Archived Emails, learn all you can.

Let's talk Trucks!

SD F250 Ford
Date: 10 Jan 2002

I have decided on a Super cab F250 with the Power Stroke. I have the option of 3.73's or 4.10's. I pull a boat, but it's only 18', and will occasionally pull a 30' travel trailer. Future plans are for a 5th wheel travel trailer, but not for a while. Additionally, I'll be adding an 8' snow plow on a removable mount. Please explain the advantages/disadvantages of gear ratios and help me make the better choice. I envision the potential for mountain towing to be no more than once every couple years. Thanks.

Re: SD F250 Ford
Date: 10 Jan 2002

Hi, on the F250, they only come with 3.73 rear axle ratio since the 99 Super Duty model. In 99 Ford added the intercooler and increased horsepower and torque. At the same time they changed the rear axle from 4.10 to the 3.73 to take some of the torque impact out of the drive train. To get the 4.10 you have to go to a F350 dually. The F250 for warranty purposes in a 4x4 Super cab is rated to pull 13,400#"s. The Power Strokes are powerful rascals, you'll be impressed with how well they will pull your boat and fifth wheel. Good Truck'n. MT

Exhaust brakes & super chips
Date: 14 Jan 2002
First, let me say that you have a great site. I stumbled upon your site yesterday, and everything was so interesting that I read everything there was to read. Very informative!!! Here's my situation. I'm about a week away from buying a new truck. I will be pulling a heavy trailer that when loaded, will be about 17,000 pounds. Because of the weight/length of the trailer, I've decided to get a new 2002 Ford F550. It'll basically be loaded... 4 wheel drive, automatic, flat bed, and of course it comes with the Power Stroke. I'm thinking about buying an exhaust brake and a super chip for it to help with the towing. What are your thoughts about this? I know you will love the idea of the exhaust brake (as I do) but which one should I buy?... a Banks, BD, or some other kind? And what do you think about the superchip? Is it a good move to get a little bit more horsepower and torque? Thanks in advance! Scott

Re: Exhaust brakes & super chips
Date: 14 Jan 2002:

Hi Scott, thanks for reading my site. I like Banks the best. The mechanic's I know have banks. I've seen their support after the sale and they bend over backwards for their customers. Remember this is a fine line with the trucks warranty. I know there are laws protecting aftermarket, but if the exhaust brake hurts the exhaust valve seats or boosting the horsepower with a chip harms your tranny, the manufacture is going to turn down warranty work if they think it was caused by aftermarket add-ons. They state that in the warranty manual you get with the truck. Banks does help you work with the dealer on that problem, but you should know the risks. Adding a K&N filter and larger exhaust doesn't usually affect the warranty and could give you another 50 hp. That's were I would start before spending the big bucks. Good Truck'n. MT

Chevy Transmission
Date: 13 Jan 2002

Hi. I have a 1993 6.5 liter K2500 Chevy pickup with a 5 speed manual transmission with Low,,1,2,3 and overdrive. Should I worry about pulling a 10,000 pound trailer in overdrive?

Re: Chevy Transmission
Date: 13 Jan 2002

Hi, a manual transmission overdrive is different from overdrive in an automatic. Pulling 10,000#'s won't hurt the manual tranny in overdrive. Watch the tach and engine temp gauge. If the engine lugs to much under a load the engine temp gauge should rise. On level ground you should be OK in overdrive. Good Truck'n. MT

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PICKUP SADDLE TANKS
Date: 13 Jan 2002

Am looking for any information for adding an extra INTERNAL fuel tank to increase my PU's fuel capacity from 34 gal to at least double that. I've seen all kinds of in-bed tanks and the like, but want to see if there are any that will fit in open space under the skin of the truck that can be fed into the main tank. 2001 Chevy 3500 Crew Cab, LB Dually. Am trying to preserve the bed of the truck for other things. Thanks in advance, Dennis H Michigan

Re: PICKUP SADDLE TANKS
Date: 13 Jan 2002

Hi, since the class action lawsuits GM lost with the factory saddle tanks exploding in accidents, most shops and aftermarket can't take the liability to install what you describe. Check with Camping World too. They might have something. You could go to a flat bed or custom beds which have more room for fuel tanks. Good Truck'n. MT

Diesel Dually around $20,000
Date: 13 Jan 2002

I looking for a diesel Truck which will seat six people to hold my 11 Foot Truck camper! I have been looking at Ford because they are the only good diesel with a Crew Cab. If I can settle for a Quad cab how is the Dodge. One problem is I know you do not recommend a automatic-wife would like an automatic! The other thing I'm going to do pull my fishing boat out of lakes-my retirement vehicle! I could cut the price if I took a 2wheel drive. All the Fords I have found are around 28,000 or they have so many miles I cannot get a warranty! Any suggestions? I'm going to purchase in the next few months.

Re: Diesel Dually around $20,000
Date: 13 Jan 2002

Hi, it looks like Ford is going to continue the 0% interest on new trucks next week into March. GM is offering the $2002 rebate instead of the 0%. Dodge is offering longer warranties. This drives down the price of used ones. If the boat ramps you use are always going to be paved, a 2-wheel drive with limited slip rear axle could work. If you need an automatic, get the Ford, especially 99 or newer.  Good Truck'n. MT

Re: Diesel Dually around $20,000
Date: 13 Jan 2002

Hello. I just bought a brand new (albeit a 2001) Chevy 3500 Dually, loaded, crew cab, with trade in, for 20K. I too was looking for a diesel to tow a 9000 lb trailer. However, I just couldn't justify the added expense of the diesel. Anyway, my point is that right now, many dealers are taking a huge loss on big dually's, gas or diesel, because they can't unload them. Look around and you may find a sweetheart of a deal. Dennis H Michigan

selecting a used diesel pickup
Date: 12 Jan 2002

I'm interested in buying a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel pickup to haul a camper. I'm looking at pickups from the 80 and early 90's. Can you direct me to a good resource to help identify which makes, models and years are the most durable and what to look out for?

Re: selecting a used diesel pickup
Date: 13 Jan 2002

Hi in the late eighties and early nineties I would say the Cummins in the Dodge diesel is the 1rst choice. It was the first to have a turbo and intercooler. Second choice would be the 7.3L diesel in the Ford. In those years I would stay away from the automatic in ether of them. Have the water checked. Early diesels had a problem with cracks in the water jackets. The web has several good message boards out under "search". Hopefully we will hear some experiences here. Good Truck'n. MT

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Buying 92 Ford F-250?
Date: 10 Jan 2002

I am about to buy a 1992 Ford F-250 with a 7.5 L 460 ci engine, with 117,000 mi. The salesman says " an older couple owned it, and they only towed a "small" fifth wheel. The vehicle is immaculate inside and out. The price seems reasonable at $7990.00 This is way more truck than I need right now, but who knows when I might need to buy a cab over camper. He is also offering us top dollar for our trade.. A) does this sound like a good deal? B) how bad will my gas mileage be compared to a smaller v-8? Our other option right now is a 96 Toyota extra cab with 135,000 miles for right around $10,000 Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Jeff

