to reduce in-cylinder combustion temps.........this leads to stress on the injectors and is just inefficient combustion. Diesels dont like to have combustion temperature artifically controlled - it goes counter to their nature and makes them less effecient overall.

I'm still shopping and cant deny the cosmetic appeal and comfort of the GMC Sierra SLT ........

[Bad Brad]

I have a 97 Foed F250 4x4 4door 7.3 with 240,000 miles and I wouldnt trade it for a new one. The best truck I have ever owned.
Also it is the last truck to roll off the assembly line for 97 with the style side body and my truck is a 1998 title and ford did not make any trucks for 1998 but mine.

[Alss]

Had a 99 F-350 dually with the 7.3..great truck..or at least I thought untill I got my 07 GMC with the Duramax allison combo..it beats the , even with a chip..the GMC tows with ease..and its much quieter too..my .02

[jeff morocco]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
we have an '05 chevy crew cab diesel/allison. it pulls the 53' w/ 2 cars, golf cart and everything needed for a weekend of racing just fine. only get about 250 miles per tank but pulls real well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is it a 1 ton? What size diesel is in there?

[/ QUOTE ]

yes it is a 1 ton dually with the 6.6 turbo duramax/allison combo.real quiet compared to all other diesel trucks out there.

[Tommy]

Here's Dad with his 07 2500 Duramax with Allison trans. It is extremely quiet and pulls anything he hooks too. He pulls alot of large travel trailers for a local company when they need them moved for shows and such.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/68sschevyII/pile%20up%202/IM001863.jpg


I drive an 06 2 wheel drive with the 4.8. it is fine around town but is a slug when trying to pull on the highway. I have to use tow/haul and use 3rd alot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/68sschevyII/pile%20up%202/IM002115.jpg

I upgraded the wheels, looks alot better than the base model wheels in my opinion.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/68sschevyII/pile%20up%202/IM002450.jpg

My knock around is this 95 Silverado. It's alot More fun to drive than the 06 but pulls about the same as the 06 on the highway... I wish I had a deisel ....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/68sschevyII/95%20silverado/IM002140.jpg

The 95 silverado has 370,000 miles now http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif


Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[WILMASBOYL78]

Here's my mountain truck...85 GMC Sierra 4wd with a few extras.

wilma


http://www.yenko.net/attachments/381644-tn_002_0A.JPG

[Tommy]

Nice body.. Those were great trucks. I didn't think you New Yorkers knew anything about 4x4's.... I thought all those were sent down here http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif.



Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[scuncio]

I have a 2004 Silverado. I ordered it new with the 5.3, 4.10 and towing package. I brought my Chevelle back from Milwaukee in a 24' enclosed with zero issues. Might be a bit much through mountain passes but it does just fine on relatively flat roads.

[JoeG]

You fellas really use these haulers for work duty or do you guys just load them up with Tastykakes and Little Debbies........... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[WILMASBOYL78]

[ QUOTE ]
Nice body.. Those were great trucks. I didn't think you New Yorkers knew anything about 4x4's.... I thought all those were sent down here http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif.



Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Hey there rebel...I bought that puppy new in October of 1984!! I did a resto a few years back (when I had $$)...GM crate 350, beefed up tranny, new gears, posi, axles, etc...4" lift with 35" tall 12.50 x15 tires, new wheels, bed liner, stereo, and so on. Rides like a mule with no weight http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif but it will go just about anywhere http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

It will have to do....I ain't buying another one http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

wilma

Here is the country we go to in the truck...

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/381654-tn_IMG_0161.jpg

[Tommy]

I have 127,000 miles on the 06 silverado now. The left front hub bearing has been replaced twice and that is the only issue I have had. I do wish it had the 5.3 or 6.0 . The 4.8 doesn't have the grunt with the heavy cab and a trailer behind it.


Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
Nice body.. Those were great trucks. I didn't think you New Yorkers knew anything about 4x4's.... I thought all those were sent down here http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif.



