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I had a 1998.5 Dodge 24v 5spd. Engine and tranny were fantastic. Best I’ve ever owned.
However the front end components wore out quickly, the dash board cracked and caved in, typical clear coat sloughed on hood and roof.. Had to ditch the factory pump and filters, as well as the steering box and track bar.
I had 280,000 miles on it when I sold it. Sometimes I wish I had just forked over the dough for a new paint job and replaced the dash... it was a hell of a truck.
the 12 valve cummins diesel is a solid reliable engine that has decent power. and there are a few tricks you can use to up the power of that engine, and there are swap kits to install the allison automatic transmission in those trucks as well.
personally i would build a ford truck with the cummins 12 valve, and the allison 6spd automatic if i were needing a medium duty pick up. the best of all worlds imo.
However if I was gonna buy a used truck I would get a 7.3 with ZF-6 or a 2007 F250 6.0 bullet proofed truck by Bill Hewitt, with a life time head warranty, 5R100 . They have zero failures with modified heads and ARP head bolts.
However if I was gonna buy a used truck I would get a 7.3 with ZF-6 or a 2007 F250 6.0 bullet proofed truck by Bill Hewitt, with a life time head warranty, 5R100 . They have zero failures with modified heads and ARP head bolts.
I watched some of Hewitt’s videos on youtube when I bought my 6.0. He knows his Powerstrokes fairly well. I don’t always agree with him, I tend to find him to be a blowhard.
I would pass on a 7.3. They were a great engine 20 years ago. However, they are wearing out, not that powerful and not always reliable.
On my 06, I when it gave me fits, I put a new oil cooler, radiator, deleted the EGR valve and ended up with a great running truck. Hewitt is right about Archoil 9100 for the injectors. That is what I use on each oil change to keep the injectors happy. I also run Howes fuel additive at each oil change.
The 6.0 with a 5R110 is a great setup. I am happy with mine. I am closing in on 200,000 miles on mine. It is a great outfit. I would consider a 2012 on Super Duty with a 6.7 or 2011 on 6.2 gas engine.
I drive a 2002 7.3 PSD Excursion 4x4. Minor tuning = 370 hp 830 ft lbs of torque on the dyno, with a modified stock turbo and 140cc split shot stock injectors.
Set up for towing. Fresh front end, cold air and 4' exhaust, everything else original. I'm happy.
However if I was gonna buy a used truck I would get a 7.3 with ZF-6 or a 2007 F250 6.0 bullet proofed truck by Bill Hewitt, with a life time head warranty, 5R100 . They have zero failures with modified heads and ARP head bolts.
I own the hands down best 6.0 in any truck..
A L96 in my 2016 Chevy 3/4 ton.. (Runs away laughing...…)
The 6.0 GM gas is a great engine. It's also a very thirsty engine.
Well I get about 12mpg and it loves cheap gas.
If I needed to tow more than 8-10k or if I towed often I’d get a diesel, but man the added expense, operating and God forbid repair costs on diesels are just frekin mind blowing.
If I needed to tow more than 8-10k or if I towed often I’d get a diesel, but man the added expense, operating and God forbid repair costs on diesels are just frekin mind blowing.
I tow 10-12K regularly... my Excursion with the 7.3 is very economical to operate. You'd call me a liar if I gave you my numbers.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Woody01
Yes, I've been researching this for a few months getting closer to when I'll be able to pull the trigger....:-)
I'll be towing a 2-horse trailer, and in a mountainous area at times...so I want a 3/4 ton, and after going back and forth I'm pretty sure I'll go with diesel.
I came across this and hence the current question.....
Should be great for your application. (Towing in Mtns)
Might need a performance tranny kit and consider adding an exhaust brake with tranny mode for serious MTN towing.
Your choice of 4x4 should allow for fewer front end suspension expenses.
I use 12v Cummins 1st Gen 89-93. They are good for a million miles. If they ever die, it will be due to Dodge cab quality. I will drop a vintage Ford cab on the chassis, and keep driving.
The golden version (highly desired) is 1997.5 to 1998.5 12v club cab, 3500 dually 4x4, manual tranny. They sell for $15k with 400,000 miles. Just the final yr of 12v, no electronics, free power modes to 400 HP. Robust, will work HARD forever.
I tow 38000-40000# daily in Mtns.
Backhoe, dozer, excavator....
I swapped in a 13spd Roadranger tranny and exhaust brake. That should cover my gear needs.
Wish I had Air Brakes. Will probably add hydro-boost to brakes. Already swapped to rear disc.
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