Diesel Pick Up Questions

[Triple J]

I'm looking at getting rid of my 2012 Frontier for a full size truck so I can pull a toy hauler. 3/4 ton diesels (used) are in the running, as then I could tow any toy hauler I feel like. 

I've never owned a diesel before and it'll be my every day driver, so a couple questions for those with experience please. I drive about 10K-12K/year at most.

1. How many miles is too many when looking used? For instance is a 2006 with ~120K too many, or is that no biggie for a diesel? I'm guessing the latter if the rest of the truck is in good shape, but...

2. Anyone have experience with the 6.0L Powerstokes? I've read the early ones ('03-'04) had problems, but it seems '05 and '06 are OK. They also get a lot of glowing reviews. Anyone have input? Other motors to worry about?

3. Is diesel maintenance a lot more than gas? I know oil changes run more, but anything else?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks!!

[Popeye the Sailor]

2) The 6.0 is a motor I would avoid, personally.

3) $80 oil changes are the norm. Price out a set of injectors for when yours o and you might reconsider. Heavy duty trucks with heavy duty prices have heavy duty price tags-as do their parts. A clutch for my F250 is about $600 for parts.

Mileage is better, but not as good as most seem to claim.

1) I bought my current tow rig with 230k on the clock-it really depends on the motor, and your budget.

I've heard good things about the new Ford 6.7, cummins is typically a hit, and the old 7.3 in Ford trucks.

[rgramjet]

Unless you are a dyed in the wool Ford guy, check out  the Duramax diesels.  I had a similar apprehension before purchasing a 2006 Silverado 2500 with 105k miles.  I researched and test drove diesels from the big three.  My final decision was based on the following.
-Very quiet and smooth compared to the 7.3 and 6.0. 
-Allison trans has seamless shifts and is amazingly intuitive.
-Interior/exterior finishes are durable.  Not sure why but I saw a lot of Fords with dented/flimsy tailgates and ripped leather on the drivers seat.

I had an Avalanche prior to the Silverado.  Gas mileage fluctuated huge depending on load and I didn't pull very heavy items.  The 5.3 lacked power again when pulling even a light trailer.  Silverado, when pulling the exact same loads got better mileage than the unloaded Avalanche with plenty of power to spare.

Let us know what you end up with!

[duc_fan]

I'd stay away from the Ford 6.0 and 6.4.  Even the service guy I talked to at the Ford dealer said to stay away.  The old 7.3 was bulletproof, but the used examples are getting long in the tooth.  I'm still not entirely convinced on the new 6.7, but it's completely different from the old motors.  First couple years of it had some teething problems (around 2011), dunno if they still do.

If you're buying used, I might suggest going with a 2007 or earlier GM or Dodge.  If you want an automatic, go with the GM truck, as the Allison is vastly superior in reliability to the Chrysler automatics.  If you go with a manual, get the Dodge/Cummins.  Probably the most bulletproof drivetrain on the road.

The suspension on the GM trucks is an IFS, and they have significantly better road manners than the live-axle Dodge and Ford HDs.  Especially if you throw a set of Bilsteins on them.  However, if you want to lift it significantly, the Ford and Dodge products are significantly easier to put big lifts on.  You'll have to decide what's more important for your mission.

The reason for the 2007 or earlier cutoff is emissions equipment.  Starting in 2008 (2007.5 for GM), the EPA mandated diesel particulate filters be added.  The "regen" process (where it burns off accumulated soot) burns extra fuel, so they don't get as great mileage.  The DPF is also restrictive, has a finite lifespan, and is expensive to replace.  If you live in a non-emissions-check state or region, you could say "screw federal law" and perform a DPF delete.

If you go post-2007.5 GM, jump ahead to 2011.  They completely revamped the frame, brakes, suspension.  Handles much heavier loads with aplomb.  The LML motor is a peach... just be careful of or delete the emissions crap.  The only consistent problems the LMLs seem to have entail the Urea injection system (DEF).  Even those problems are not universal.  If buying used, you will want to check the maintenance and service records very thoroughly to make sure the truck has not had problems with the DEF system.  If it does, stay away.  If it's got 20k miles or more with no DEF problems, it's probably fine.  They seem to either have interminable problems from new, or they're perfectly fine.

