Diesel,,,, the rest of the story??
As some of you may have read, I need to buy a bigger truck and am considering a dually ( among other things ). I've also found a few newer trucks with diesel engines that fall into my budget, but dies...
Forum Discussion
Everybody has opinions based on their experiences.
Well here is mine.
Owned a 1982 6.2 diesel Suburban
I have owned both a Gas and diesel F350 460 ci. 4.10 rear end. It was a beast that gave me 8 MPG.
When pulling an average load up a 6% grade 35 MPH and 4 MPG. Gas was cheaper than diesel.
Went to a 94 F350 7.3 IDI turbo non power stroke dually. 175K miles on the clock. Out pulled the gasser like night and day but that loaded 6% grade was only marginally better.
Fuel economy was better but not much.
Last year I picked up a 1999 F550 with 4.88 rear end and the 7.3L Powerstroke. Motor is bullet proof. 240K miles.
pulls that 6% grade loaded at the 65 MPH I run. 2500 RPMS.
As I read these posts it appears those voicing doom and gloom have never run into the injector, pump and glow plug issues they warn about. in all the years I have owned Diesels I have replaced 1 set of glow plugs and they cost me $64.00I never have. Stay away from the problem motors Like the 6.0 and 6.4.
7.3's and the cummins 5.9 are great motors.
Do diesels cost more in maintenance well a bit but they will do things a gasser just can't.
Bottom line. Right tool for the right job. If your not towing or hauling serious weight the gasser may be for you. If your towing 20Klbs on a regular basis Diesel is the only way.
Well here is mine.
Owned a 1982 6.2 diesel Suburban
I have owned both a Gas and diesel F350 460 ci. 4.10 rear end. It was a beast that gave me 8 MPG.
When pulling an average load up a 6% grade 35 MPH and 4 MPG. Gas was cheaper than diesel.
Went to a 94 F350 7.3 IDI turbo non power stroke dually. 175K miles on the clock. Out pulled the gasser like night and day but that loaded 6% grade was only marginally better.
Fuel economy was better but not much.
Last year I picked up a 1999 F550 with 4.88 rear end and the 7.3L Powerstroke. Motor is bullet proof. 240K miles.
pulls that 6% grade loaded at the 65 MPH I run. 2500 RPMS.
As I read these posts it appears those voicing doom and gloom have never run into the injector, pump and glow plug issues they warn about. in all the years I have owned Diesels I have replaced 1 set of glow plugs and they cost me $64.00I never have. Stay away from the problem motors Like the 6.0 and 6.4.
7.3's and the cummins 5.9 are great motors.
Do diesels cost more in maintenance well a bit but they will do things a gasser just can't.
Bottom line. Right tool for the right job. If your not towing or hauling serious weight the gasser may be for you. If your towing 20Klbs on a regular basis Diesel is the only way.
