Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives Which/why? Used Diesel 3/4s….

Not quite sur3 I’m ready to pull the trigger, with market and fuel$ lately, but I have a ‘deal’ comparison for the experts:

Truck #1: 2012 F250 King Ranch 4X4, 6.7 diesel and only 168k miles, $32,9xx

VS

Truck #2: 2010 dodge 2500 TRX package 6.7 diesel, 4x4 203,9xx miles. No mechanical issues. Rust on rocker panels.
$21k

Rust on rockers aside (or assume it’s negligible/easy to address), and assuming no mechanical or other shortcomings, which is really the better deal?

Why?

I think the trx is the base model. 203k is getting up there and I would expect to be doing some work on steering, transmission, etc. That generation cummins is pretty simple to delete, should that be of interest. The motor is likely fine, although the epa has done their best to kill it. My 08 has probably been my best truck, but it hasn't been maintenance free.

Dont know much about the ford except there will be nicer options. That may be a plus or a minus as it's at the age where electric doohickies tend to fail and cost money to fix. Too rich for my blood for that kind of mileage and age. I'd consider the dodge, but to be honest that is just because it is what I know.

Whichever one you pick, plan on spending another $5000-$7500 to fix whatever the reason is those trucks are for sale.

If you want to fix the rust on the Ram you are easily looking at $1500 plus to do it correctly. That is assuming it is just the outer rockers and not inners as well.

If you don’t truly NEED a diesel, I would probably avoid buying one, especially one equipped with the DPF and SCR/DEF systems. Pre DPF trucks are getting old enough that you are likely to have to put substantial money into the rest of the truck, even if the power plant is still ok. You pay your money and take your chances regardless.

I have a 2004 Dodge 3/4 diesel, had to rebuild front end, couple water pumps, 217,000 miles, runs great. If you buy a Dodge the front end is 2000.00 to have it rebuilt.

I’m not going to tow a lot, but I’ll need to tow a lot of weight on occasion. SUPER difficult to find bigger gas burners right now, it seems. I’d prefer a gas burner, for cost of ownership….at least that’s my thoughts.


I’ve also run across a 2011 2500 6.6 Chevrolet with 260k, in better shape than the dodge, for $15k…..that might pan out vs maintenance, maybe. It’s also a crew cab long bed, which is likely more useful for hauling/towing and true truck stuff than the shorter beds. I’m planning on keeping my ‘04 Tundra for as long as it lives. . I can daily drive it and/or rotate between them.

This will be for my small farm, tractor, travel trailer, and equipment hauling for trips, working, etc. my tractor bumps 8k#, before I add trailer and other gear.

Forgot to add….the Chevy has had a DPF delete. Don’t think it’s had any tune, CP3 conversion, EGR delete, etc, but I’ll check.

Best advice you'll get. I wanted a diesel to use as a daily driver just cuz'. I have an aquaintance that is the shop foreman at Bulletproof Diesel here in Mesa (AZ). He sat down with me and we went through the pluses and minuses. Unless you're going to tow or carry a big load, You're much better off with a gas motor (especially with the fuel prices). As others have said, repair and maintenance costs can be pretty high.

That's interesting coming from BPD. There will still be some teeth gnashing here from die hard diesel peeps.

Well, what SHOULD I be looking for in used gassers that will tow all I need, AND be reliable?

If my tractor is nearly 8k#, and I add a trailer, bush hog, box blade, etc. then I’m looking at 10k#, minimum….on a swag. If I’m looking at even more weight as a possibility, even if it’s only a dozen to two dozen times a year, what gas burner is made for that?…..especially considering I won’t likely buy anything newer due to cost. Probably 2008-2017 year models, to be in my $ range.

6.0 or 6.2 GM

6.2 Ford.

Ran a lot of miles with skid steers, small asphalt roller, mill head and a bucket all sitting on a trailer.

3/4 or 1 ton. GM or Ford. It's not the going that's the bitch, it's the getting stopped quick fast and in a hurry if need be.

Get a Tekonsha brake controller even if the truck is equipped with a factory brake controller. The aftermarket controller is next level over factory.

I’d be looking for an 11 to 16 model Ford with the 6.2. If you happen to find one that came with 4:30 gears it would be even better when you tow.

Company I work for has a fleet of them and they’re trouble free, get 14mpg, and will pull what you need it to. They don’t pull like a diesel but they will get the job done.

