Re: What's wrong with Chevy/GMC diesel pickups?

Posted by jdemaris on January 11, 2006 at 20:06:27 from (69.67.230.75):

In Reply to: What's wrong with Chevy/GMC diesel pickups? posted by Richard Scott on January 11, 2006 at 16:46:35:

If you were buying a truck for heavy trailer pulling and making a living with it - none of the following applies. It probably makes sense, in that case, to buy a newer truck - use it hard for X amount of miles, and then sell it before you have to start fixing it. But, if you are on a budget, want a truck that gets decent all-around fuel mileage, and - since it's used - you want replacement parts to be priced reasonable - then here are my experiences.
I've got seven diesel trucks - five Chevys and two Fords. Years from 1982 - 1994. I won't buy any newer since after 94, electronic injection controls became necessary to meet the newer emmission restrictions.
Personally, for an all around truck I love the 6.2 and 6.5 G.M.s. Parts are cheap, they are rugged and reliable. My 87 just turned 500,000 miles and the engine has never been apart. It has had several injector changes as maintenance and many water pumps. My 7.3 Ford has 220,000 and my 6.9 Ford has 170,000 -and both of them have also been very reliable - but hogs on fuel when compared to the GMs. If I'm pulling a trailer with over 6-7000 lbs. on it, I use the Fords. But, when running half empty and/or not pulling a trailer? The Fords get the same mileage empty, loaded, etc. - an average of around 14 MPG with the extra cab, long bed, 4WD, and heavy axles and springs. Now, the Chevys do much better for light loads. My 82 1/2 ton 4WD has gotten 25 MPG on a flat highway - compared to the same driving with my 6.9 Ford - empty that got 14.5 MPG. My 3/4 ton Suburban 4WD gets 21 at best and averages 18.
I have also heard some impressive figures with newer trucks - but you have to take into consideration the purchase price and the expense of parts for the newer trucks. I buy injectors for my Ford of GM IDI diesels for around $15 apiece. Waterpumps cost around $35. Try pricing the same parts for the newer diesels and you'll have a stroke.
The optimum year for either a Ford or Chevy/GM - in my opionion is 94 - they both have turbos and mechanical injection. After 94, civilian trucks go to electronic injection controls (the military GMs stayed with mechanical).
The new trucks ?? If you're willing to spend $40,000 on a truck and then pay very high prices for maintenance and repairs - then it seems to me fuel mileage is the least of your concerns. I've got one neighbor who recently bought a new Chevy with the Japanese Isuzu diesel V-8. Chevy/GM stopped making their Detroit-Diesel designed 6.2-6.5). The best he's gotten so far is 17 MPG empty with a wind at his back. His older 92 Dodge with the Cummins can get 19 MPG and the engine has been great (perhaps not the rest of the truck, though). He also found out real fast that the new truck will NOT run on farm fuel.
I almost bought a 98 Ford with a Powerstroke DI engine a while back. It ran great but had 220,000 miles on it. I checked around and when I found out what parts cost I decided against it. Try pricing an injection pump, injectors, water pump, etc. and you'll see what I mean. In my mind, it's not worth it once things start needing replacement - unless at the outset you buy the truck very cheap.

Replies:

• Re: What's wrong with Chevy/GMC diesel pickups? Bob 21:29:22 01/11/06 (2)
  • Re: What's wrong with Chevy/GMC diesel pickups? jdemaris 05:45:02 01/12/06 (1)
    • Re: What's wrong with Chevy/GMC diesel pickups? Bob 07:17:06 01/12/06 (0)

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