Best Fool Sized 4 Dr Truck for Expedition Use
- Thread starter Aggie
- Start date
My fool sized truck is a Dodge diesel.
In my opinion that is your best bet. You will need all new suspension and steering components. I recommend Carli Suspension. Dodge has a steering retrofit that is way stronger than the original components and reasonably priced.
The only downside is maneuverability. A short bed is obviously better in that respect. I have a long bed and it can be a hassle but just plan ahead.
For price savings get a used 2005 - 2007. That will save you the $10,000 you will need to trick the truck out.
In my opinion that is your best bet. You will need all new suspension and steering components. I recommend Carli Suspension. Dodge has a steering retrofit that is way stronger than the original components and reasonably priced.
The only downside is maneuverability. A short bed is obviously better in that respect. I have a long bed and it can be a hassle but just plan ahead.
For price savings get a used 2005 - 2007. That will save you the $10,000 you will need to trick the truck out.
angusdevil
Adventurer
I'll 3rd the Dodge.
You can build up an awesome suspension, have a pretty good interior and an extremely strong frame. As another recent post states, getting locking axles does not have many options and is kinda pricey. This echoes for all aftermarket support with full sizes... Dodge gets the shaft but there are still lots of companies out there doing things for Dodge.
I'd recommend an 04.5-07 2500. I picked up my 05 2 months ago for cheap!
You can build up an awesome suspension, have a pretty good interior and an extremely strong frame. As another recent post states, getting locking axles does not have many options and is kinda pricey. This echoes for all aftermarket support with full sizes... Dodge gets the shaft but there are still lots of companies out there doing things for Dodge.
I'd recommend an 04.5-07 2500. I picked up my 05 2 months ago for cheap!
frumpy
Explorer
Whats the weight of your trailer and crawler? Depending on weight and the amount of towing I would go with an 03 or earlier dodge 1500 (I think 03 is the last year of the solid axle). Its lighter and shorter than a 3/4 or 1 ton and can still tow decently. If I didn't go that route I would be looking at toyota's as well. I believe there 1/2 ton is rated for 10,000lbs
Considering how/what you will be using it for, I'd say sniff around to get the best deal on a used 3/4Ton or 1Ton turbo diesel. Dodge, Ford, or Chevy. A half ton is woefully inadequate for towing (no diesel engine). There are some years of Ford to avoid. Chevy's don't have much clearance and a wobbly suspension. Dodge, ....is there still a Dodge?... was my choice simply because of the Cummins power.
I do think of the Dodges, the '01-'02 CTD's with 6 speed/4WD were the best of the lot. Best fuel mileage per amount of power produced. Yes, the older 12V's got better mileage, but no power. Yes, the newer engines produce more power, but the mileage suffers greatly. I get 15 mpg with the gross truck/camper/trailer/jeep on at about 16,000 lbs. Any one beat that?
regards, as always, jefe
I do think of the Dodges, the '01-'02 CTD's with 6 speed/4WD were the best of the lot. Best fuel mileage per amount of power produced. Yes, the older 12V's got better mileage, but no power. Yes, the newer engines produce more power, but the mileage suffers greatly. I get 15 mpg with the gross truck/camper/trailer/jeep on at about 16,000 lbs. Any one beat that?
regards, as always, jefe
arcteryx
Adventurer
Really? Why do you say that? They have the VP44 IP, which is widely known can fail at any time, and costs about 4K to fix. I have purposely stayed away from them for this reason. For those who dont know, these were the 98.5-02 24v rigs.
krebsatm02
Observer
I'll disagree with you on half ton's having enough power... I was pleasantly surprised at my buddies nissan titan pulling 10k plus that was essentially an air damn, granted the biggest elevation change we had was in mississippi.
However, I know the guy asking, and he doesn't need to pull an M1010 like we pulled.
I won't argue over a turbo diesel, but sometimes it's just not necessary.
ARC,
Partial information will kill you. I think your research is a little thin. I could say that you're a fool not to have gotten the '85 Fourrunner with solid axles, springs-over leaf springs and the only year with those and fuel injection. But I won't, because I've only heard this was the best year from owners, and not actually owned one. Same thing with the '03-04 Ford 6.0L diesel. I know folks who have had NO trouble with theirs. I read where Ford surpassed the One Billion dollar mark in warranty replacements and buy backs for the 6.0L. I don't think I would buy one, but not because of hearsay.
Yes, there have been some VP-44 failures, but mostly due to the lift pump going out, which sucks down the inj. pump. I've replaced the factory lift pump as it only went 100,000 miles as a precautionary measure, replacing it with an aftermarket lift pump down on the frame rail where it belongs. It's now a pusher instead or a sucker, with less back pressure, and away from the heat and vibration of the engine.
Who,....who would pay $4000 for an injector pump? Run away. There are some slick aftermarket injector pumps that may cost as much as $1800 (last time I checked) but give better performance and mileage from that 1020 lb. boat anchor. I keep waiting for mine to go south so I can upgrade, but alas, after 9 years, no such luck.
Maybe I've just been lucky and dodged (pun) the bullet all along.
I think you missed the whole point anyway. All-in-all, i think it's the best compromise of power and mileage, with, I'll grant you, a few niggling woes that are easily and cheaply fixed. There is one thing I don't like about the '01-02's H.O. motors: the noise! These are the noisiest years of the cummins, when they were still using metal injector parts instead of plastic, giving that, I hate to say, 'Characteristic' clack.
