Heavy Duty Truck Options?

[Chris B]

Well I have been looking around to get a new truck (well new to me anyway). And I am going to get a 3/4 or a one ton. And Im looking for years between 98 and 04 or so. But do you guys have any opinions on any truck? OR what models I should shy away from? Sorry I didnt know where else to go for help...

Thanks,

Chris

Edited September 15, 2010 by welder5724

[dirtclod]

I think i would get a Dodge desiel. 4 wheel drive would be a bonus and sure is handy when ya need it.

[Mick]

I always reccomend Ford. Been using my 94 since 99, been a very good pickup.

[terrymac]

Chris,

If you go with a Ford, stay away from the 03 and 04 diesel Power Strokes. They had a lot of problems with their computers,and it took a couple of years to get them straightened out, If you can find a 7.3, they are a good engine. Ford produced them through the 2002 model years. I don't think you can wrong with a Dodge/Cummins either. Not a fan of the early Duramax put out by GM. If you can't tell, I'm a big fan of diesels over gas.

Terry

Edited September 16, 2010 by terrymac

[JRedding]

I own the '05 Duramax in a four door dually and it's been great, rides and drives like a cadillac and pulls like a workhorse, I usually run with a twelve foot overhead camper and two or three horses behind and have no complaints. I've wore out several trucks rigged like this since the mid 80's and this is the best I've had. Mine is completely stock, no chips or exhaust work of any kind. I live in northeastern Utah so there's a mountain pull between here and everywhere else on the map. No overheating and pretty decent mileage even over the worst pulls like Vail Pass that takes you up to I think about ten or twelve thousand feet going into Denver. I drive an '07 Power Stroke at work everyday and it's been a headache, lots of breakdowns, noise, and plenty of smoke but not much power. That thing has had so much warranty work done on it it's ridiculous, I don't see how anyone could afford to own it once the warranty ran out. I hope it's just a lemon and they're not all like this one.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

I have a 01 Dodge 3500 4x4 Cummins 6 spd that has 216,000+ miles on it.

It really depends on what YOU are intending to do with the truck. I tow heavy loads most of the time, so I went with a diesel. Tons of torque, good fuel mileage when loaded (14mpg @ 18,000#), and the stability of the dually has helped when loaded. There is rarely a time now when my truck does not have a trailer on it. My trailers run from 12' to 40' long. Diesel also lasts longer engine wise, and fuel wise-it won't go bad even after years of sitting- not like gasoline will. Oil changes are more expensive -12qts,and filters cost more too. A diesel needs clean fuel, and oil to live the longest.

Transmissions-if it is MY truck it Will have a stick shift. All brands have had problems with the autos behind the diesels. The sticks usually give you a far lower first gear (granny gear) to get heavy loads started-helps on hills too, and the ability to push start if you pull a DOH!

I will say look at the Dodges (2nd generation with the 24 valve Cummins), go diesel, and a stick.

Someone may come on and suggest a Toyota, like belly buttons everyone has and opinion. The thing is that any truck abused will break, some are lemons, and some are spectacular. YOU need to figure out what your usage will be, and then go from there. You can get a lot of info on the Dodges at www.tdr1.com this is the website dedicated to the Dodge Cummins trucks from the Turbo Diesel Register.

[Chris B]

Wow thanks for all of the replies guys. I have been looking at diesels and I am a fan of manual transmissions. Its just hard to find one with a stick in it. My intetions with the truck are to pull around the horse trailer and the flatbed. Both goosenecks and a lil on the heavy side. Right now I have an 05 F 150 im going to get rid of. And I have been a ford fan all of my life, but I have researched the 6.0 and from what everyone has said, Im staying far away from them. And again trying to find a Dodge is almost trying to find a needle in a hay stack lol. Oh well thanks guys for all of the suggestionis. Im going to go and look around today and see what I can find. Oh and with the dodges, are there any age ranges to stay away from? Ive heard from the 99 down they had problems with the lift pumps going out.

Thanks Again Guys,

Chris

[terrymac]

Chris,

I had a 97 Dodge Cummins, put almost 300,000 miles on it, and never had it in the shop. It was running as good the day I sold it, and it was when I bought it off the lot new. It was during the 1998 model year they went to the 24 valve configuaration. That old Cummins has been around a long time, and is one of the most dependable every built.

Terry

[EricDobson]

I'd also recommend the Ford 7.3L. I had an excursion with that engine and absolutely loved it. I'm going to be in the market for a truck in the next year and getting another 7.3 is at the top of my list right now.

[CowboyBob]

Chris,

You mentioned about the lift pumps that's problem is on the 98.5 & up to I think maybe 04 & that's on the 24 valve when they go out the usually take the injection pump with it.The older 12valves are really bullet proof.I have 2 of them & get 22 empty & around 12-13mpg w/a total weight of 17K towing.

Bob