Re: Buying 92 Ford F-250?
Date: 11 Jan 2002

Hi, The 460 with an automatic usually gets 10 to 12 mpg. The Toyota depending on 4 cylinder or V-6 is closer to 25 to 30 mpg. So depending on if the F250 is second car or main vehicle what the economics are. The 460 was fuel injected in late 87. It's a good engine. Ford stopped making it in 97. I miss that engine, and the Chevy 454 is extinct too. So I would say use depends on future camper or main vehicle. We you say "top dollar for trade," I hate to bring bad news, but there is usually no such thing. If you had negotiated the price of the F250 and think it's good before the salesman found out you had a trade it would be better. Everyone including myself loves their trade. Salespeople know this, so they look for the soft spot which is usually the trade. So generally they make you feel good about what they are giving you for your trade and have the truck you are buying jacked up enough to cover the fluff. My advice is to sell your trade yourself and offer them a couple thousand less for the F250. I was trained as a car salesman in the early nineties and never liked their system, so I left to be a AAA auto club broker to give the customer just what they wanted and to look out for the members. Now I sale on the internet. I figure my own deals and tell people the truth about their trades and sell most vehicles at invoice or $300 over. It's a nasty business and I still see what the lot lizards are doing to people who don't do their research. The internet is the great equalizer if you use it. Look in your local paper and at www.autotrader.com to see what other 92 F250's are bringing in your area. I'm going to write a report on the sharks in the car business soon. Most of the people who survive very long in the car business either become sharks and make a lot of money or they go the way I did and sell a lot of trucks at fleet prices and have to build a web site to complain to the public on. What was the question? I need that last cup of coffee. Good Truck'n. MT

83 Toyota pickup
Date: 08 Jan 2002

Never expected to own a truck that had the frame rust out before the body.

Re: 83 Toyota pickup
Date: 08 Jan 2002

Hi, how many miles does your Toyota have? Sounds like a salt problem. In the last 10 years all the manufactures have coated their frames and double dip galvanized, (Zinc) their sheet metal. But you're right not to many trucks loose their frames before their fenders. Good Truck'n. MT

Diesel HD truck
Date: 08 Jan 2002

In need of a truck that can pull 32 ft, 20,000 lbs trailer. Any comments would be of great help. send e-mail to ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Re: Diesel HD truck
Date: 08 Jan 2002

Hi, I use to pull more than that with a 1-ton but to be within the manufactures fifth wheel trailer weight, I think the 3500 Dodge 2-wheel drive cab and chassis is 20,000#'s but I couldn't find it fast, what I found with a 3500 Dodge regular cab 2-wheel drive diesel was 15100# with a fifth wheel trailer. The F550 Ford 2-wheel drive cab and chassis with "high capacity trailer tow package" option gives you a 21,500 fifth wheel trailer capacity with an automatic transmission. I'm working an putting a trailer chart together, it all takes time. Good Truck'n. MT

1/2 Ton Chevy Diesel
Date: 07 Jan 2002

I am the guy that was wondering if I needed to spring for a Diesel or not because of mileage. I don't have to switch trucks often to stay happy, and I am going to be putting a lot of miles on this truck. I got a guy at a used dealership who has a '94 1/2 ton Z71 Ext. Cab Diesel that has 110,000 miles on it. He's asking $9,500 and I am just wondering what sort of deal this would be for me. I am not going to be pulling anything with this truck... except for the odd trailer here and there and possibly a RV trailer one of these days in the next couple of years if I can get one. I haven't seen many 1/2 ton diesels and someone told me that's because they had front-end problems because of the weight of the motor??? Is this so? Thanks for the info and advice... love the site!

Re: 1/2 Ton Chevy Diesel
Date: 07 Jan 2002

Hi thanks for visiting my website. I'm not found of the older GM diesels. Yes even the older GM diesels are heavier than a gas engine and will give you some expensive problems, suspension and engine. For fuel mileage, a GM Vortec gas 4.3L V-6 in the same truck your looking at will be close behind the GM diesel in fuel mileage and last a heck of a lot longer. Good Truck'n. MT

F250 Power Stroke
Date: 06 Jan 2002

I've recently purchased a 2002 F250 Crew cab 2WD 7.3 Diesel. I'm going to be pulling a ~6000 pound RV trailer (bumper pulled). My question is: Is it safe to pull the trailer with the overdrive "On" and using cruise control? I have heard that in hill/mountain areas, I should definitely not use the overdrive. What is your opinion on semi-flat highway towing with this type of truck and trailer? Your comments would be much appreciated.