Tommy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1287/210/123/1475314340/n1475314340_30159337_4508.jpg

beach in summer and snow in winter. 4wd a must here. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif 5.3 loaded sissy truck http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a 2004 Silverado. I ordered it new with the 5.3, 4.10 and towing package. I brought my Chevelle back from Milwaukee in a 24' enclosed with zero issues. Might be a bit much through mountain passes but it does just fine on relatively flat roads.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a similar '04 with the 5.3 and pull a 20' enclosed with a Chevelle inside. I gotta say it taxes the 5.3. Running 55 to 60 I can get 8 - 10 mpg. Anything over 60 mph and the mileage goes in the toilet; 6 to 7 is expected. I had a '97 GMC with the 5.7 and even at 206K miles it handled the trailer MUCH better. Ten to twelve towing and 18-20 open road driving. The only thing I had done to the truck was a K&N filter kit.
I do minimal towing so I convinced myself I didn't need a 2500 series or the 6.0 engine; that the 1500/5.3 was the better choice for daily driving. Big mistake!

[gb70]

[ QUOTE ]
Had a 99 F-350 dually with the 7.3..great truck..or at least I thought untill I got my 07 GMC with the Duramax allison combo..it beats the , even with a chip..the GMC tows with ease..and its much quieter too..my .02

[/ QUOTE ]

wow, interesting. Keep the pics and ownership experience coming.

I have had three Fords, a F350 with a V10, a F150, and a F250 '06 model Diesel. Now I have a 118k mile 5.3 GMC Sierra 1/2 Ton and would like to get a diesel again and need help on what year)s) and makes are best out there.

Thanks.

[m22mike]

Her is my 01 Chevy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif Silverado 2500 HD, 8' bed, 8.1 Gas, Allison, 3.73.
Love that tranny http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/m22mike/DSCF6601.jpg


Mike http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[budnate]

this is the mac daddy in the Dodge truck world, this was built for only 2 months then they went to the 24 valve motors and they have issues. what makes it very rare is its a quad cab with the bullet proof 12v motor.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/381699-tn_DSCN8341.JPG

'98, Dodge 5.9L 12 valve Cummins, AT, Quad cab, these knock down 18/19 around town and 20's working and will get 25 unloaded on the highway,and ride smooth as a caddy. and will pull anything you hook to them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Gary L]

[ QUOTE ]
Her is my 01 Chevy http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif Silverado 2500 HD, 8' bed, 8.1 Gas, Allison, 3.73.
Love that tranny http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/m22mike/DSCF6601.jpg


Mike http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice truck Mike. I like the hockey stick.

[CamarosRus]

Bud, I've read and heard that the 47RE trans is BAD NEWS......will the 48RE install in the older DODGE trucks and what is involved besides $$$$$$$$$$$

[Chateau Slate 66]

Before I would even consider the cost and troubles of trying to convert from a 47 to a 48, I would have my 47RE built by these guys www.goerend.com (http://www.goerend.com) and you will NEVER have another issue with your tranny again, guarenteed! Diesel trannys are their specialty and they stand behind them up to very high horsepower and torque levels.

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
Before I would even consider the cost and troubles of trying to convert from a 47 to a 48, I would have my 47RE built by these guys www.goerend.com (http://www.goerend.com) and you will NEVER have another issue with your tranny again, guarenteed! Diesel trannys are their specialty and they stand behind them up to very high horsepower and torque levels.

[/ QUOTE ]

yes nothing 4g cant fix if you have the pros re-do one to live they say, to be honest I have not smoked one myself yet I change the filter every year and about the 3rd year I flush all the oil out and run 15 quarts back in till the bucket is dry shut it down and hook my lines back up.

Chuck there is a sweet looking '96 12v at a dealer on lake city, one family owned supposdly low miles around 100k...if I was looking I would take a good look at it, the 12v motors are awsome, nothing breaks! just keep the motor oil clean, run some inj cleaner through it a couple times a year, keep the trans clean and drive them, its been on there lot a month at 11900, honestly if you get on the dodge forums the guys will tell you buy the second gen 12v trucks and never look back.

