Help me decide - Go diesel or stay with gas burner

[john101477]

I would never ever buy a chev or dodge V-8 gasser. now diesel is another thing. just do not go hog wild trying to add a bunch of power to any of the current rigs out there. chipping a new diesel is a really bad idea

 

[UrbanCummin]

Just say NO to diesel. I'm 3 years into mine with less then 32,000 miles and already have to get the engine pulled. Why? Well of course it's leaking oil! Mileage hasn't come anywhere near what the old rigs used to get. And there is nothing worse then being miles into the back country and wanting to roll down the window to enjoy the country. Forget that, all you'll get is noise and fumes! And everyone you meet will scowl at you for those same reasons. And I'm not even starting on all the electronic controls that get screwed up everytime I take it in for service. I'm going back to gas!

I assume you have a 6.4L?, they have had issues from day one, not nearly as bad as the 6.0's but they still have problems. Both Duramax and Cummins have been proven much more reliable then the powersjoke's.

Fumes?, seriously, you must be doing something wrong if your having issues with fumes coming in through the window. Maybe check for exhaust leaks cause you should not have any fumes. I have NEVER had customer complain of fumes in the cab except with there was something wrong with the turbo exhaust piping.

I say go with a diesel, just RESEARCH what you want/should get, don't go in blind and buy something cause you like the way it looks or what the full of crap salesman tells you. On that LMM i would look into a DPF delete otherwise you mileage may be poor.

And for off-road use I would never consider IFS gm's as having reliable drivetrains, well mostly the front axle. Solid axles are prefered for both lifts/bigger tires and off-raod abuse.

 

[racewave]

I went thru the same decision making 6 months ago. For years my plan had been to buy a diesel. With the introduction of clean diesel technology all that changed. If you can get a pre ULSD model like the old 7.2 that would be great.

I bought a F350 V-10 gas for the following reasons:
1.Price of diesel fuel increased to same or more than gas.
2.Lots of problems with the DPF regen reliability
3.ULSD fuel not available all over Mexico and Central America
4.V-10 gas option purchase price much lower
5.I am hauling a camper, not towing,so higher payload with lighter gas engine.
6. I am living with less mpg than a diesel but gap not as wide with new diesels.
I loved the old diesels but went gas

 

[milo12]

The new emissions junk on the Dodge does hurt the mileage a bunch. When I first got the truck I was very disappointed about the lousy 10-14 mpg I was getting. But once the emissions stuff falls off the trucks get the same great mileage the Cummins always had.

The new 2011 Ford is reported to get incredible mileage because of a redesign of all emissions and a new better engine. Here is a link. http://jalopnik.com/5486768/2011-ford-f+series-super-duty-first-drive

 

[chasespeed]

Hmmm... diesel or gas.

Well, my thoughts are in the keep it simple stupid category....

If you can get a good mechanical engine, Cummins 6BTA with the VE or P7100, IDI Ford 6.9 or 7.3, etc.... or, even the 7.3 powerstroke.....

Anything else, there is just too much crap on it...... the only thing electronic on my engine, is the starter, and the alternator. My lift pump is electric, but, so so well guarded....

Other wise, unless you need the diesel for working.... I recommend sticking with a gasser....

Chase

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

And as far as longevity is concerned I think you guys are crazy, I've never seen a gas V8 last much over 200k reliably. Especially if you tow any kind of load regularly. The engines are pretty loosened up after 200K.

My 5.9L is just about to turn 208K on the odometer...with the original tranny. We'll see how much past that she'll give. Granted, I tow just a few times a year. If I towed all the time, I'd be conning my father-in-law into giving up his '94 Dodge with the Cummins. Seriously survey your needs for the truck...diesels can be quite a bit more to maintain. :sombrero:

The worst ones are the ones you see jacked up to the sky, huge lifts and tires on em pulling oversized toy box trailers out to the desert. Even the state of California started crack'n down on the over weight trailers being pulled out there by pick-up trucks. Some of those guys regularly pulling 20K-25K trailers with 3/4 or 1 ton trucks that have max 5th wheel tow ratings around 16K.

Not to mention blowing by the rest of us at 75 mph out on Hwy. 14 near Mojave. :Wow1:

 

[19psi]

I have both a GM V8 gasser and a dodge CTD. I hate teh gasser compared to my dodge. it has terrible mileage loaded or unloaded, no power except above 4k rpm which kills mileage even more, sounds and smells like crap ( to me diesels sound and smell great). the gasser even has trouble maintaingin 75mph towing an EMPTY car trailer!does it ride nicely? yes, but i'll take a rough ride any day over all the other disadvantages of having a gas truck.

 

[duxndogs]

Re

I had pretty much written off buying a 3/4ton diesel 4x4 because I haven't been able to find one around here - one with low mileage, clean, affordable, etc. Well that all changed a few days ago. I found a 2007.5GMC Sierra 2500HD CC 4x4 LMM with the allison/duramax combo. It's a nice clean truck, low mileage (30k) and it's my color - white.

All great insight...thanks for the advice everyone. Unfortunately the deal on the truck mentioned above didn't happen b/c the guy wouldn't come off the price and I didn't want to pay too much for the truck...and it was just too high. He and I both knew it. This individual is too upside down in it and needs top dollar which he aint getting from me. I passed on it.

Other wise, unless you need the diesel for working.... I recommend sticking with a gasser....

The simple statement above is what I'm thinking as of today after much debate with my better half over the weekend. Plus, I drove several of the new 1/2 ton gassers this weekend and was shocked. WOW! As far as comfort they've come a long way!! :drool:

If I do end up with a 1/2 ton gas truck it will do all I need it to do and more...all while driving in comfort.

Thanks again for the advice!! :victory: