Hey guys, and gals who are in the system, I am a new member and seeking information and advice. As with my motorcycle world, which I am much more informed on then the diesel world, there are many choices out there and most likely the preference on which to ride comes from personal experience and preference.

My delemma is that i want to choose wisely a vehicle that will provide me with reliable service and functional capability. I am seeking to acquire, either a SUV or Truck, both i 3.4 Ton size with a 4X4 drive train and a diesel motor. I had for two years a 2005 GMC quad cab, 4X4, duramax with allison tranny when I was building houses for a living. Had to sell it, along with my motorcycle, guns etc., and now can only afford to go "used" and older, or I would try and buy another of what I had, which was the best vehicle I have ever owned.

I would like your thoughts on what is the best combo of the above in the late 80s to mid 90s, for a diesel powered vehicle. My choices have been narrowed down to the 7.3 ford prior to 1994, the 6.5 GM, and an older cummins/Dodge unit, all pre turbo and pre electronic units for ease of maintenance, intitial cost and reliability. If there is an ideal "combo/unit" in later years, then I am open, but limited to resources so it may have to go down as my "buy it later when I can afford it" unit.

thanks,
iriman

 

6.5 mechanical pumped motor is pretty solid, but gutless (hence reliable), the 7.3 and 5.9 can be easily modded for more power.

 

I had a 91 7.3 with an aftermarket turbo and it was an ok truck... You're going to be unhappy with power and drivability if your comparing any of these older trucks to your old Dmax... But I would say a first gen cummins or Ford IDI would be good. I don't know much about the 6.2 or 6.5L...

 

What do you mean pre-turbo? Both the 6.5 and 5.9's were all turboed in pick ups. The 7.3 idi's were only turboed their last year which was 94 I believe. The 5.9 will be the biggest powerhouse. If you want a 6.5 look for a 92 or 93. These are mechanical and very easy to work on...then again so are the other two. Bad thing about the Cummins it comes with Dodge everything else. None will compare to your Dmax. All will get at least high teens for MPG's.

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the 5.9 was non turbo before 1991

 

In pick ups they've always been turboed .

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I truly appreciate the feedback. I am looking at a 94 6.5 that the previous owner has converted "back" to a mechanical system as were the 92 & 93 units. Not sure if it was done right and there seems to be some left over electrical issues to deal with.

What would be a "range" for costs to upgrade the Ford 7.3 to something with more gusto and what is the best tranny to match up with it. Can the stock tranny carry the day if the motor is upgraded/improved for performance?
iriman

 

I'm not sure what you mean by gusto... But an IDI is going to be half of what your Dmax was, really any of these older trucks will be... For the tranny, A maintained auto will work or a 5 speed depending on what you want. Yes, the stock transmission will do work if it was maintained.. A turbo kit for the IDI will run you like 2k.

 

Thanks Powerstroke, sounds like what I am hearing from folks is that a good 92/93 Ford with a well maintained 7.3 motor would be the way for me to go. Not so concerned over having to put monies into a stock tranny to bring it back up to standard, just wanted to know if the stock tranny was adequate to the job if in good shape after the motor is tuned, upgraded etc.

As you said earlier, this will not perform as my previous truck - I loved the Alison tranny and duramaz combo, drove like a luxury vehicle on the HWY and pulled like a monster in the mountains with lots of gusto. Been pricing them, looks like it would cost me $25k to $30k to replace it, which is just out of my price range for now.

 

oops, I was thinking intercooled

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you can find some deals on duramaxes here and there, it's hard but not impossible. found my 06 ecsb with 79k for about 20k

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