Next truck gas or diesel?
12-13-2011, 09:35 PM
#12
I have owned diesel work trucks since 1982. Some good some junk. The best thing about the diesel is the low end torque. The worst thing is the upkeep. I had a Cummings/Dodge that was a good engine in a JUNK turck. I have owned two 7.3 Powerstrokes that were great except for the transmissions. I went through several of them in 9000# work turcks. In 2006 I went looking for a new work truck and did not entertain the thought of getting a Ford because of the transmission problems and 6.0 problems. Went with Chevy with the LBZ Duramax diesel and the Allison 1000 transmission. I have 105000miles on this truck, carring 9000# every mile with no problems what so ever. But I will never buy another DIESEL. Cost way too much for upkeep and every day use. $.70 more per gal does not sound too bad until you figure it for 46 gal to fill it up ONCE a WEEK.
12-13-2011, 09:37 PM
#13
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Location: Southwest CO
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Get a Diesel or Ecoboost. It sounds like you want a Super Duty but don't necessary NEED one. You definitely don't want a n/a gasser in the mountains if you do any sort of towing. I plan to end up in CO in the near future as well, which was the main reason I went with the Ecoboost. The power loss at higher elevations will be far less noticeable on any turbo assisted engine.
If you aren't using a diesel for their intended use, I'd shy away from them as the cost of ownership is considerably higher. The 6.0 is a good motor if you get a good one and don't tune it. Unfortunately there are some bad ones. The internet blows this debate way out of proportion. From my experience, the 6.0 can live a long life if used as designed. i/e heavy frequent towing. I worked for a boat yard that used 7.3's and 6.0's to tow boats across the country. Both engines are capable of 300,000+ miles before a rebuild and the 6.0 is twice the motor the 7.3 is in the power and 'towing experience' department. Buying a used 6.0 is definitely a crap shoot though. Repairs are pricey, but if you have deep pockets, delete the EGR, head stud it, and it's pretty much bullet proof.
If you aren't using a diesel for their intended use, I'd shy away from them as the cost of ownership is considerably higher. The 6.0 is a good motor if you get a good one and don't tune it. Unfortunately there are some bad ones. The internet blows this debate way out of proportion. From my experience, the 6.0 can live a long life if used as designed. i/e heavy frequent towing. I worked for a boat yard that used 7.3's and 6.0's to tow boats across the country. Both engines are capable of 300,000+ miles before a rebuild and the 6.0 is twice the motor the 7.3 is in the power and 'towing experience' department. Buying a used 6.0 is definitely a crap shoot though. Repairs are pricey, but if you have deep pockets, delete the EGR, head stud it, and it's pretty much bullet proof.
12-13-2011, 10:02 PM
#14
Senior Member
You are correct sir. Emissions has everything to do with. All of the diesels that the big 3 put out the door are good as far as bottom end construction. It's not a matter of breaking rotating assemblies with these motors. It's carbon buildup on turbo vanes, egr problems, DPF problems etc etc. It doesn't matter if it has a Cummins badge, Duramax Badge, or Powerstroke badge. The common denominator is the emissions crap that is giving these new diesels all of their problems. I like to believe they are all good if you have a 10,000# trailer hooked to them at all times giving the motor a good workout to keep everything hot and clean. The days of diesels with good fuel economy, long engine life like the million mile + Cummins are gone. They are designed to deliver brutal lowend towing power and to be worked, not to daily drive and pull on rare occasions.
12-14-2011, 08:03 AM
#16
The thing is the gov gets payed to strict in on diesel because they can be so much more efficient the oil companies don't like thy bc they would make so much less money because diesel engines have the potential to get crazy numbers even up to 40 mpg in a truck. The oil companies once bought out a mans designs for an incredibly efficient GAS engine that was getting like 60mpg I'll have to find the report on it but they made it so nobody could use the idea so they keep making their billions those smug uptight bastards
12-14-2011, 08:22 AM
#17
Senior Member
12-14-2011, 11:03 AM
#18
we guys spend thousands of dollars on mods. just take it as one of the mods.
i have driven cummins n i loved it. i dont need a diesel thats y i got the f150.
but my next truck (after 5-7 years) will be a cummins if i stilll continue to be in the same line of work.
12-14-2011, 12:13 PM
#19
Senior Member
I agree. If I needed/wanted a diesel, I'd definitely buy a Cummins. However, I can't say I would recommend one to anybody. As a Cummins owner, you need to realize the truck is lacking and will need more attention than say a Super Duty. Upgrade the frontend with a Carli front end upgrade kit ($1500), and you resolve 95% of the problems with Dodge trucks. It sounds like they finally have the transmission segment under control. Their new 6 speed Auto sounds to be a winner.
12-14-2011, 12:22 PM
#20
its just the front end that needs some attention.
the Ford's 6.0 n 6.4 didnt prove to be a good buy. the new 6.7 ford still needs to be tested on a long term.
but i would love to buy a Ford body with cummins engine.
the Ford's 6.0 n 6.4 didnt prove to be a good buy. the new 6.7 ford still needs to be tested on a long term.
but i would love to buy a Ford body with cummins engine.