Honestly, I think the OP's consideration of an older, mecanical (6bt) Cummins dodge is smart, especially if he is on a budget.
The truck itself may be in need of repairs and servicing to make it ready for such an adventure, but the engine should be very well-suited to such a trip, especially if it has low mileage. No electronic injectors to worry about, very few electronic connections, and overall a very reliable power plant that won't be picky when it comes to fuel quality. The engine and overall truck is going to feel very dated compared to more modern vehicles, but it should prove to be very reliable and robust so long as the proper maintenance is done ahead of time.
The problem with using modern diesels as a 'global' adventure platform is fuel quality. A lot of 3rd world countries have been slow to adopt ULSD, which is needed for the modern fuel injection systems and the emissions controls (DPF's especially). This is an issue even with the so-called "global" LC70's and LC 200's and their 4.5l v8 turbodiesel....Andrew St Pierre White talked about this in one of his videos and I believe he plans to use an older, pre-emissions Dodge or Ford 3/4 ton for his North/South American trip instead of his LC70 Troopy.
The truck itself may be in need of repairs and servicing to make it ready for such an adventure, but the engine should be very well-suited to such a trip, especially if it has low mileage. No electronic injectors to worry about, very few electronic connections, and overall a very reliable power plant that won't be picky when it comes to fuel quality. The engine and overall truck is going to feel very dated compared to more modern vehicles, but it should prove to be very reliable and robust so long as the proper maintenance is done ahead of time.
The problem with using modern diesels as a 'global' adventure platform is fuel quality. A lot of 3rd world countries have been slow to adopt ULSD, which is needed for the modern fuel injection systems and the emissions controls (DPF's especially). This is an issue even with the so-called "global" LC70's and LC 200's and their 4.5l v8 turbodiesel....Andrew St Pierre White talked about this in one of his videos and I believe he plans to use an older, pre-emissions Dodge or Ford 3/4 ton for his North/South American trip instead of his LC70 Troopy.