Very few like that available in my area, it seems. Also, most have as many miles as their used diesel counterpart, for similar $. I had also been looking for dodge 6.4s. Once I started considering I’d likely only be driving this vehicle maybe 5k a year, and likely a lot less, I couldn’t see where there was much difference in maintenance or fuel costs between gas and diesel. I also started thinking about potential drivetrain wear on 100k + vehicles….with mileage while towing being far less stressful to the diesel before I would own it, than the gasser. I’ve got a gasser for a daily driver. If it goes down, I’d get another daily driver. This vehicle is for towing/hauling enough that I never have to worry about anything I’m liable to hook up to it.

6.2 vs 6.0 vs 6.4 reliability, towing, etc?

I’ve historically had better luck with GM stuff, bad luck with Ford stuff, and not much experience with Dodge.

I have a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500, Big Horn addition. Bought it with 102,000 miles on it, now has 163,000. I have had the transmission rebuilt, (was rebuilt before I got it, lousy job) Front end rebuilt, injectors replaced,( month ago) ,u-joints, water pump, and probably a fewt things I am forgetting. Was thinking about selling to buy a used low mileage Tacoma, but now thinking since so many rebuilt/new parts, might keep it.
As others have said, if you dont need the diesel, forget it. I do pull a 24 ' Northwoods travel trailer, so works great for that.
Also for any off-roading , even a little mud or snow, forget that too. This thing would get stuck on a slippery banana peel!
Miss my Toyota 4wd's for that.
Forgot to add I have the 5.9 , no DEF

I have no experience with the Ram 6.4. But have a 6.2 as well as experience with a fleet of them at work. They’ve been the most trouble free engine transmission combo the company has ever used according to our fleet mechanics.
Friends have 6.0 GMs they have had good luck with as farm and work trucks.

I’ve found a few 6.0 chevys and 6.2 fords around the 100-160k mile mark. I’d expect they’d go to 300k or more?

The thing for me on the 6.2 is the cam phasers they run for variable valve timing. I had a 2000 F250 with the 6.8 gasser. The cam phaser were starting to rattle at startup. This is due to the timing chain tensioners going bad. That motor had 225,000 miles on it and I did all but 2 oil changes on it. I usually did 5000 mile changes or before I left for an extended towing trip. If phasers need replacement the need to be genuine Ford parts.
I don't know if Ford came up with a fix for the 6.2 so I may be talking out of my ass but be sure to listen to a cold engine start up if you can. Listen for rattling at the front of the engine.

Not sure on the years but the Ram 6.4 had some engine issues. Rods, wrist pins maybe?

The 6.0 GM and 6.2 Ford are solid. The 350 I drove had other issues, the 6.2 engine was good.

Hard to beat the design of the LS series of GM engines. A lot of longevity in these engines.

As TheKid says, if going Ford get the 4.33 gears, Mine had 3.73 and while I did regularly pull 12-14k it was a struggle getting started.

Phasers are either a thing of the past or they figured them out several years ago.

Ford 6.2 Gas Motor is extremely reliable. The newer models with the 10 speed trans are better than the older ones.

I found the 6.0 GM to be gutless, just my personal experience.

Currently have a Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi. Knock on wood, it’s been reliable and has plenty of power. Don’t need a diesel. I sure love them but with fuel at 5.50 a gallon, and the expense of maintenance if something breaks, hard to justify.

I’d be curious on the new Ford 7.3 gas motor never drove it.

Between the 6.7 Ford or Cummins with 200,000 miles it’s a toss up. I like the Ford better and I’d be nervous to buy any used modern diesel.

For what it’s worth, I once said I’d never buy a 3/4 ton gasser.

Went and drove various Ford/Chevy 6.2/6.0 2500/3500 trucks today….2013-2019 models. Most were in ‘work truck’ configuration, crew cab, long bed, 4wd. The Chevrolets were hands down preferable for handling, smoothness, comfort, features, etc. just could not find a Ford there I actually liked to drive….and this place had 4-5 dozen. Wanted to like the Fords, but couldn’t. Didn’t want to like the Chevys….but I really did like them. No towing, just test drives. Really liked a 2019 Chevy 2500LT and a 2017 3500.

Yeah the work truck Fords are rough interior and comfort. I haven’t driven a newer GM 3/4 or 1 ton. My Ram is a Laramie and I thought it was more comfort than the Ford Lariat I drove. Probably also depends on how worn out the seat is.

I think some of the newer Ford HD are electric assist power steering which takes some getting used to as well. Probably just preference.

Fords ride like buckboards. Chevys ride like a couch. Dodge somewhere in the middle.