Re: F250 Power Stroke
Date: 07 Jan 2002

Hi, with just a 6000# trailer, your F250 should pull that with overdrive and cruise on. I would shut the overdrive off coming down the mountain to give you some engine braking. The 2002 Ford Super Duty series has a new tranny temp gauge in the dash on the upper right side. When you are pulling in the mountains in overdrive watch that gauges and see where it goes. It shouldn't move a lot. If you pull a trailer of say 10,000#'s or more in the mountains I would shut off the overdrive. Good Truck'n. MT

engines
Date: 06 Jan 2002

my father in-law bought a 36 ft. fifth wheel now has looking for a truck whets better ? I am Chevy his brother is ford and he has to have gas. does the vortec 8.1 have a edge on the ford v-10? how about trans. and gearing i say 4:10 also would dual wheels on the back axle help or not? and last braking and does anybody offer headers and other upgrades including exhaust brakes?

Re: engines
Date: 07 Jan 20, 2002

Hi, thanks for visiting. If you’ve read my site you know how I feel about new engines their first year. I know this is the second year for the GM 8.1L V-8, but they hardly sold any in 2001. I think it's a gas mileage thing. You might be able to find a new 2001 out there somewhere. You can get the 8.1 in a dually with the 4.10 rear axle and with the Allison 1000 automatic. It has more torque and horsepower than the Ford 6.8L V-10. The Ford V-10 has been out since 97. Actually 70% of the class A motor homes (the big ones,) that have gas engines, use the Ford Triton 6.8L V-10. It will be interesting to see have many motor home manufactures switch to the GM 8.1L. I wish GM would loan me an 8.1L with an Allison 1000 to test for a year. There just aren’t enough out there in use for me to have enough data to give you more advice. As far as duallies, I like duals for the stability, bigger brakes, and they look cool. I’ve sold duallies to people who didn’t need a dually but wanted to put the company signs on the side and the dually gets noticed more. I like Banks exhaust brakes, but there are several good ones out there. Exhaust brakes can mess with warranty, so check it out. I hear the argument both ways on that and it comes down to lawyers. Good Truck’n. Oh by the way, my new disclaimer: I like lawyers. MT

Duramax Diesel
Date: 06 Jan 2002

I am in the process of ordering a 2500HD Duramax diesel. This truck will be used for my everyday driving as well as towing. I need to know who has had trouble and what the problems have been? Is the tranny ok or too much for the truck? If there are good things let me know that too. Yes I read your article and I hope the 2002 are improved. Let me know-thanks

Re: Duramax Diesel
Date: 07 Jan 2002

Hi, thanks for reading my web site. I was actually surprised by the problems of the Duramax. And most of the problems were from people pulling workloads. I’ve also heard good things from people pulling smaller RV fifth wheels. I expected head and head gasket problems with the aluminum head. But Duramax owners have told me about, broken crankshafts, blown head gaskets, broken front shocks, broken front stabilizer links, replacing front ball joints, starting problems, entire fuel systems replaced, etc. For some Duramax owners, the tow truck has become an accessory. I like the technology behind the Duramax and Allison 1000. GM has some great ideas in this new combination. As soon as dependability catches up with the technology, I’ll stop bitching about them. These are my opinions from my research, reviews and interviews; the softer stuff comes from magazines that get the big advertising from manufactures. I would love to hear more good stories from anyone out there about their Duramax or Allison 1000. Anyone out there have a 8.1L V-8 gas engine with the Allison 1000? The nice thing about any of the new diesels is the 5-year or 100,000 warranty. If you have the time, it shouldn’t cost anything to fix the Duramax for a while. Gosh, time for another cup of coffee. Please let me know how your new Duramax works for you. You should get a good price on an ordered truck; it doesn’t cost the dealer interest or floor plan. It should be like $1000 over invoice. Good Truck’n. MT

Dodge transmission
Date: 06 Jan 2002

I recently bought a used 96 dodge with the Cummings diesel and I have loved the truck since I bought it! But i have had some problems with the tranny lately? Q: It seems like the clutch is slipping and the motor reves but I don't seem to move until the clutch seems to grab again. i went to adjust the clutch but found that it is all in closed and you can't adjust it. can some one give me a hint on what to do or if they might know what is wrong with it?

