Smoker or not?

[LizardKing]

I'm looking at getting a different truck, since mine gets 10 mpg on a good day, and I've been looking at some diesels. The fuel is more expensive, but the mileage is higher. I know I can put a bunch of gas in for the price diff of a diesel truck and who knows where the prices are headed in the near future. Any thoughts?

Currently looking at 2000(ish) F250 or Dodge 2500.

[610Alpha]

Diesel fuel will store longer if you use PRI-D. Most likely you would be able to get Diesel after Gasoline ran dry, at least hypothetically. Might be easier to EMP proof/protect than a gasoline. my 2 cents worth.

[Mikeg175]

I gave my wife my Denali , every option under the sun and got myself a 2001 Ford Excursion , with a 7.3 powerstroke diesel and I love everything about it . One of the major reasons I went diesel is because if SHTF , I can fill my truck from heating oil tank , which is a 250 gal holding tank hehe . I know most GAS station's will run out of gas faster then diesel and it has a 44 gal tank , so I get about 800 miles to the tank . With a diesel there are so many different ways to make them run and other then being louder and the smell at startup , it drives the same as a gas vehicle . I can pull 11k pounds without a problem and seat 8 comfortably while hauling all their gear .
I searched long and hard to get a good diesel and I'm glad I made the switch . Make sure you do your homework on which ever ones catch your fancy check out Dieselstop.com ( insert forum of choice ) and just read on some and get a feel for what may float your boat .

[adoy]

I have a number of older Mercedes diesels. The diesel engines are generally more robust and will live longer. They are usually set up for some kind of towing and thusly usually have the electronics upgrade (larger alternator, etc) I very much enjoy alternative fuels.

[adoy]

SHTF also the reason for my choice

SHTF was also the reason for my choice. Older vehicle, easier to fix, and EMP resistance. I added 240 amp upgraded alternator to replace the 60amp original. (it can also be used as a welder) The ideas is that with a decent inverter, I could power the essentials in my house by letting the car idle. I have been burning straight grease(filtered) for a number of years and still going strong. With the new low sulfur diesel I would be hesitant to not run with a lubricating additive.

[Not_Yet_Prepped]

I have also been looking for a diesel... My understanding is that in PAW diesel can be made much easier than Gas. And I know that they are way better on milage too.

Are Diesel Engines easy to obtain? Can you just buy a rebuilt motor somewhere and slap it in a "shell" of say an old jeep or samari?

[Bearman202]

Something you might want to check. Previously, I owned an F-350 with the Navstar 7.3. That was the precursor to the Powerstroke, the main difference being that the Navstar didn't have a Turbo on it. IMHO, it didn't need one. That engine just chugged. Later I bought an F-450, with the Powerstroke, and I couldn't really tell any difference in towing ability. The main problem with them was the base of the fuel filter. They made them out of plastic, and they would warp or something. Another common problem with them was the cam position sensor. They went bad, and the engine would just stop. Wait a minute or two, and they would start right up and run okay. Bizzare. One other thing: If you buy the Ford, make sure you do NOT get a ZF transmission on it. They're 5 speed transmissions and are built in Germany. They are also junk. Get one with the big automatic tranny and you should do okay.

[Bull]

I would definitely do some good research about the particular engine in whatever happens to look appealing while you are searching. Some engines really suck. In my mind, dependability is key. Other things are good as well. Diesels are typically more efficient, and don't use spark plugs so you have no ignition system to worry about. However, anything 2000 ish is going to have a computer. I'm about to get an 84 Bronco, naturally aspirated 351 engine, specifically because I don't want any computer systems to worry about. Diesels are normally more robust, tough, and even slightly more forgiving when you work on them, than gas engines. They can run on old vegetable oil, and other things as well. But you can do other things with gas engines. You will need more oil for oil changes on your diesel. There are a few differences. After a while of thinking about it I opted for something else, but diesels are good. The main thing is to research the specific model in what you think you want to buy, and get some spare, replacement parts. Newer ones have emission components that go bad, computers, etc. If it's newer it will probably have a turbo, and it would suck to have a $15 charge air hose split and knock you out of commission.

[45B]

I bought a 1999 Ford F250 SuperDuty supercab with a gooseneck hitch and an 8 ft bed in 2wd. Got it after my PT Cruiser was totalled in an accident.

Best vehicle I have ever had. Tons of power with the turbo diesel 7.3 motor and heavy duty. Can pull anything I want.

Only thing I am looking for now is a 5th wheel hitch that connects to my gooseneck so I can use any type of trailer or camper I want.

[boltgun308]

I currently have a 2001 Cummins and a 99 7.3 Powerstroke F350. The Cummins is by far cheaper and easier to maintain. I am going to list the Ford on CL just because everything on the vehicle is a PITA to work on. The Cummins does not use glow plugs, the Ford does and they are not easy to replace. The Fords will not crank if the glow plug circuit goes out. Trust me, I know. The Fords need good hot batteries to crank. Cranking RPM is critical for the Ford. The Cummins will crank on one battery if necessary. I am a GM man personally, but the GM diesels leave a lot to be desired. The DuraMax is also a PITA to work on, and the 6.2 and 6.5 are way under-powered, even the turbo 6.5.

The 98 back Cummins uses a manual injection pump. I am trying to find one reasonably priced, but people like to hold on to them.

BTW, if you have a diesel that refuses to crank due to cold weather or a glow plug malfunction, soak a rag in gasoline and hold it over the air intake while someone spins over the engine. The gas fumes are less combustible than ether and will not harm the engine. Make sure the rag does not get sucked into the intake. It does require two people.