As far as interiors, man even the Tradesman/XL/WT trucks have a lot going on. At least compared to 20 some years ago. I’d be perfectly happy with a f250 7.3 crew 6.5 bed base model xl. I do like the idea of aftermarket leather though.

Had intended to consider the dodge w/6.4, but pickings are slim and keep hearing about their tow governing g on hills and such? Not sure it’s as inherently durable as the other 6.2/6.0 stuff?

I’ve had a 2006 duramax and loved it. Now I have a 2014 duramax and love this one also. The 06s only problem was a few glow plugs in 120k. The 2014 has had a few minor things all covered by Gmc.

Pre covid(2019) we bought a super clean extended cab 6.7 F350. Plain jane XLT, 165k miles, $19000.



Deleted it and 3 years later it is awesome as ever.

Sticking to gas…..any input on trusting reliability for the 6.4 Hemi vs the Chevy 6.0, vs towing, mileage, etc? My son is looking at ‘04-‘06.5 Chevy Duramax trucks, but I don’t think I have a true need for diesel OR something else to work on…..just occasional 2500/3500 tow capability and ease of maintenance/drive ability.

I doubt you would have much trouble with either. I'm 4 months/6000 miles into a used 2018 Chevrolet 2500HD with the 6.0/6L90/4.10 axle ratio now with 105K on the odometer. Truck does all that it needs to for me. I'm glad I bought it. My Dad is running a Ram 2500 with the 6.4 that he bought new in 2017. He's near 200K with it, and has not had any notable issues.

We haul much more than we tow by a wide margin. Usually 500 to 1500 pounds of steel/aluminum parts in wooden totes. You don't notice the load in a 3/4 ton pickup that was very noticeable in a 2003 half ton. I have towed a 7K travel trailer with the Silverado a few times this summer without much drama, and with a 14K tow rating, there shouldn't be any drama. My only gripe is with the factory brake controller. It some times requires the ignition to be cycled off/on to get it to wake up. There may be a Tekonsha P3 in the trucks future.

Overall I get 12mpg combined, but that's about what I expected, it's a 6500 pound truck. Payload is around 3K. It takes 6 quarts of 5w-30, and there is room under the hood to spare. Food for thought I guess.

Thanks. Im leaning toward and mostly looking at something similar to your truck, but wanted to at least try the newer (less than 7 yr old) Dodges, before I committed.

I've had the same 7.3L F250 SD for the last 21 years. I'd say my cost of ownership has been very low. Kept it stock, has 300K on the odometer did the maintenance, fixed stuff when it broke. Nothing major has failed on it, but I'm putting $10K+ into it as it was hit-n-run last March in Pueblo.

Nothing fancy as far as pickups go. Regular cab, 6 speed manual, long bed, upgraded XL model. However, it does everything I ask it to and some things I shouldn't.

Part of me would like to go old 7.3 or 5.9, but the $ is a lot newer truck, with nicer ride and features, these days…..folks want stupid $ for 20+ year old diesels with 300k on them…..just because no emissions? market? I’ve found 3-4 yr old gas burners for the same $ or less. I can’t work around that in my head for now.

What Sam said.
The Ford 6.7 is the best Diesel built in the 3/4 & 1 ton class pickups. It’ll pull circles around the Chevy and Dodges.

And while the 7.3 Ford Diesels ran a lot of miles, they didn’t have near the power.
And you couldn’t give me a 6.2 Ford Diesel.

Probably because they didn't make one.

You're correct about stupid prices on pickups. That's why I've kept my pickup for over 20 years. Every time I wanted something nicer/newer, I couldn't justify the price tag. I don't use that pickup for a DD and pretty much just pull with it. If I'm running about I drive a 05 CRV.

I also have an 06 Duramax, I got a deal on because of some rust in the rockers. Runs great but a little rust turned into a whole lot of rust. I just used it to pull a 30' travel trailer and a 3 horse slant, because it was a crew cab and the whole family would fit. Sold the TT and planned on parting with this pickup. It's paid off as well and upfront costs on a newer crew cab 1/2 make $5 diesel bearable.

Well, I literally couldn’t stand any of the 2012-2018 Fords I drove, so they’re pretty much crossed off the list. I’m pretty sure my ‘98 John Deere 5200 will pull circles around any of the Fords I drove, and it’d probably even drive better on the highway. LOL

I didn't know they made that one......

He split the difference between the 6.0l and 6.4l.

Honestly, I wouldn't pass a good deal up on a 6.0l if you find one. The issue I had when looking for a pre-DEF diesel pickup, all the 6.0l had tuners in them and all were "bulletproofed" wanting a premium for the pickups. I mainly was worried about what kind of tunes were being used.