I have a 2011 Silverado 2500HD LTZ, 4x4, crew cab, standard bed (6.5'), with the Duramax/Allison powertrain.  Put a couple thousand pounds in it or behind it, and it's a happy camper.  Empty it's a bit bouncy, but all 3/4-ton and 1-tons are.  Rides really sweet with some weight in it.  The Allison transmission, tow/haul mode, and built-in exhaust braking are a fantastic combo that make towing a total non-event.  I have leveled it (brought the nose up to match the rear), put some All-Terrain T/As on, had a Line-X bedliner put in, added the GM/AMP Research tailgate extender, and made some "functional powertrain mods".   Let's just say it went from averaging 16 mpg empty to averaging 18 empty, and it's a bit more responsive on the throttle.

With any diesel truck, you want to keep up on the preventive maintenance.  As others have said, they can get expensive, and it's even more so when you have to make major repairs.  You'd think you were trying to fix or repair a friggin' Bimota, with the prices they charge.  So yeah... if it doesn't have one, add a lift pump to make the injection pump's life easier.  Install additional fuel filtration and water separation.  Delete or disable the EGR to reduce soot load in the intake (which winds up in the oil).  The rest of the advice is gonna sound very similar to owning a Ducati, just a slightly different parts list:  Keep up on oil changes, transmission fluid changes,  differential oil changes, chassis lube points, and all filter changes.  Put good fuel in it (stuff from a reputable seller that turns over a lot of it), and don't fill up somewhere that has the tanker filling the in-ground tanks.  Fix stuff quickly... don't let one failure snowball into other failures.

Good luck!

[Triple J]

Great info., thanks a lot guys!!  

Still not sure what I'm going to do, and if I really need a diesel. The 6.0 question was related to a guy who wants to trade my wife's Infiniti for his '06 Ford Lariat with the 6.0. The truck looks to be in good shape, but I'm leery of the 6.0. It would make things simpler with the trade though. Bummer.

Interestingly, my brother in law is a mechanic, and said to stay away from diesels unless I'm gonna be towing a lot of heavy stuff all the time. Said they are a pain in the ass compared to gas. I like the better gas mileage and essentially unlimited tow capability though, although I may never have anything larger than a 20' toy hauler which a 1/2 ton gas can handle fine. My dad has a 1 ton Dodge crew cab with the Cummins (5.7 I think?), and I like it...thing will tow my current trailer at 100 mph up a 7% grade!   I'd buy his, but he got it with the extra long bed...turns (or pivots) more like an airplane than a truck!  

[muskrat]

I have the new ford f250 with the 6.7 and love it. Average 16-18/town and 21-22/hwy. 
the 6.0 is ok if the DEF delete has been done, if not RUN.   I sold my half ton for the very reason you are looking and although I bought more truck than I need it's nice to never worry if she will tow anything.   I love the Allison transmission but the Ford won in the end. 

[muskrat]

Drive the new twin turbo Ford diesel and stomp on it, you'll have a shit-eatin-grin j your face.  They are reasonably priced in the used market.  Oh and something else.......power folding mirrors although a novelty works great in town through ATM's and lots of parking lots. 
I towed a 15,000 lbs  3 axle trailer and she screamed.........not. I got 16-17' mpg. Never seen it below 15, ever.

[Triple J]

What years have the Ford diesel you're talking about? I'm not getting new, but if I can find a used one...

[Triple J]

I have a 2011 Silverado 2500HD LTZ, 4x4, crew cab, standard bed (6.5'), with the Duramax/Allison powertrain.  

Looks like that's what I'm getting...Extra Cab though, not Crew. Should get it next weekend.  

Might need more info. on the "functional powertrain mods". 

[Popeye the Sailor]

Long bed?

I don't know where you live but I think short beds are illegal in Texas. They have a border check and everything.

[Triple J]

Standard bed...I have to drive this thing around the city and park it sometimes!

[Popeye the Sailor]

Standard bed...I have to drive this thing around the city and park it sometimes!

If it's snow country just park on top of a snowbank or a prius.

[Triple J]

If it's snow country just park on top of a snowbank or a prius.

Seattle, so no snow, or at least not enough to matter. I'd be happy to park on top of a Prius though. 

[muskrat]

What years have the Ford diesel you're talking about? I'm not getting new, but if I can find a used one...

2011 and newer, you can find some good prices. 

[Skybarney]

A good diesel pickup line?  How about "Hey baby that's a mighty nice set of pipes you have there".

I am sooo sorry I misunderstood the title of the thread.  Thought you were talking about Diesel trucks