I have never been a huge fan of diesels but find myself looking for one now. I am putting the house back on the market after having pulled it for a year to help out my daughter. We are hitting the road in a couple of months, and dont want to wait for closing, and so am going to buy a used diesel 3/4 or one ton pickup. Will be pulling about a 14k loaded weight 5er, and if a 5er is what we decide we want to stay with, will buy new in a year or so. I have always had Fords or Rams, but am not married to any brands, the only diesel I had was an old 1994 Superduty dually. Hated the noise, but maybe it wont seem so bad now since my hearing is going. Of the trucks in the 2008 to 2014 range, what models in particular had issues. I was going to spend around $25k and no duals so these seem to be my choice slot age wise. In particular at the moment I have been following a 6.4 ford. I know one of the Fords had a bad rep, think it was a 6.0, am unsure of any others in particular to avoid. Yeah , I know, igniting the old Ford vs Chevy vs Ram arguments but not sure how else to ask without without fanning some flames.

A few points to ponder.- 6.0 and 6.4 Ford diesels are junk, and are priced accordingly used. A low price does not always equate to a good value. There are options for "bulletproofing" these engines but I don't know what they cost or how effective those preventative fixes are.- Since you're shopping used trucks, I would ignore the 3/4 ton vs 1 ton distinction. I don't think there were any functional differences in any of the big 3 in those years beyond (sometimes) rear spring setups, and you can supplement that with bags or timbrens if necessary. You're already looking at a limited inventory of trucks so there's no reason to artificially limit even more.- Emission systems can be problematic in the years you are looking at. Consider whether deleting is an option if that's something you're comfortable with. I don't think Ram went to DEF until about 2013 and there were some issues prior to that. I'm not as sure on the timelines with the Duramax or Powerstroke. - None of the newer diesels are as loud as your '94, not even close.

Lets see what the experts that work on Ford diesels have to say. Still want a 6.4 diesel?

I bought a used 2012 Dodge diesel with 116 k miles and it's sure a keeper. It was very well maintained. Get at least a 1t srw. I prefer a dually for that weight but it's your $$$. I don't envy anyone looking for a used vehicle. I took my sweet time and I got extra, extra lucky! Craig

I would never own a diesel truck that's equipped with a DPF and doesn't have DEF. Too many problems with them.

If I was to buy used I'd buy a 2015 F350 with the 6.7 Powerstroke, but the Ram and GM from that year are very good trucks as well. The 6.7 Powerstroke had some significant improvements made in 2015.

Buying a used diesel | Good Sam Community

wanderingaimles
Explorer
Nov 26, 2019
Thanks, I had thought the Ford 6.0 was a problem, didn't realize the 6.4 was as well. And I see that the 2011 and 12 6.7 was problematic as well.
On the Rams and GM, anything specific to watch for? Ram tranny problems? My 01 had to be changed.
kw_00
Explorer
Nov 26, 2019
I was blessed to have a grandfather that taught me a lot about engines. I like Diesel engines, just not the emissions type. But we have several in the family and I have both pulled with gas and diesel. I own a gas truck, but I can tell u from a design point, the inline 6 is the way to go. Easy to work on, naturally balanced. In our family we have all 3 diesels.... the Fords we have had some bad apples, but never have had the 6.7. The Rams we have had 2, both flawless engine wise, currently we still own the 07 with the 6.7. GM trucks, several, our last Duramax was amazing, pulled 15k plus every time it was driven for the most part. Never an issue till around 300k and lost a few injectors and the head gasket leaked. So each can work for what your looking for them to do. Go with what you budget allows and what feels best for you from the drivers seat.
4x4ord
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2019
If I was to buy used I'd buy a 2015 F350 with the 6.7 Powerstroke, but the Ram and GM from that year are very good trucks as well. The 6.7 Powerstroke had some significant improvements made in 2015.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Nov 26, 2019
I would never own a diesel truck that's equipped with a DPF and doesn't have DEF. Too many problems with them.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Nov 26, 2019
I bought a used 2012 Dodge diesel with 116 k miles and it's sure a keeper. It was very well maintained. Get at least a 1t srw. I prefer a dually for that weight but it's your $$$.
I don't envy anyone looking for a used vehicle. I took my sweet time and I got extra, extra lucky! Craig
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Nov 26, 2019
Lets see what the experts that work on Ford diesels have to say. Still want a 6.4 diesel?
IdaD
Explorer
Nov 26, 2019
A few points to ponder.

- 6.0 and 6.4 Ford diesels are junk, and are priced accordingly used. A low price does not always equate to a good value. There are options for "bulletproofing" these engines but I don't know what they cost or how effective those preventative fixes are.

- Since you're shopping used trucks, I would ignore the 3/4 ton vs 1 ton distinction. I don't think there were any functional differences in any of the big 3 in those years beyond (sometimes) rear spring setups, and you can supplement that with bags or timbrens if necessary. You're already looking at a limited inventory of trucks so there's no reason to artificially limit even more.

- Emission systems can be problematic in the years you are looking at. Consider whether deleting is an option if that's something you're comfortable with. I don't think Ram went to DEF until about 2013 and there were some issues prior to that. I'm not as sure on the timelines with the Duramax or Powerstroke.

- None of the newer diesels are as loud as your '94, not even close.

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