My BIL has had a stock 09 6.4l for several years, other than it's a 12 MPG avg truck it has been a good one. My sister's FIL has an 08 6.4l that has been a lemon, until they deleted the EGR and DPF. My BIL's pickup is a highway hauler and my sister's FIL is a ranch truck with bale bed. So I'd say you have a 50/50 shot on a 6.4l, not good enough for me to look at them.

Sorry for my typo error. Meant to type 6.4 😬

I can only comment on my cousins as far as Rams go. He had a 2016 that the company took back because of a bad engine and replaced it with a 2018. He had to put a new transmission in that one last year. Both in 6.4 Hemi. He has an early 2000s 3/4-ton GMC with the 6.0 that is still running that he passed onto his son. And just got a new Chevy 1 ton with the 6.6. He will not buy another Ram. I had a 2000 GMC 3/4 ton with the 6.0 that just ran and ran until my wife rolled it on icy roads in 2017.

Milage on my 6.0 was 12-13 with 265/75R16s and I could tow 4 ton of hay with confidence. The most I tried with it.

On Chevy 6.0, crew, 4wd stuff…Trying to decide if a 2018 WT long bed w/114k is better than a 2019 LT long bed w/152k, for same $. I like the LT features, but 38k miles is a lot of driving dif, for me…..1.5 - 5 years, depending on daily vs only tow. It may only get driven when my Tundra is getting serviced/upgraded/restored on. If it’s nicer, probably get driven more. ….then again, 38k miles isn’t much dif when looking at 100k+ mile trucks, either…I guess

My 2018 is an All Star Edition LT, which is one click above the W/T. It has drivers power seat, dual climate control, additional steering wheel controls, upgraded wheels, brake controller, 4wd controls on the dashboard instead of the floor, running boards, and some other stuff that I'm sure I'm forgetting.

I spend enough time in the truck that I appreciate the added features, and am considering Katzkin heated/cooled seats. If I had the W/T configuration, I'm sure I would be spending more time and money to get it up to what I wanted. JMO.

The 6.0 is a dog compared to pretty much anything else. It will last but you won't have the power you'll be happy with for towing anything more than a go-cart.

6.0 GM gas is bulletproof and a bit low on power. I wouldn’t call it a dog, but it’s not as powerful as any of the newer gassers. I have both a 6.0 and a 6.6 gas and the 6.6 is noticeably more powerful. The 6.0 will tow a boat like it isn’t even there and a 22’ travel trailer no problem.

I’m never indecisive about much of anything….except buying trucks. Lol

Some stuff has me back looking at older, LBZs now, too. There’s an ‘07 locally, one owner, with 200k that’s cheap enough.

Is that '07 a Dodge? At mid-year they made the switch from the 5.9 to the 6.7 and added all the pollution crap. You need to know ifs the early or late 07.

I’m just glad my ‘03 Duramax is long paid off. I’ll keep running her until the wheels fall off. 220k well-cared-for miles and still runs like a raped ape.

New truck and post-COVID used prices are insane ...

You can buy my "real" diesel for 25 grand with only 108 K miles and no winters.

Thought you drove a dented Pacifica with bad TPMS readout?

That is absolute BS. I have an '06 I have used for years to pull a 27 ft. travel trailer. Handles it no problem.

👍

LBZ Duramax….last year before emissions crap

Worked a deal on a 2007 LBZ LT3Crew 4wd….so, I’ll have an older diesel to try out. We’ll see.

You don't know how to back up a trailer?

You need to start working on finding a deal for injectors, water pump, power steering lines, and all the other steering components. If you tow heavy you'll need to replace the U -joints with Lakewood performance U - joints. The same U- joint that a 1981 Blazer uses doesn't work very well for a 3/4 or 1 ton.... especially towing. At least you have the best riding - handling 4x4 diesel pick up that I've ever owned.

My '08 2500 cost about $1400 last year. Swapping those ball joints is pricey.

Wyoming plates . Is that 2319 at the front? Lol.

My '99 F-350 is all washed up after elk season.... Just turned over ones. Sure is a good truck.

Nice !!! I had it’s twin at one time. Except mine was Red.

reminds me of the punchline to the fire dept blonde joke, Well duh......The Big Red Truck......

Love the barn huntsman, it’s a beauty. Wish we had one like that!

Damn, you don't get out much. My 2000 SRW CCSB had 225k on it when I sold it.