thinking about getting a Diesel. Help!

[blackhorn]

So, i have been thinking of getting a diesel and I know a lot of you out there have them and use them like I would (hunting, towing, hauling, and so on).  I am considering between a 2000 and 2003 model, because that is within my price range.  I am not picky about brand names and have been trying to educate myself on all them.  After reading some carfax stuff and what not I am not sure about what to look for.  It seems that diesels have a long engine life, but the rest of the truck seems to wear fast.   Am I wrong?  I am selling my Toyota Tacoma with the thought of getting a truck that I can fit the whole family in and get outdoors, but I also want something that is reliable.  So, if you can help with the pro's and con's it would help out a lot.  Thanks!

[gutsnthegrass]

I have a 2001 F-350 with the 7.3L powerstroke crew cab and the family fits in it good.  I will never go back to owning a gas truck after owning this one.  Take care of the truck and it will take care of you.  There are all kinds of modifications you can do to these newer diesels to improve power and fuel milage also.

[blackhorn]

The 7.3 is one of the one I am leaning towards. Have you had any problems or recalls?

[gutsnthegrass]

I have had two minor recalls.  Nothing they can't fix with a quick trip to the dealership.  The latest one I haven't had taken care of yet, it has something to do with a speed contro deactivation switch.  It really has been a good pickup and never broken down on me.  It has 98,000 miles on it and still looks and runs great.

[jackelope]

8 pages...guaranteed...

[blackhorn]

I don't really care what brand.  I know there are good and bad in all of them.  I am looking to avoid the really bad!

[6x6in6]

I will say this, if you go Dodge.
Get a manual trans not the automatic.
And make it a 2003-2006.
The 98.5 to 2002 model years have issues with the injection pump failing and it's a pricey fix.
Make sure whatever you do, buy Fleetgard or equal fuel filters in 2 micron.  The crap that's left behind in the refinement of diesel is a killer on injectors, particularly what is refered to as the common rail fuel delivery systems in 2003 and up dodges and all Duramax's.

Dodge has it's front end issues.  Ball joints, axle shaft u-joints, trac bar issues.  There are tons of good aftermarket parts that replace these that seem to stand up better than OEM stuff.

[wastickslinger]

Dont stroke it, Ram it!!!!!  

[KimberRich]

Wow.. You're opening a can of worms here.  Gunna get plenty of "my Ford Rules" and "chevy sucks"...  Every one of the Diesel trucks have good and bads.  I personally would like a Ford Body with the Cummins motor and a Allison Tranny behind it..  I have a '04 Crew Cab Duramax and really like it.  If your looking 00-03 I would say the Ford with the 7.3 liter in it is a great bet.  Probably the best diesel Ford has made.  But the 00-02 Dodge's with the 24 Valve Cummins is a bulletproof motor and lots of Dodge guys love that vintage.  I would say some of it comes down to what layout you want in your truck.  Dodge didn't offer a Crew Cab Truck until '03.  Only the Ext. Cab with suicide doors.  Ford/Chevy offer a true Crew Cab during that time frame.  

[KimberRich]

8 pages...guaranteed...

 

[wrangler]

i have an 02 chevy 3/4 ton hd with a  6.6 duramax/allison combo. i'll never own another truck without a durmax/allison. even my ford buddies can't really say much about that motor/tranny. they're bullet proof. as far as the truck its self, its held up to everything iv thrown at it, iv had very minimal problems and it looks and feels like it has 50k on it instead of 170k. (as all my chevy trucks have)

[blackhorn]

Yea! I figured this would be a can opener!  6x6in6 that is great info, that's the kind I need.

[6x6in6]

Wow.. You're opening a can of worms here.  Gunna get plenty of "my Ford Rules" and "chevy sucks"...  Every one of the Diesel trucks have good and bads.  I personally would like a Ford Body with the Cummins motor and a Allison Tranny behind it..    

Yup!!!!

[Skillet]

8 pages...guaranteed...

 

I'll throw in there I have an '06 F250 with the 6.0 liter.  Not as troublesome as some I've heard about, but I have found myself wishing they still made the 7.3 after I bought it.
Love the Ford truck, however - very solid, very impressed with the build quality after having owned gasser chev's and dodges in the past.  Just some stupid problems with the EGR on the 6.0.  IF you get a ford diesel, make friends with your local International Truck Parts counterman - anything for a Ford diesel engine can be found at the International dealer for 1/2 price or less.

[jackelope]

A lot of the early 2000's Ram truck's injection pumps went bad because lift/transfer pumps went bad 1st and the owners didn't get them fixed...the injection pump then has to work double time and it burns itself out. I love those customers.