Replies

1. 
   DScott_ | May 05, 1999 02:45pm | #1

   *
   Two hints.

   1)If you step up to 4x4 and F-350 class chasis, don't then try to save money on the engine. Go with matching power. You'll absolutely load er up ("gee the springs haven't budged yet") and underpowered trucks are no fun pulling grades or getting in and out of jobsites.

   2) Consider HD automatic transmission. Especially if you'll be plowing or towing trailers. The auto makes backing a trailer or towed machine into a jobsite or work position a breeze. The good ones will handle any load you'll put on it.

1. 
   kcoyner_ | May 15, 1999 06:49am | #2

   *How much you got to spend. The F350 extended cabs I've seen with the PStroke are between 30 and 38K depending on trim and options. If I had the money, that would be my choice. I hauled horses from VA to TX, up to 14 head at a time with an 8' x 32' trailer behind a F250 PStroke 7 times. It just pulled like crazy. It was hard to beleive I could move 19 tons down the highway with a pick-up.One problem with PStroke. If you want to get 5 or 600K miles out of the engine, be sure to cool the turbo charger down (idle for about 5 minutes) everytime before you shut it down. These aren't just trucks, they'er beasts.

1. 
   Waldo_ | May 16, 1999 04:26am | #3

   *Another thing you might try is to hook up an auxillary oil pump to circulate the oil both prior to starting and after you shutdown the engine like the UPS trucks use. I think they cost under $200. The way it works is you tie the pump's power switch into the dome light circuit and while your getting positioned the oil pump is already pressurizing the oilng system. For shutting down I believe they have an automatic adjustable timer that keeps the aux pump running for a few minutes after shutting down for turbo charged engines. They say this system really prolongs engine life because a great part of the abrasive wear in engines happens at start up when the oil is still down in the sump and it seems logical otherwise how do you explain the longevity of inner city taxi cab engines.As for what truck to buy, firstly I'd say make sure it performs your primary task well and then start looking at the other uses you have for it.Someday I'd like to get one of those NPR diesel models. I like the idea of keeping the overall length down but not sacrificing the size of the business end of the truck.The few people I've talked to love'em and say they're real easy to service cause you can get at everything.

1. 
   Mike_Menaster | Dec 02, 1999 11:17am | #4

   *Although I've never owned a truck, maybe my experiences will help. I lived in the Midwest/Chicagoland for four years and California for the past 9 years. I change my oil regularly (about every 3000-5000 miles). I used Slick 50 for a couple years, then tried Tribotech, then DuraLube. A friend took apart my first car's engine at 85,000 miles, most of which were in Chicago and with a few thousand miles with Slick 50. He thought that the engine was new. I was skeptical about Duralube, but saw an informerical that showed Duralube went toward, not away from, heat. Despite Tribotech and Duralube's claims, my mileage is NOT improved. But the engine is quieter in idling, ie have not shaken since I used these products. For $15, even if it helps just a little, I think they're a good investment. (I'm partial to Duralube).Mike

1. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Dec 02, 1999 11:57am | #5

   *Geez, talk about a "blast from the past"!

2. 
   jcallahan | Dec 03, 1999 02:23am | #6

   *What exactly will you be doing with the truck? If payload is a concern you might want to move up to the F 450 or F 550. The diesel is a $4600 dollar option. It will take 4 to 6 years to recoup your initial investment on the diesel option, depending on how many miles you drive a year and the price of fuel. Trailer Life a few months back had a good article comparing the PowerStroke and the V 10 and total operating costs. You might want to look at the Dodge with the Cummins, too.

3. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Dec 04, 1999 09:27pm | #7

   *Time sure flys....It sure would be nice to have a heavy duty reliable truck ready for the spring season (march 2000)...Time to get serious...work out the benefits and payback stuff I guess...Thinking big truck and commercial location or going way smaller...and buying $50k of AOL stock...near the stream, but maybe not for long, got the travel itchies,aj

4. 
   jcallahan | Dec 06, 1999 09:34pm | #8

   *A few more thoughts ......a few former and current Ford and Dodge service techs I've talked with said both their automatics had some problems which have been corrected ...... in the case of Dodge, he said the automatic would hold up IF routine fluid and filter changes were done. A local garage may have Alldata or a similar service, they can pull TSB's (service bulletins) for almost almost any make or model .......it can be interesting reading. The local lumber yard uses 2wd UD's for delivery vehicles..... the drivers tell me they are dead reliable but useless as a pig on ice in mud or snow.

5. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Dec 07, 1999 04:01pm | #9

   *Great info J.Thanksaj

6. 
   Jim_Nation | Apr 01, 2000 04:22am | #10

   *I would hold out for the new GM with the Mitsubishi engine to be available in September. At least as much power as the Ford or Dodge plus they will have an Allison six speed automatic good for 550 ft lbs of torque. Both Ford and Dodge have had to limit the engine output because of maximum torque problems with their trannys. Ask any of the Banks turbo charger guys. Ford and Dodge may also get the new Alley in 2002 or 2003. If you go with the Ford SD (450 or 550) an even heavier duty Alley is available ($4000+)

7. 
   TomTheToolMan | Apr 01, 2000 04:40am | #11

   *Jim Nation- The GMC is going to have an Izusu diesel not a Mitsubishi, the power will be more than Ford and Dodge, but only until 2002. Ford has redesigned the PowerStroke which will inturn take the class again in Hp/torx. The GMC Izuzu prototypes have a serious flaw in which they are searching for a cure- blowing head gaskets due to aluminum heads on cast block.

8. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Apr 02, 2000 12:18am | #12

   *Wow..Finally new engine yak...Tell me as much as you all know as I am a Chevy guy who tows a heap...near the streamaj

9. 
   Jeff_J._Buck | Apr 03, 2000 01:03am | #13

   *DeWalt! Jeff

10. 
    Brad_Gotschall | Apr 03, 2000 04:18am | #14

    *I'd stick with the Ford or Dodge diesel 3/4ton or up.I've got a '99 Ford SD250crewcab/shrtbed/diesel/auto and have never towed(25' travel trailer) with anything so easily. If you've got family to haul the crewcab is bitchin compared to the extended cab.Regarding GMs diesels; as a former Chevy mechanic (and GM devotee) the present engine does'nt compare with Ford/Dodge.(I told you what I'm driving now) So far as the new engine is concerned, it may turn out to be good. But, with any new engine/powertrain designs/options there will be bugs/ or problems, and you, the owner of such will serve as the guinea pig. I've seen this with all manufacturers so I would stay away from any new engine or transmission design/option for the first 2-3 years.Good Luck, Brad

11. 
    Luka_ | Apr 03, 2000 04:30am | #15

    *I knew there was something I liked about you.

12. 
    Michael_Ampula | Apr 03, 2000 06:17am | #16

    *I've got a new F350/Crew/Turbostroke and just two hours ago got back from a 400mi round trip to Cleveland by way of PA. Gotta tell ya', the Ford kicks arse. Truck pulled like a fiend up every long grade. Hardly even noticed the hills.I just replaced a Dodge Ram, 5.9l gas engine. After two years. I've never owned any vehicle for that short a period of time. Engine started knocking and burning oil (in warranty). Dodge's position: "Burns less than a quart/1000mi, not our problem." Smart ass dealer service wennie didn't help matters either.Buy the Furd.And I gotta tell ya', the crew cab makes loading my new helper (age: 3 mo.) a breeze. Beats the crap out of twisting my back to load a carseat/baby in the rear seat.

2. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Apr 03, 2000 06:17am | #17

   *
   I have to pick up another truck....

   UD 1800 or

   Ford 350hd 4x4 extended cab shortbed or

   Ford 350hd 4x4 extended cab Stake/dump with under tool boxes, diesel powerstroke motor, xlt and or Lariat

   or what?