1ton diesel truck for North and South America

[Suprathepeg]

One of my life goals is to do the Pan American Highway.

Ideally I’d like to use an older f350 platform for their rugged simplicity but am also open to considering a Dodge 3500 if engine is a concern.

I know there’s lots of support in North America for pretty much any domestic platform but once south of Mexico what diesels are well supported? I’m guessing the only answer to this is the Cummins 5.9 but I’m also ignorant in this regard. Are 7.3 or newer Powerstrokes common?

 

[Kingsize24]

Personally if I was driving specifically to South America, I'd just buy a pre emissions gas vehicle of any kind and run with it. Otherwise any 6.9-7.3 IDI or 5.9 Cummins would be fine. Both of those International and Cummins engines are mechanical, simple, and have a pretty good industrial presence.

 

[Darwin]

It would be extremely difficult to get parts for either a 5.9 or 7.3. At the bare minimum you also would have to be pretty proficient in mechanics and fixing things on your own, because while the labor is cheap, the lack of parts and competent work makes things challenging. I simple gas motor would probably be cheaper and easier to get fixed.

 

[Suprathepeg]

Hey Darwin,

That’s not a bad point. My lean towards diesel is the fuel economy hauling our family.

A v8 superduty would be doable for sure but the fuel bill would be significant.

 

[DirtWhiskey]

I think going with a 5.9 Cummins or 7.3 power stroke would be fine. Only "proprietary" parts on the 7.3 are directly engine or diesel fuel related. But that engine has about 4 critical sensors and a simple control board ECM. Bring spares. Almost everything else is a direct swap with any other Ford of that era and any shop should be able to work on one. You'd be surprised how crafty mechanics can be in non-disposable cultures!

 

[bigeyedfish]

A VE-pump or P-pump Cummins should be perfectly serviceable if it's in good condition before you leave. Those engines and pumps aren't exactly known for crapping the bed, and the trucks have almost zero essential electronics. The truck itself won't be near as pleasant as a similar era Ford, so you'll have to pick what's important to you.

 

[Kingsize24]

I think going with a 5.9 Cummins or 7.3 power stroke would be fine. Only "proprietary" parts on the 7.3 are directly engine or diesel fuel related. But that engine has about 4 critical sensors and a simple control board ECM. Bring spares. Almost everything else is a direct swap with any other Ford of that era and any shop should be able to work on one. You'd be surprised how crafty mechanics can be in non-disposable cultures!

I wouldn't take a late 7.3 anywhere out of the US. An early 6.9 or 7.3 IDI however would be a different story. Not much on those you couldn't rig or make function to get you somewhere. The late 7.3 and everything it comes with wouldn't even cross my mind.

 

[DirtWhiskey]

I wouldn't take a late 7.3 anywhere out of the US. An early 6.9 or 7.3 IDI however would be a different story. Not much on those you couldn't rig or make function to get you somewhere. The late 7.3 and everything it comes with wouldn't even cross my mind.

Tell that to the hundreds (thousands?) who have done so with great success over the last few decades.

 

[BajaSurfRig]

I’d take a 6.2 gas super duty or a 7.3 gas super duty. Quite reliable and easy to maintain. Newer trucks have a lot of advantages in better brakes, transmissions, etc. Worth doing the math on the break even point between maintenance and fuel efficiency economy savings. I love old diesels but really love my 6.2 super duty.

 

[Kingsize24]

Tell that to the hundreds (thousands?) who have done so with great success over the last few decades.

I think it's just a personal opinion. I always want simple and reliable I guess. I'd want non turbo, I'd yank the glow plugs for a simple grid heater. Etc. But as I said above, ultimately if I was there I'd use a gasser. Lol

 

[sg1]

Diesel only if it is deleted. Even then you may have issues with the injectors. Modern American heavy duty trucks aren't sold in South America.