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ILikeMud
03-07-2008, 12:21 PM
So I'm thinking about buying a DD later this year.

Part of me also wants to get a tow rig that way I can tow my shit to far away trails and not have to worry about busting shit.
I'm looking to only spend $5000-8000.
Anyhow, how are the older diesel motors from the big 3? I'd like a newer 24v Cummins Ram but I don't think I can find one locally what I'm looking to spend. Though with the good dollar I might be able to score one state side.

So opinions on the older diesel trucks?
If they should be avoided I'll just buy some cheap ass 4cyl beater.

BigDaveZJ
03-07-2008, 12:54 PM
Ask Matt how well spending that much on a tow rig worked out for him.

For that price range, I think you'd be better off getting a 3/4 ton gasser. The older Rams are really the only ones you want to consider, I think starting in 93? but can't say for sure. Avoid GM of that era, and the Ford pre-Powerstroke were pretty gutless.

OverkillZJ
03-07-2008, 02:05 PM
Ask Matt how well spending that much on a tow rig worked out for him.

For that price range, I think you'd be better off getting a 3/4 ton gasser. The older Rams are really the only ones you want to consider, I think starting in 93? but can't say for sure. Avoid GM of that era, and the Ford pre-Powerstroke were pretty gutless.

In the long run, pretty well. But you need to go over it with a fine tooth comb. My cooling system was not functioning properly, causing me to overheat it, cooking the injection pump and loads of other parts. Exception of that and a wear / tear part or two (like steering box at 240,000 miles) - it really hasn't been bad.

If you don't have the time to seriously tear into, learn, and inspect when you get it though, don't even think about it.

If I were to do it over again, I would have saved up more, but if you have the time to do it right before abusing it, it can be done.

canadian_driver
03-07-2008, 02:08 PM
i was thinking the same thing, get a DD/tow rig, but tow rigs dont make good DDs and vice versa, it just doesnt really make sense to get one thats half assed at doing both

RollinBallsDeep
03-07-2008, 02:40 PM
If your gonna be lookin for a early to mid 90's diesel the only one worth while would be the 12v cummins. Around here you wont find a newer 24v for 5k-8k. I think you would be very happy with a 12v, and the 94 to 98 would be the years to look for. I think it was half way through 98 they started the 24v, but im not 100% sure. just my .02 cents!

Skyline
03-07-2008, 02:47 PM
I know not in the quoted price range....but I would love for GM to come out with the diesel Suburban that they just recently made a prototype show car of. All heavy duty running gear, even the nose of a Silverado. Probably north of $50k though. I'd bet it would tow as well as all but the bigest pickup, and still be civilzed and roomy for long family trips.

OverkillZJ
03-07-2008, 04:07 PM
Skyline - 2009... Duramax Suburban... so says the rumor mill!

1fox2go
03-07-2008, 04:08 PM
How about a 90 dodge 3/4 cummins automatic? 8500 with the snow blade?
4x4, receiver hitch and goose neck ball

Sporer65
03-07-2008, 05:29 PM
Skyline - 2009... Duramax Suburban... so says the rumor mill!

I think that Duramax Suburban will have the 4.5L not the 6.6L of the HDs. I doubt that GM will make a Suburban with the the bigger Duramax.

OverkillZJ
03-07-2008, 05:32 PM
There is an aftermarket company retrofitting Suburbans with modern duramax's, but they're upwards of 70k+

Cummins will fit in a Suburban if you have some time!

just1more19
03-07-2008, 06:03 PM
Funny thing, this is exactly the same problem I'm having. I have been thinking about a tow rig/DD, But I just can't come up with a good vehicle in my price range for both.. I do really like the older dodge 3/4 with the diesel 90-94 but again they still suck the fuel.. I have an 85 4x4 1/2 dodge gaser, I have been thinking about converting over to a newer 24v Cummins but I don't think the fram will hold up to it, Plus axles, trans, comp, wiring bla bla bla I just don't know what the cost would be and if it would be worth it..

nate
03-07-2008, 06:14 PM
How far do you drive and is cost per mile important to you?

16mpg at nearly $4 gal isn't treating my wallet that good... but I wouldn't give up my truck (98 24V Cummins Dodge)

I priced out a beater 4 banger and I really didn't want to have add another car to the herd (already have 3).

Ted_Z
03-07-2008, 06:25 PM
If your budget it 5-8k, then find a gasser for 4k and use the remainder on gas! Diesel is going to be $4/gal by summer anyway. I've seen a bunch of Ford F250's and F350's, late 80's/early 90's for cheap. A F250 w/ a 460 and a brake controller should tow just about anything.

RollinBallsDeep
03-07-2008, 07:37 PM
Diesel is going to be $4/gal by summer anyway.

haha, i filled up my cummins today, and our sled pull truck at 4.19 a gallon. $146 a tank, $292 for both!!!!! Cant wait for the motor build to be finished in the stang im over the cost of diesel!

Skyline
03-07-2008, 08:02 PM
Want a really great old diesel? In approximately October, our Fire Department will be selling our 1980 Mack. It is a SWB pumper. Seats five, (3 will get rained on though). You could probably tow a house with it if you want. Certainly several ZJs at once. With current gearing will do about 60mph flat out. Only has about 25,000 miles. Will probably sell for about $8,000. This is a great chassis that is still being sold today (with very few changes) by Mack for everything from cement and garbage trucks to NY City fire apparatus.

BTW, its replacement is going to cost $575,000.

just1more19
03-07-2008, 08:26 PM
Want a really great old diesel? In approximately October, our Fire Department will be selling our 1980 Mack. It is a SWB pumper. Seats five, (3 will get rained on though). You could probably tow a house with it if you want. Certainly several ZJs at once. With current gearing will do about 60mph flat out. Only has about 25,000 miles. Will probably sell for about $8,000. This is a great chassis that is still being sold today (with very few changes) by Mack for everything from cement and garbage trucks to NY City fire apparatus.

BTW, its replacement is going to cost $575,000.

Sounds like our old tank/pump truck, flat out gettin it maybe 55-60 tops sucked cause it was third out and I always missed the first two out!

Diesel is getting way outta hand, fuel prices are gonna kill shipping, but atleast a diesel can get close to 20 mpg where a gaser big block maybe gets 10-12. payoff is relative... I would still drive a diesel over gaser

ILikeMud
03-08-2008, 12:19 AM
Diesel is 1.10-1.14 a liter here.

Joel, Chirs is DDing his 03 2500 Cummins with no issues a part from it being a bitch to park (quad cab long bed).
Now granted a big truck will be a bitch to DD but eh.

I guess we'll see what happens. Thanks guys!

1fox2go
03-08-2008, 12:45 PM
Hey mud that truck I was talking about was ours if you was interested

ILikeMud
03-08-2008, 01:23 PM
Not right now.
Thanks though.