Need advice

[grasshopper]

My 93 Chev 6.5 now has over 300000km on it and I am wanting to replace it soon. I want to get a 3/4 ton or 1 ton single cab long box. I don't want to get another Chev diesel, just too many issues. I want either a Ford or Dodge. I can't afford a brand new truck, but want to spend about $20,000. My main focus is fuel efficiency. We would be using this truck for year round duties, such as sanding in the winter, and for pulling mowers around in the spring and summer ( not a very heavy trailer ) and occasionally pulling a bobcat. What truck would get better mpg the Ford or Dodge for this type of work? Any other issues with them such as trannys etc. Thanks

[wyldman]

The Dodge with a Cummins under the hood would beat anything for mileage,especially when working\towing\plowing.

A 94-98.4 Ram with a 12 Valve is what you want.No electronics for the engine control,all mechanical.A late model 24 Valve would be my second choice.It has electronics,but still very reliable and efficient.

The Ford isn't a bad truck,but the Powerstrokes have a lot of electronics,and can be expensive to repair.They don't seem to last as long either.

The trannies are just OK in both the Ford and Dodge,and both can be built to last when they fail.I wouldn't decide based on trannies.

You have the best trans company right in your province.Diesel Transmission Technology is in B.C.They have everything you need to make a Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel into one wild bulletproof machine.

[grasshopper]

Thanks Wyldman. How did I know you would recommend the Dodge? :D I talked to a few people about the mpg they get and most say 19-23. Does this sound about right?

[wyldman]

I can get upwards of 26 MPG with nothing in the truck.The motor and trans mods have improved the mileage even more (if I keep my foot out of it ;)).

On average,most guys with the 3.55's seem to get 22-23 empty,and it can drop down to as low as 12 pulling a very heavy load.Pulling a bobcat around should still get you 18-19 MPG.

Where they really shine is plowing.I am now down to under a gallon per hour of fuel in the average snowfall.This is due to the fact that my torque convertor is very tight (not wasting power),and the Cummins makes so much low end power (more RPM's=more fuel used).Most V8 diesels cannot touch this,as they make power much higher in the RPM range,and tend to use more fuel.The heavoer the load gets,the more fuel they use.

[Joey D]

The used market is very soft and you want the least popular model, reg cab, so you should be able to get a late model easy enough. Just get as new of a vehicle as you can as it sounds like you are going to keep it for a long time. Drive a few and see what you like

I will say that milage is all in the way you drive, even in a Dodge :grinz .
Speed kills milage and so do steep gears.