Re: Dodge transmission
Date: 06 Jan 2002

Hi, with hydraulic clutches that the newer trucks have and all diesel pickups have them, you don't have adjustable free play anymore. This makes it hard to know how much wear is left on the clutch discs. You could have the master slave valve out. Or it's possible you have a oil leak somewhere, which is soaking the disc plates. Do you see any leaking around the tranny? If the rear main seal on the engine was leaking or the clutch slave valve, it could cause slipping. Sounds like surgery. Let me know what you find. Good Fix'n. MT

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Dodge Dakota purchase?
Date: 06 Jan 2002

I am looking for a truck that will get decent gas mileage, over 20 highway. But be able to pull a 2-horse trailer (6,000# max). I am looking at the 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab. Will this get the job done or would I need to go full-size? I put quite a few miles on for work and would like to get the best gas mileage I can but still be able to pull the trailer. Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Dodge Dakota purchase?
Date: 06 Jan 2002

Hi, the Dakota with the 5.9.L V-8 the 5.2L V-8 or the new 4.7L V-8 will pull the trailer. With the 5.2L V-8 you could get 20 mpg with a 2-wheel drive on the hi-way when you're not pulling a trailer. The issues I have with the Dakota besides how badly they rate with Consumer Reports, is they cost so close to a full size pickup. For gas mileage the Chevy, GMC, 1500 with the 4.3L V-6 Vortec is the best I've seen in a full size gas engine. But under a load like 6000#'s the 4.3L V-6 tends to overheat... I just looked at the EPA's gas mileage booklet for 2002 and the GM 4.3L V-6 still shows the best mileage in a 1/2 ton. So if you can afford it get the new Chevy or GMC 1500 with the 4.3L V-6 automatic, ( you have to go auto tranny to get the best tow capacity until you get to the 3/4 tons.) Get the heavy-duty auxiliary auto tranny cooling, heavy-duty trailer tow equipment and a 3.73 rear end. Today I'm adding a link to the EPA gas mileage ratings. Go to home or my front page and look on the left gray column next to the "Rebates, Recalls and Rates." Let me know what you decide and you experience so we all can learn. Anybody else have opinions on the right truck for pulling and gas mileage? Good Truck'n. MT

Re: Dodge Dakota purchase?
Date: 06 Jan 2002

Hi, again if you are pulling your trailer in the mountains, the V-6 won't cut it, you will have to go up to a larger V-8. The Chevy or GMC with the 4.3L V-6 Vortec auto and 3.73 rear axle ratio has a 10,000 # combined gross vehicle weight. If you get a Chevy or GMC crew cab to give you the room of the Dakota Quad cab you may be over the 10,000#'s. So part of this equation envolves which cab configuration you need. I know I'm as clear as mud but I do want to see you get the right truck. Good Truck'n. MT

Do I need a Diesel or not?
Date: 04 Jan 2002

I am looking to by a truck that I plan on putting a LOT of highway miles on. I work about 50 miles from home and drive that distance at least twice a day, not to mention we like to go out and have to drive back to town for that. I am the type person that will keep a vehicle as long as it will run, I don't need something new every couple of years, so I figured a diesel would be a good candidate. I here these 250,000 miles plus stories all the time. Should I spend the extra now on a diesel? Will the gas mileage save me that much? Thanks.

Re: Do I need a Diesel or not?
Date: 05 Jan 2002

Hi, a rule of thumb of 80,000 miles depending on the price of fuel to pay for the diesel engine from fuel savings over a gas engine. Today generally a large enough gas engine geared low enough to pull near a diesel is (Ford 6.8L V-10 4.30 rear axle, Dodge 8.0L V-10 4.10 rear axle, GM 8.1L V-8 4.10,) will get roughly 50% to 60% the fuel mileage of a diesel. Sometimes they are a little closer but not much if you gear the gas engine low enough to pull a large load like the diesel. There is a reason that you don’t see over-the-road semi tractor-trailer rigs with gas engines. So if you trade often and don’t pull a heavy trailer much, the gas will work. If you pull a lot, keep your truck a long time or just love the power, the diesel is the choice. Service the diesel on schedule and you should expect to join the 300,000-mile club. If you like to shift your diesel and economy is more important than convenience, the manual tranny can get a couple more miles to the gallon than the auto. Good Truck’n. MT

