Possible new class 5 rig. Am I nut's to choose gas motor ?

[rgv]

The discussion on re-gearing is interesting, particularly on how the newer 10 speeds are more forgiving.

In my own opinion, torque multiplication happening at the rear axle is torque multiplication that doesn’t happen between the crankshaft and axle input, and consequently should generate less heat and wear.

This may become important as you get near the max GVW rating of a transmission/t-case.

 

[rruff]

That being the case, does the diesel have a different transmission? If not, the one on the 7.3 must be overbuilt... ?

Apparently they are different: "Same basic transmission, same exterior size, same bellhousing bolt pattern(mod motor bolt pattern), only differences are for torque handling. Different converter, different clutch packs."

 

[SootyCamper]

Do you have Instagram, would love to follow the build along!

 

[ITTOG]

I look forward to watching the build. Here though, not instagram.

 

[yamaha225]

Very nice looking truck and good job getting it before the tariffs!

 

[AbleGuy]

Well she slipped in just before the tariffs/economic extortion become official.

Now the real work and expense begins !

Dealership owner/operator still figures, by going gas, we'll prob come out ahead at the end of the day. We'll see...

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See y'all on the flip side

I was late to the train on this discussion…but I’d hoped you would have gone for the diesel truck since you mentioned lots of mountain driving. I was thinking about how nice it would have been for you to have the option of an exhaust brake.

With all the weight you plan on carrying, how comfortable would you be gearing down when going downhill over those passes?

 

[vintageracer]

In August 2024 I rented a Uhaul 15ft box van with the 7.3 gas automatic transmission to haul the parts from a pair of 1958 Corvettes purchased in Ft Worth TX to Nashville. The cars were all apart. The rolling bodies went on the 2 car trailer pulled by another truck. All the parts in the Uhaul van.

The 7.3 gasser in the Uhaul 15ft box van ran great! Plenty of power just like the 8.1 (496 CI) in my 4WD Chevrolet Van. The 7.3 gasser got 12 MPG loaded running 75+ on the interstate back from TX to TN. RPM's were always up in the 2750 area at those speeds. I believe the rear gear in the Uhaul van was a 4.30 if I remember correctly with million speed automatic transmission.

I still have 2 diesel Dodge trucks. Both 5.9's. I am done with diesel trucks after these 2 trucks.

The maintenance cost, parts/repair costs, fuel economy and price difference of gas trucks when purchasing versus a diesel truck no longer makes any "Cents" for my use. I no longer pull heavy loads or road warrior as much as I previously did to pick up things I purchase a long way away. I mostly ship vehicle purchases now. Cheaper and easier than going to get em myself. Every now and then you have to go git em like with these Corvettes. Sitting in a barn for over 40 years in pieces. The only way you are going to get all the parts is to go and do it yourself!

I just purchased 2 ASC Mclaren Capris in Florida. Getting them both shipped Orlando to Nashville for $850.00. No way in Hell am I going to go them for that money.

To me the "Diesel Tax" only is worthwhile if your towing heavy loads all the time. That means big heavy trailers hauling excavators, tractors and other heavy stuff you use in your business.

The days of having a diesel truck just to ride and around and look Kool ended 10 years ago.

 

[arveetek]

The days of having a diesel truck just to ride and around and look Kool ended 10 years ago.

Which is one of the reasons I still drive my 30 year old Chevy Tahoe with the factory 6.5L diesel and over 400K miles! I just can't justify the cost of the new diesels. But my old, rattling IDI diesel suits my needs just fine.

Casey