24v motors dont get that great of mileage and have issues with the fuel pumps and lift pumps, on the 12v motors the inj pump is cooled by motor oil making it the best they ever built to the point its the pump the guys hunt down to trick out to make power with...on the 24v motors they decided to cool it with the fuel major Homer move!...thus causing problems and the outside air temp affects the pumps as well, google 24v fuel problems and you will have reading material all night....also guys if you mess around with the early 24v motors, watch out for the dreaded 53 block google that..they crack the water jacket right at the head...thank the Brazilian's for a crap casted block on that one .

got smoke?

[gb70]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Before I would even consider the cost and troubles of trying to convert from a 47 to a 48, I would have my 47RE built by these guys www.goerend.com (http://www.goerend.com) and you will NEVER have another issue with your tranny again, guarenteed! Diesel trannys are their specialty and they stand behind them up to very high horsepower and torque levels.

[/ QUOTE ]

yes nothing 4g cant fix if you have the pros re-do one to live they say, to be honest I have not smoked one myself yet I change the filter every year and about the 3rd year I flush all the oil out and run 15 quarts back in till the bucket is dry shut it down and hook my lines back up.

Chuck there is a sweet looking '96 12v at a dealer on lake city, one family owned supposdly low miles around 100k...if I was looking I would take a good look at it, the 12v motors are awsome, nothing breaks! just keep the motor oil clean, run some inj cleaner through it a couple times a year, keep the trans clean and drive them, its been on there lot a month at 11900, honestly if you get on the dodge forums the guys will tell you buy the second gen 12v trucks and never look back.

24v motors dont get that great of mileage and have issues with the fuel pumps and lift pumps, on the 12v motors the inj pump is cooled by motor oil making it the best they ever built to the point its the pump the guys hunt down to trick out to make power with...on the 24v motors they decided to cool it with the fuel major Homer move!...thus causing problems and the outside air temp affects the pumps as well, google 24v fuel problems and you will have reading material all night....also guys if you mess around with the early 24v motors, watch out for the dreaded 53 block google that..they crack the water jacket right at the head...thank the Brazilian's for a crap casted block on that one .

got smoke?

[/ QUOTE ]

Can you get the link to that truck for sale?

[budnate]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/1000225888.html

I was going to pursue it but could not get around having to paint it green in my brain.. I then found the green one I posted a couple of weeks ago, it needs a couple little things then it will be decent....like a moron I let my old 98 go a year or so ago, it was the nicest one on the west coast.

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
The ultimate tow rig IMO is the Dodge Cummins with the 5.9 liter (pre- 6.7 liter) and the later 48RE automatic transmission (post- 47RE). The year range should be around 2004-2007 I believe. I have worked on a LOT of the different diesels. My distant second choice would be a Ford with the 7.3 liter only.

[/ QUOTE ]
Dodge detuned the Cummins when the automatic trans was picked up until '04 I believe, so that should tell you how much confidence ChryCo had in their automatic transmissions up to that point! The 48re trans was indeed better, but it ain't no Allison, either.

Some things to ponder are, how often will you be pulling a trailer, and is it gonna be a daily driver? The earlier diesels (LB7 Dmax, 7.3 Fords, pre-'04 Cummins) are gonna be your mileage leaders but sacrifice a little power & grunt to get there. If you're just an occasional tower, then any of them will be fine, and you're wallet will thank you for the lower initial buy-in cost & fuel savings...as the newer diesels added power, they sacrificed mileage...and the EPA has made things significantly worse due to all the cat/dpf/egr mumbo-jumbo the diesels have to carry around now.

We've covered a large portion of the GM spectrum...in 3/4 & 1-tons we've had 454s, 454 w/supercharger, an 8.1/4L80e and 8.1/Ally, a Dmax/Ally, even a 3116 Cat (ok, that was a C4500 chassis!)...our LB7 Dmax has been a wonderful truck, and has pulled 2car+junk trailer whenever/wherever we want...only minus has been the LB7 injector fiasco (which was covered under the 7yr/200k warranty) and I smoked a ring gear once as well (which I think was due to improper service). I know the 8.1L gets a lot of grief, but it truly is a good engine...won't get the empty mileage of our Dmax, but loaded it's nearly the same...it has more grunt off the line, is a lot less complicated & finicky, and was a HECK of a lot cheaper! And it's got the same Ally trans...

[Lee Weber]

...I call it my little mans disease truck. F-250, 6.0 Disiel, crew cab, King Ranch..loaded. Only issuie I have with it is I've heard quiter versions of disiel. But strap 15K to the back end and I just as well could be pulling a skate board...she pulls like a mule on steriods and then some. Drinks like a fish too http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

[gb70]

What is the good/bad on the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 with the 24v Diesel motor? Looking at one owner with 102k miles on it that is a 4x4 dually.

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
What is the good/bad on the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 with the 24v Diesel motor? Looking at one owner with 102k miles on it that is a 4x4 dually.

[/ QUOTE ]

good trucks overall but have 3 major issues to deal with, they get about 15 around town struggle to get 19 on the road is the downside to me.

make sure it dont have the 53 block!!!!!!!!! run if it does.
http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm#NewInformation

if the fuel lift pump and pump have not been rebuilt there probably ready to die...google 24V lift pump, 24v fuel pumps, and you will understand what is going on with them.

also if its a auto and has about a 100k on it, make sure its been serviced well from new, if nothing has been done since new its probably going to die soon.

good luck.

[CamarosRus]

Rob, FYI, I found a gorgeous 05' GMC ExCab Long Bed 4x4 LLY close to Portland, OR. I was down there a couple weeks ago for big BlueGrass Music Festival. Seller opens garage door and rolls out this 35K mile cream-puff looks like NEW. Loaded SLT, even had a sunroof. Guy wants over $29K, over retail book..........seems that the NICE trucks, you either step up or step back.........I walked!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still looking........just hate to spend TOO MUCH $$$ on a truck that's going to sit most of the time.....bought a fancy trailer, but dont think it will depreciate as fast as truck.

Thanks for all your advice, I'll continue to look

[JimL78]

I have an 06 Silverado 3500 LT extended cab, long box 4x4 with the duromax and Allison six speed. The 8 foot box got me the 35 gallon fuel tank. With the single rear wheels it has a towing capacity of a little over 12,000 pounds. I put a class V hitch on so that I would be legal. I use the truck to pull a 12,000 pound GVW dump trailer. The trailer weighs 3000 and I can carry a 9000 pound load. With the long wheelbase the ride is great and you don't even know the trailer is behind you. It has the 373 rear ends and get 16 to 23 mpg.

I had a Dodge one ton dump with the diesel and automatic trans that got 10 to 12 miles per gallon. It had a capacity of 2300 pounds. That's why I decided to go to the truck trailer combination. I tried out an 06 Dodge 1 ton and then the Chevrolet 1 ton. It was no contest. The Silverado had it over the Dodge in ride and power.
Jim

[BARNFOUND YENKO]

2006 chevrolet 2500HD crewcab, duramax diesel, allison 6speed trans, 4wd, leathered out, red, love the truck and have driven the wheels off of it with 0 problems however lately i have had the itch to go buy a 09 which i know is a stupid thought. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
2006 chevrolet 2500HD crewcab, duramax diesel, allison 6speed trans, 4wd, leathered out, red, love the truck and have driven the wheels off of it with 0 problems however lately i have had the itch to go buy a 09 which i know is a stupid thought. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
If that's the LBZ then you have probably *the* most sought after of the Dmax engines...

[BUIZILLA]

[ QUOTE ]
If that's the LBZ then you have probably *the* most sought after of the Dmax engines...