Used Dodge Diesel vs. Used Ford Diesel
Date: 02 Jan 2002

I need to get a new (used) truck the old 78' Chevy is worn out. I have narrowed my decision down to two Models, the Ford F250, Diesel, 6speed 4x4, or the Dodge Ram 2500, Diesel 5speed, 4x4. I would prefer the Dodge because I have heard so many good things about the Cummins. Although it seems that the Dodge is very hard to come by used. I would rather not pay for a brand new one. Any suggestions. I would appreciate some advise. Carlos Elk Grove, CA

Re: Used Dodge Diesel vs. Used Ford Diesel
Date: 03 Jan 2002

Hi, thanks for visiting my site. I put about 300,000 miles on my 77 Chevy and learned to be a mechanic keeping it running the last 200,000 miles. You are going to like having both fuel tanks on one side! Ford diesels out sell the Dodge diesel 3 to 1 which is why it's harder to find used Dodges. The short answer, because I'm ill and can't see the screen very well, is if you are buying a 99 or newer get the Ford, if 98 and older get the Dodge. Ford didn't make a 98 but came out with 99 early. Good Truck'n. MT

Ford 250 vs. 350 ride quality
Date: 01 Jan 2002

Would you comment on ride quality (empty load) on a 250 vs. 350 ford truck. Mainly city and highway roads- a few potholes. Both would have a non factory camper upgrade suspension. If I rarely (if ever) need the extra hauling capacity should I buy the 250 vs. the 350? Thank You!

Re: Ford 250 vs. 350 ride quality
Date: 01 Jan 2002

Hi, This question gets me in trouble with Ford. The F350 cost another $1000 and the only difference I've found is the 2.5" spacer on top of the rear axle, to raise the back up, and Ford gives the axle on a F350 around a 800# higher rating than on a F250. In 99 the F250 was jacked up also. Ford then discovered that not everyone’s trailer or camper would fit the new tall truck; so one time under warranty Ford would lower the truck for you. From 97 and back the F250 and F350 had different axles and springs. Then Ford came out with the new model, Super Duty replacing the Heavy Duty in a 99 model. The F250 and F350 share everything. But then there is that “magic spring dust.” Somehow without making the trucks different Ford gives you a 9900# gross vehicle weight on the F350 and 8800# on the F250, but the trailer capacity is the same. That kind of gives it away magic spring dust and all. So I usually recommend saving your money and get the F250. Manufactures are always trying to do one better than the competition, so why not more configurations to brag about. Back to your question. The F350 does ride a little rougher than the F250. Try them yourself and let me know if you can tell the difference. Good Truck’n. MT

Diesel fuel grades
Date: 31 Dec 2001

Thanks for a previous post answer! This site is an example of what is right with the internet. Are there different types of diesel fuel? If I pull in to a gas station is there one type best for my truck? Sorry for my basic questions but I wish to learn. Pat

Re: diesel fuel grades
Date: 01 Jan 2002

Hi, Thanks for visiting my site. Normally diesels run on #2 diesel. #2 has lubricating qualities that make it oily, smelly and stays on your hands for a few days. #1 diesel is like kerosene or jet fuel and less oily. The lubricating properties in #2 are what gels when extremely cold. Most service stations in colder climates blend #2 and #1 50/50 in the winter to keep your fuel from gelling. You don’t want to experience your fuel turning into jello. It’s not fun using a hair dryer on your pump and fuel lines. But if you go to a warm state, (California, Arizona, Florida, etc,) in the winter and buy fuel there, you may want to use a diesel additive. If you are out of your area, buy your diesel at a truck stop. They should know what you need to drive home with. Good Truck’n. MT

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