Forum Discussion
As you can see, the replies are all over. I agree that a gasser w/ either 4,10-4.50 gears would work, but you will be doing some serious twisting of the motor and lug on hills. MPG's would be less w/ the gas both in towing and everyday driving. Germany has figured out the DEF system as we have a '13 Passat TDI diesel w/ 60K and no problems (knock on wood). At work, I have a '12 Detroit Diesel DDT13 and has had a few DEF issues. Freightliner dealer said about 70% of truck to be fixed have some sort of DEF issue w/ them hence at shop to be fixed. When the DEF works right, they are all great. When not, they all stink.
As for truck itself, we had a '03 F250 SD w/ the 6.0 and 3.73 gears and towed rig in sig w/o a prob. Fully loaded, pin was 2,000 and 5er was 12,800 and still had a 1,000 pounds to go before being maxed out on 5er. Yes I was over on truck, but as for pulling, she did a very good job. Newer trucks have higher tow ratings than early 2000's did. I think you'll be fine w/ a 350/3500 SRW. In the case of Ford's 6.7, 3.55 gears is pretty much the norm in SRW. 3.73-4.10 is offered in dually only, BUT I want to say someone said in TX you could get a SRW w/ 3.73 gears (can someone confirm this). Is the OP looking at what kind of cab and 4x4 or no? Friend of ours has a '05 GM Dmax CC,4x4,3.73 gears and tows a 5er in neighborhood of 15k w/ no probs. I wouldn't on a 3/4 ton, but many have.
As for keeping it till 80,000 miles, IMO that's a crapshoot. Yes your still within warranty, but like AP said, it's just starting to get broke in. Seems like your going to take a good hit when it comes to up front cost of diesel engine and never see the full life of it in order to recoup your initial investment. I was asked by my F-I-L when I had my '03 if I'd get another diesel again and I replied w/ a yes (despite some issues I had w/ the '03). Gas does has it's advantages along w/ diesel. I just want to be on safe side and be sure I have enough motor to do what I want now and down the road if need be. Had my '03 for 11 years and 160k. God willing, current ruck will do the same or more.
As for truck itself, we had a '03 F250 SD w/ the 6.0 and 3.73 gears and towed rig in sig w/o a prob. Fully loaded, pin was 2,000 and 5er was 12,800 and still had a 1,000 pounds to go before being maxed out on 5er. Yes I was over on truck, but as for pulling, she did a very good job. Newer trucks have higher tow ratings than early 2000's did. I think you'll be fine w/ a 350/3500 SRW. In the case of Ford's 6.7, 3.55 gears is pretty much the norm in SRW. 3.73-4.10 is offered in dually only, BUT I want to say someone said in TX you could get a SRW w/ 3.73 gears (can someone confirm this). Is the OP looking at what kind of cab and 4x4 or no? Friend of ours has a '05 GM Dmax CC,4x4,3.73 gears and tows a 5er in neighborhood of 15k w/ no probs. I wouldn't on a 3/4 ton, but many have.
As for keeping it till 80,000 miles, IMO that's a crapshoot. Yes your still within warranty, but like AP said, it's just starting to get broke in. Seems like your going to take a good hit when it comes to up front cost of diesel engine and never see the full life of it in order to recoup your initial investment. I was asked by my F-I-L when I had my '03 if I'd get another diesel again and I replied w/ a yes (despite some issues I had w/ the '03). Gas does has it's advantages along w/ diesel. I just want to be on safe side and be sure I have enough motor to do what I want now and down the road if need be. Had my '03 for 11 years and 160k. God willing, current ruck will do the same or more.
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44,027 PostsLatest Activity: Apr 19, 2019