older (cheaper!) diesel truck?

[rockriver]

a friend is looking for older model dependable diesel truck...
I don't have a clue...
any suggestions of year models or mfg that he should be looking for??
emphasis on reliability he says.
I remember some stories about inadequate transmissions, poor cooling, poor radiator supports.
but I've never had a diesel and have a slight case of crs so looking for some help.

[jimmycthemd]

How old and how cheap? And what's he going to be hauling? In the bed or on a trailer?

I've owned several diesels, chevy and Ford. The newer Chevys have an Isuzu diesel. It's not the best but they have an Allison tranny that's great. The Fords are pretty reliable and have (you guessed it) Ford diesels in them (at least the newer ones). The older ones had International engines.

The newer Chevys have a better towing capacity...I have an '07 1 ton and it's rated at 17,500 lbs towing. Last one was an '02 Ford F350 (1 ton) but it's towing capacity was only 12,500 lbs. Had to either go Chevy or go to an F450 as my trailer pushes 15k lbs sometimes.

Don't know much about the Dodges, except they use Cummins diesels which are great engines.

Both the Ford and the Chevy have been real reliable. I had a 93 Chevy 1 ton with a Detroit Diesel Allison diesel and it was pretty reliable but slightly underpowered. I kept it until it had about 200k miles on it and it was still running good. Needed brakes, a clutch and several other things that would cost more than the book value on the truck so I 'upgraded'.

hope this helps...I know it's pretty vague but just some experiences I've had with diesels.

[Machrism82]

I don't know what the budget is but maybe this will help. I too am on the fence about getting a truck for everyday work and occasional towing. Also helps me see what's best with all three makes. Especially since I am a fan of the very old Ford, square body Chevys and literally all Dodges. I hope this helps.

http://www.trucktrend.com/cool-trucks/1201dp-10-best-used-diesel-trucks/