Truck - Diesel Route

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weejub

weejub

Joined
Jan 4, 2011
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Location
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Still kinda looking at trucks for pulling mowers and the '85 4Runner. Have been investigating the 5.9L Cummins.

So I am not having much luck finding a first gen Cummins Dodge.

What should I be looking for in something like this if I go the transplant path for a 5.9L?

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4650277922.html

Obviously oil leaks, general condition

Looking for ext cab 4x4 w/ manual tranny like the rest of mankind.

$$$:
http://topeka.craigslist.org/cto/4695212469.html

Or, come on man, look at this: 47K miles $20K and I could sell the family tent :)

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/rvs/4703764408.html

Or you can get this way instead: http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4662235028.html

About twice as much as I am hoping to spend, but nice:
http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/cto/4706495155.html
 
I am on my second cummins dodge, and always had the automatic. I think it gets a bad wrap. Always done great.

299k miles before the first rebuild of tranny. First 190k miles it was pushing 25k lbs weekly with gooseneck.

my 99 is noisy compared to the 96.
 
Anything after 1999 gets 2-4 less mpg.
 
Why do you want a diesel? I'm always a big fan of diesels but it doesn't make sense for everybody... A gasser gets fewer miles per gallon but the longevity is almost the same and parts and service are usually less.
 
having lived in tow rig world.. Chef had the older cummins.. i had the older ford powerstroke 7.3 turbo.. we both towed all over the country.. I LOVED the crewcab.. (cause i could sleep in the back) Wish ford made a crewcab with the cummins.. you have dodge electronics and a great engine.. Sorry Kelly.. the older dodges 1st gen.. blew headlight wiring harnesses and switches etc and had a bearing issue in then NV4500 that probably has been addressed by now if your looking at them. Older fords have their own issues.. Dual mass flywheels that have probably been upgraded.. Crank position sensor that if it goes your stuck.. Stupid oil pan Oring.. First step in book time to fix oil pan states "Pull Cab".. That being said.. I could actually get about 18 unloaded.. 11-13 loaded for moab..
If i go into tow rig world again.. it's gonna be a toterhome or a 5th wheel with inside truck storage that converts to bedroom. I'd go 5th wheel instead of bumper pull.. feels better towing. I had a 2wd cause i used it to tow.. SUCKED in the snow if the turbo kicked in but was a great truck when i had it.. Slippery slope my friend.. If your towing mowers.. don't need a diesel.. If your towing across the country and hit the mountains? THEN you need the POWER.... all that being said.. I did get passed by Lance Asher in his v8 toyota in the mountains.. so.. could just keep it simple. get a sequoia.. If you go into diesel world.. and DON"T need the room.. i'd just get a newer cummins like Rob's.. But all my knowledge ended in the late 90's Diesels.. I know NOTHING about all these new fangled diesels that use washer fluid in the exhaust.. WHO puts fluid in the exhaust..

I now have friends with trucks.. All those years when I was the guy with the pickup..
 
rockstate45 said:
Why do you want a diesel? I'm always a big fan of diesels but it doesn't make sense for everybody... A gasser gets fewer miles per gallon but the longevity is almost the same and parts and service are usually less.
Click to expand...

longevity the same....

Cummins 1st and 2nd are known to go 1M miles without major service. Name a gas engine truck like that?
 
2fpower said:
longevity the same....

Cummins 1st and 2nd are known to go 1M miles without major service. Name a gas engine truck like that?
Click to expand...


Well that's true. I think Ford quotes their overhaul schedule to be 250 and Cummins may be either at 350 or 500.

Either way, there's no doubt about the longevity of a diesel motor BUT, they're not without (expensive) issues either. I know the 5.9 12 and 24v Cummins are about as durable as you can get. The only issue there is that they're racking up tons of miles on an older truck and still costing similar amounts to a gasser of a newer year may be.

I'll have to follow up after the Royals' game tonight. Brb
 
Well after close to 30K in just over a year I can't complain about my Cummins too much. Getting quite a few Check Engine Lights when loping down the back roads with no load due to not high enough exhaust gas temp to burn the DEF. A few legs of CA trip 28 mpg but avg around 16 mpg ytd with heavy towing of rigs, gravel, top soil and such. It has about twice the power of Kelly's '99 but it is quite a bit more expensive. Built in exhaust brake and trailer brake control is nice. I am pretty sure Kelly enjoys hauling Foo with it.
 
trainrech said:
I towed my old 40 all over the place behind my 2000 100. Same engine as the Sequoia, but better amenities. And you have a back-up wheeling rig if you have troubles with your trail rig.
Click to expand...

I believe both my '04 4Runner and '03 GX470 have the same 4.7L engine and 5-speed transmission as the 100 and the Sequoia (if 2005-07) minus those vehicles that got the VVTi - - but they are lighter, shorter and not as tall - - so they should pull as well with some puts/takes? The '04 feels good pulling, but it has the heaviest possible rear OME springs and the Lexus needs some new suspension parts. The GX has to go, no matter what.

If I was JUST pulling the '85 2-4 times per year to off road, I think the '04 4Runner is OK. But we also have this mowing business and a kid who needs to pull mowers and get to school.

I really appreciate all the input - helps me from doing something stupid!! :)
 
tornadoalleycruiser said:
. . . If i go into tow rig world again.. it's gonna be a toterhome or a 5th wheel with inside truck storage that converts to bedroom. I.
Click to expand...

Man that would be nice - either way. I was thinking today about if I got a gooseneck flat bed, you could put your roof top tent on top of the neck :)
 
rockstate45 said:
. . there's no doubt about the longevity of a diesel motor BUT, they're not without (expensive) issues either. I know the 5.9 12 and 24v Cummins are about as durable as you can get. The only issue there is that they're racking up tons of miles on an older truck and still costing similar amounts to a gasser of a newer year may be.

I'll have to follow up after the Royals' game tonight. Brb
Click to expand...

Yea and like Jess has advised, too, an early 2000 GM gas truck may be the best value - just wanted to throw the diesel option out there for discussion. I'm leaning that way, still, as this truck is really going to be what I think my son will drive regularly and for the biz.
 
If you want to hook the trailer up and take it for a spin with my 07 tundra, you're more than welcome to give it a shot on a Saturday of your choosing. It's a strong motor, pulls well, and is pretty reliable. They aren't without faults, but they pull like a freight train. I have more comments but that's my spark noted version

Also, go Royals! (somehow we got stellar seats)

Screenshot_2014-10-15-19-08-21_1.webp
 
if you look around not many of the mowing trucks are diesel. the short trips and running cold are hard on diesel's. unless your also going to be doing cross country towing trips frequently it will be hard to justify. my dad has an 05 cummins and burns a quart of oil with every fill up mainly because he only drives 3 miles to work. never gets warm and tightens up to hold the boost. running cross country he doesn't have to worry about it. my dad also tows a stock trailer once or twice a week which is why he has it.

i towed a 12' tralier with 2 60" riders with a 1/2 ton growing up not the best and woudl recommend a 2500. you don't need 4.10 gears.

3/4 to 1 ton doesn't mean a change in mpg typically just heavier spring rates for more gross vehicle weight rating

my 2500 has 4.10 but have seen 3500 with 3.73 gears.
 
oh ya and let me know what you'll charge to mow my yard. I have a 36" Encore hydro that is as old as i am but trying to get my allergies in check and want to start out next year not mowing.
 
Jess - Awesome - I will get with Jacob and then get you a quote via IM. We hadn't really looked at lots smaller than 2 AC in our pricing scheme, but would love to have you as a customer :)
 
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