Having said that, I'm really not badge bound, and find good in all the big three offerings. I just bought what i thought was a good in-line 6 Cummins with an o.k. truck attached.
regards, as always, jefe
Partial information will kill you. I think your research is a little thin. I could say that you're a fool not to have gotten the '85 Fourrunner with solid axles, springs-over leaf springs and the only year with those and fuel injection. But I won't, because I've only heard this was the best year from owners, and not actually owned one. Same thing with the '03-04 Ford 6.0L diesel. I know folks who have had NO trouble with theirs. I read where Ford surpassed the One Billion dollar mark in warranty replacements and buy backs for the 6.0L. I don't think I would buy one, but not because of hearsay.
Yes, there have been some VP-44 failures, but mostly due to the lift pump going out, which sucks down the inj. pump. I've replaced the factory lift pump as it only went 100,000 miles as a precautionary measure, replacing it with an aftermarket lift pump down on the frame rail where it belongs. It's now a pusher instead or a sucker, with less back pressure, and away from the heat and vibration of the engine.
Who,....who would pay $4000 for an injector pump? Run away. There are some slick aftermarket injector pumps that may cost as much as $1800 (last time I checked) but give better performance and mileage from that 1020 lb. boat anchor. I keep waiting for mine to go south so I can upgrade, but alas, after 9 years, no such luck.
Maybe I've just been lucky and dodged (pun) the bullet all along.
I think you missed the whole point anyway. All-in-all, i think it's the best compromise of power and mileage, with, I'll grant you, a few niggling woes that are easily and cheaply fixed. There is one thing I don't like about the '01-02's H.O. motors: the noise! These are the noisiest years of the cummins, when they were still using metal injector parts instead of plastic, giving that, I hate to say, 'Characteristic' clack.
Having said that, I'm really not badge bound, and find good in all the big three offerings. I just bought what i thought was a good in-line 6 Cummins with an o.k. truck attached.
regards, as always, jefe
Overdrive
Adventurer
A rebuilt VP44 costs the same as the legendary P7100, and a few hundred more than a CP3 (late-model unit)--$1,900 from a good shop such as Industrial Injection. A newly rebuilt pump uses upgraded electronics and an internal friction point has been upgraded, resulting in a very reliable unit--they are made better now than they were in 98.5-02. These pumps will now go the distance like any other Cummins pump. They can also be changed out on the side of the road, unlike the others.
kreb,
I've seen the same result as you describe with the 1/2 ton's. They certainly can pull a big load. However, what is the mpg when those gassers are pulling 15,000 lbs, uphill. My experience has been that the mpg drops off VERY fast when you load up a 1/2 t. gasser and you must keep the revs up to make that power. The difference here is torque. The diesel has lots, down lower in the rpms, the gasser has less, but more H.P. up in the higher rpms.
If one were to only occasionally pull or carry a big, heavy load, then a gasser is good enough. For more than occasional loading, I would still say the 1/2 ton is inadequate for the task.
That opinion and $2 will get you a fair cup of coffee.
regards, as always, jefe
I've seen the same result as you describe with the 1/2 ton's. They certainly can pull a big load. However, what is the mpg when those gassers are pulling 15,000 lbs, uphill. My experience has been that the mpg drops off VERY fast when you load up a 1/2 t. gasser and you must keep the revs up to make that power. The difference here is torque. The diesel has lots, down lower in the rpms, the gasser has less, but more H.P. up in the higher rpms.
If one were to only occasionally pull or carry a big, heavy load, then a gasser is good enough. For more than occasional loading, I would still say the 1/2 ton is inadequate for the task.
That opinion and $2 will get you a fair cup of coffee.
regards, as always, jefe
krebsatm02
Observer
7mpg in the hills and 8mpg on flat ground! Remember this thing was also an air dam. Go check out my M1010 thread and you'll know what I'm talking about.
I'll completely agree that a diesel will get better mileage and do much better all around pulling. I was just pleasantly surprised a nissan titan pulled this well. By the way, the truck isn't mine, I suckered my friend into helping me pick up the M1010.
Fireman78
Expedition Leader
What is your main reason for your choice? I too recomened Dodge, but if you are wanting a crawler, off roader more then a long distance tower, then perhaps take a look at the Power Wagon. There isn't a vehicle around that can touch it off road. Granted a CTD is the way to go for heavy hauling, though.
dieselcruiserhead
16 Years on ExPo. Whoa!!
Just get a 1500 something or F150 if you crawler doesn't weigh too much. Diesel is overkill most of the time though they are nice, question is if you need it, A nice 5.7 engine will go a long way, behave nicely in general, be quiet and smooth, and these trucks will even off road halfway decent unlike a diesel...
Rot Box
Explorer
I daily drive my 92 Dodge diesel and would not trade it for almost any other 90's pickup out there. I regularly get 23.5mpg and am in the ballpark of 250rwh with my turbo upgrade there are not many (if any) fullsize V8 gas trucks that can do that.
I like simple and stout so I always recomend the early 90's-03 Ford F350's with either the 7.3 IDI or PSD diesel engines and all of the 12valve CTD Dodge trucks (though 98 is the only 12v with four doors) both brands with a 5 speed maual. If you don't mind an older vehicle I don't think you can go wrong if you get one that was cared for. Anything new I would stick with Dodge if you want a diesel :elkgrin:
As for gas trucks the Power Wagon has my vote. Good luck in your search :coffeedrink:
I like simple and stout so I always recomend the early 90's-03 Ford F350's with either the 7.3 IDI or PSD diesel engines and all of the 12valve CTD Dodge trucks (though 98 is the only 12v with four doors) both brands with a 5 speed maual. If you don't mind an older vehicle I don't think you can go wrong if you get one that was cared for. Anything new I would stick with Dodge if you want a diesel :elkgrin:
As for gas trucks the Power Wagon has my vote. Good luck in your search :coffeedrink: