I'm a new member and I know this has probably been done many times but I figure why not try and get some actual advice, I'm a high schooler so I'm not exactly rolling in the dough (actually will most likely work at the truck wash all summer to fund whatever direction you all point me) but I'm dead set on a diesel and I know there have their own unique downfalls and upsides (father is a truck driver) but what is the best for the money? any help is appreciated

 

get a 6.0!

 

What's the good bad and the ugly on those?

 

stay away from ford 6.0, they have many known problems. cummins is the way to go for the money. ive got buddies with dmaxes and im not impressed. ford 7.3 is a good truck along with the cummins.

 

I'd look for a 7.3 Ford, a 5.9 Cummins, or a post 2006 Duramax. Basicly a newish Chevy,which will be expensive, or an older Ford or Dodge, which might have a lower buy in, but may need more repairs. Good luck, and scour those used car lots, looking for deals

 

First off, where are you located? In the rust belt, the bodies of these trucks dissolve long before the engine is worn out in most cases.

If your on a tight budget 1st gen dodges offer a great bang for your buck, not as powerful as the 94 to early 98 12Vs, they can make good power for short money and given the fact they are the lightest (all things being equal) big three trucks they can usually pull good fuel economy numbers. Very basic maintenance (only three gallons of oil, the oil filter can be purchased for $6 bucks, no special coolant additives etc etc) and relatively cheap to repair (one common rail injector can cost more than a set for an older 12V). The downside is your driving a truck that is old enough to vote so rust and wear might be an issue.

If possible look for a 91-93 12V with a stick, dodge autos aren't anything to write home about. Good luck!

 

Trust me..... your answer is coming on the 6.0

I guess it depends on how old you want the truck to be or are ok with it being. If it's 15-20 years, I say Cummins, if it's 7-10 well, maybe Cummins or post 05 duramax, or a 6.0 that has had all the things done to it that need to be done for it to run properly, but don't touch a newer Dodge(07.5 or newer) unless you want to drive a rental car a lot.

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I say get a 7.3.... I would have if I had the patience to wait

 

Since you are still in high school and not rolling in the dough as you put I wouldnt worry about getting anything newer than 1997. You are just getting started in diesels and something simple to get your feet wet is best. A 12v Cummins (1990-98) depending on how well it has been taken care of and make sure you get a manual. Either that or 94-97 Ford 7.3. I would recommend 96 or 97. Both are very simple trucks. Not alot of electronics or emissions crap to worry about. Either one of these trucks shouldnt run you more than $10K depending on location and condition. They wont be as fast as the newer ones but they are easier to maintain and good, solid platforms to begin building on.

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Had a 6.7. Only had to get a rental because some Hooah (army) decided to back into it.