[/ QUOTE ] mine is a late LLY with an LBZ computer, the last 3 months production may have had them, mine does.. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif if your LLY smokes and it's stock, it has the LBZ ecm... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[budnate]

Chuck nice trucks dont lose much value...as you know most are beat to crap then for sale... nice trucks dont come up for sale often in the NW and when they do are above book its just life, grab that wallet of yours and go buy the truck in portland lay out green stuff on the hood he will haggle some I bet. who cares if it sits, keep it out of the weather and it will hold it value just fine and you will be a happy guy with a nice rig. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[gb70]

http://www.funkesautosales.com/

[92646]

How about a S10 Blazer 5th wheel? I bet that 2.8 V6 screamed with this trailer.
Mark Sheppard

[92646]

Close up of the 5th wheel hitch.

[92646]

The adapter required for this application.

[gb70]

Now that's a red neck set up there http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[rsatz28]

For my money, Ford's 7.3 Turbo Powerstroke w/auto is a tough comnination. The years I believe are 99-03. The early 6.0's had a ton of problems, and the non-turbos prior lacked power.

I've plowed tons of snow the last 5 years with my 02 x cab F250. I have 165K miles on it and not one problem with the transmission.

I change the fluid every other year since I've owned the truck.

Pushing tons of snow for hours at a time is IMO, the ultimate test of a transmission.

[69RSZ]

I have a 06 duramax and it pulls my trailer no problem.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l188/Budbrewer1/P5270003.jpg

[LS6 RAT]

I have a '03 2500HD Duramax/Allison automatic in a standard cab w/long bed, with all options.

[gb70]

Here is my 2000 GMC 1500 4X4 with the SLT and Z71 package. Has a 5.3 liter (gas) and auto, with tow package and trailer brakes.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y8/gb70/2000%20GMC%20Sierra/EagleHomeBasementFraming002.jpg

It gets me 18 around town and tows fine. Just would prefer a diesel.

Greg

[gb70]

So a guy wants to trade me mine for his. Advice please.

http://eastidaho.craigslist.org/cto/989650587.html

[GRB]

http://mydogscrap.com/ninjahauler.cfm I hope this link works because this is definitely the truck for me!!

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
So a guy wants to trade me mine for his. Advice please.

http://eastidaho.craigslist.org/cto/989650587.html

[/ QUOTE ]

good well built trucks Dad had one, they knock down good milage as well, only deal is they need a country mile to turn around stock, I figured out the mod to make them turn real nice even in a parking lot...like anything used check it carefully. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
http://mydogscrap.com/ninjahauler.cfm I hope this link works because this is definitely the truck for me!!

[/ QUOTE ]

belair will buy the MC hammer pants off you if you get it.

[Chevy454]

Some food for thought for y'all looking to go gas--->diesel...

Cost of service. For our Duramax, roll down to our local parts store to pick up: 10 quarts of oil (+/- $40), oil filter (+/- $10), fuel filter (+/- $30), for the Allison, every other oil change you need a transmission spin on filter (+/- $30)...so you're easily over $100. For my buddy's 6.0 Ford in his Excursion, you need 15+ quarts of oil (+/- $60), the *dual* fuel filters are over $100 themselves, oil filter is +/- $15, so now you're up around $175 *without* servicing the trans or rear. Cummins guys get *iirc* 12 quarts (+/- $45), oil filter (+/- $10?), fuel filter (+/- $25?), so you're not too far off of $100.

Another thing to remember is, the rate of return/savings from the extra expense of the diesel is better when the price of fuel is high...with fuel prices 1/2 of what they were not too long ago, when you figure in the initial buy-in premium of the diesel engine, as well as the extra service expense, and the cost premium between diesel & gas fuel itself, the gap between gas/diesel truck price quickly closes, and is probably *currently* a wash (considering fuel costs).

Don't get me wrong, I like our Dmax, but if you're pinching pennies, then...

[Donnie]

Tom,
I only pay $5 for alley spin on filters