Hey everyone!

This site seems like it's got a ton of info available, so hopefully somebody can help me with a few questions I have. I'm a car buyer for a used car dealership and recently my boss presented me with the idea of also towing back the cars I buy at auction, it would cut costs paying a third party company, and they would pay me well for it, including gas, insurance, etc. They told me I just needed to provide my own truck (which I've been searching for recently anyways). I would really like something that can get decent MPGs as I like to see what I can do for mileage with anything I own. I also like to keep things plain and simple; the fewer electronics, the better. I used to own a '93 f250 rust bucket with the 7.3 non turbo, and loved it, easiest truck to own/work on and it got me 18/20 when I was reallyyy good.

So I've been thinking a good candidate for me would be a '94-'98 ram w/12v. I live in CT and want a 4x4, got a bad left knee so I'm stuck with an auto trans, and have been thinking about getting a dually so I know I will always have the capabilities to pull whatever they give me. I know the 4x4 will ruin the MPGs, but I don't want to get stuck in a snowy winter, so it's sort of a preference.

So what do you guys think? I'll be watching for the trucks coming through my job, we are allowed to buy a few of their wholesale cars for $300 over cost with a full inspection. Are there any particular years that have advantages over the others? Is this the best truck for my needs? I want a cheap, durable truck that has sufficient power with a little room for improvement. This will be no 600hp truck, when I find one, I will probably have sink some money once and have the tranny prof rebuilt or replaced and the rest of driveline inspected and hope to get many years out of her.

Also, I'd like this truck to be a daily driver, as my jeep needs a replacement. The majority of my driving is all highway, about a 30min commute. Would this be more or less beneficial for a diesel? I always heard they are more efficient when warm, so being able to open her up on the highway should yeild better mpgs, right?

Sorry for the novel, thanks in advance for any help/advice anyone might have! Thanks

Derek

 

i think the 12V Ram should be able to do what you want. the 7.3 is a great engine but a bit low on the HP in stock form.

i would look for an intercooled Ram from 91 or later and do some of the simpler mods such as: exhaust, air intake, and increasing fuel pump pressure if you want to keep it simple.

the 4x4 option will only drop your miles by maybe 1-1.5 mpg. and the dully anther 1 to 1.5 mpg. how much weight do you plan on hauling at a time? if its just one vehicle at a time the SRW should be fine. the DRW are great but if it is not needed then it might be a bit much for a daily driver.

there are other guys on here that can run circles around me on this kind of information, if any of them can chime in, i'm sure they can provide more advise.

all engines will be more efficient when warmed up regardless if it is a gas or diesel. getting your gauge off of "cold" before driving is probably more important. you wont need to "open it up" on your commute every day but it wont hurt to do it every once and while to help clean things up

i kind if wish i was in your situation right now but i already have my truck.

good luck Jason

 

I wouldn't get a dually for a DD, unless I was hauling heavy all the time. The GCVWR are not that much more. The biggest benefit I see with the dually is for stability carrying slide-in campers.

 

Guys,

Thanks for the super quick replies! I got a little more info and it sounds like I will only be pulling two cars max at a time, or one suv/truck at a time, so I don't think the weight will really exceed 10k lbs max ever. I love the look of a dually but for practicality and function I think I'll look for an ext cab long bed truck.

As far as mods I will definitely do the simpler thinks, exhaust, intake, fuel pump pressure, etc and I will certainly do my research on all of that too.

I'm glad to hear the 4x4 won't hurt much mpgs, that's a relief. Are there are years between '94-'98 that are better than the others? The key now is to try to find a stock, clean 12v dodge.

Thanks for all the advice guys, all is appreciated!

Derek