Would like honest suggestions about tow vehicle issues

[sd455dan]

Please note the ONLY LLY I was referring to, and those in the link, was the '06 model. It, according to all the info provided, had all the improvements of the LBZ. It only had slightly less HP/Torque Either way, I still prefer the LBZ. Just wondering if there is a code in the glove box to look for?

The engine code should be under the hood or on the radiator cover Vehicle Emission label should list the engine installed on the left side of the label IIRC

 

[crashz]

While I have no dog in this, i do have some experience with my father's 04 Dodge and through forum attrition, the Dmaxes.

Both greatly benefit from after-market lift pumps and fuel filters. Apparently the OEMs use filters that pass larger particles than what the injection system manufacture (Bosch) requires. The dodge has had issues with their lift pumps and Dmaxes rely on the injection pumps to draw fuel, so in both cases, lift pump upgrades are beneficial to injection pump life.

If it were me, I get a late model Ford with 6.0, talk them down on price, and rebuild it. Like $10k for the truck, and $10k for the mods/upgrades. The reason I say this is that there are plenty of them out there, plenty of frustrated 6.0 owners that took great care of their trucks ( the beat ones seemed to do much better), and any used diesel with 100k miles will be a project truck of sorts. Might as well be in a strong truck. And once the upgrades are done to the 6.0, its a strong, quiet, fuel efficient engine.

But keep in mind that i like a challenge. Hence my old 6.2L boat anchor.

 

[nwltruck]

Just to be clear. The OP is looking for the mileage and towing capacity of a fairly stock pickup? How much modification is he willing to do?

 

[Midniteoyl]

For the record, my '06 Tundra DC gets a whopping 13 MPG combined. Nice huh! So most ANY truck is a step up. It has been a VERY reliable truck though.

I get slightly better than 13mpg in my 360 powered 1985 D250 Ram.. Dont feel so bad now

 

[HK45]

My last 4 Trucks have been diesels.
2002 ford 7.3
2004 ford 6.0
2002 chevy 6.6 LB7
2005 chevy LLY
I just purchased a brand new 2013 chevy 2500HD with the 6.0. This is my first gas and I can tell you I'm not going back to a diesel. If your not towing alot I would stick with a gas over a diesel. I tow almost the max, which is 20,000 and I feel the 6.0 motor with 4:10 does fine. I do feel the duramax is a better engine over the ford powerstroke I've had in the past. I have had less problems with my duramax over my fords. Im just going to give you my opinion based on real world experience with the newer ford diesel. I work for a contractor that deals with natural gas pipe lines. The trucks we use are ford F250-450. They are not taken care of by the drivers and they run all the time. Anyways last year they order 32 new trucks with the 6.7 to replace some aged 7.3 and 6.0. Out of the 32, 14 had blown motors and 8 had blown transmission to date. I do remember them talking about some issues with glow plugs breaking of and falling into the engine, but im not sure if thats what cause the engines to blow up. Im not comparing brands as we don't use chevy or ram so I have no clue how they would hold up in that kind of environment. Im just giving you some info from my experience with the newer 6.7.

 

[handirifle]

Well I cant afford new, anything, and was looking to get the most bang for the buck. Comments much appreciated.

 

[Turbys_1700]

My last 4 Trucks have been diesels.
2002 ford 7.3
2004 ford 6.0
2002 chevy 6.6 LB7
2005 chevy LLY
I just purchased a brand new 2013 chevy 2500HD with the 6.0. This is my first gas and I can tell you I'm not going back to a diesel. If your not towing alot I would stick with a gas over a diesel. I tow almost the max, which is 20,000 and I feel the 6.0 motor with 4:10 does fine. I do feel the duramax is a better engine over the ford powerstroke I've had in the past. I have had less problems with my duramax over my fords. Im just going to give you my opinion based on real world experience with the newer ford diesel. I work for a contractor that deals with natural gas pipe lines. The trucks we use are ford F250-450. They are not taken care of by the drivers and they run all the time. Anyways last year they order 32 new trucks with the 6.7 to replace some aged 7.3 and 6.0. Out of the 32, 14 had blown motors and 8 had blown transmission to date. I do remember them talking about some issues with glow plugs breaking of and falling into the engine, but im not sure if thats what cause the engines to blow up. Im not comparing brands as we don't use chevy or ram so I have no clue how they would hold up in that kind of environment. Im just giving you some info from my experience with the newer 6.7.

I can tell you that overall my 7.3 has been very reliable over the past 10 years...
Nothing major other than regular maintenance and service including an alternator and fuel pump...
With my upgrades she has enough push for me and IMHO simpler and less costly to upkeep over the 6.0, 6.4, or 6.7...

 

[handirifle]

Turby
I think the 7.3 like in 02 or 03 would suit me best, in thd Ford line. About the best in power, economy, reliability, and affordability. Beyond that it seems like too much of a crap shoot. I have a neighbor, whos brother owns a diesel repair shop. He has nothing good to say about the 6.0, even after the mods.

As much as I love the Cummins reputation, I dont think I can get one I can afford and have the trannie built to be something I am confident in. I know the 12v is more affordable, but doubt I could get the wife to ride cross country in that old of a truck. Me too. We like the modern amenities. This isn't really a work truck, but it will do a lot of haulaing and the last thing I want to worry about is getting 1000 milles from home and having to do major repairs.

I've even been researching building a 350 gasser for torque as in a 383 stroker. I have seen soem detailed builds putting out 350hp and 460lbs torque, with over 400lbs at 2500 rpm and staying in until about 4600. Pretty good number for a gasser. I am SURE it would get half the mileage of a diesel though, and that keeps pulling me back here. Pun intended.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Blow that 383 and do even better torque :thumbsup:

 

[handirifle]

Blow that 383 and do even better torque :thumbsup:

I am sure of that, but I am also sure the gas gauge and tach would move at the same time.