Thinking about getting a 3/4 ton want input.

[Craig0320]

Looking at a chevy 2500 with the 6.0. I only tow about 5 times a year and max is usually around 11k. What gasser f250 in lets say. 2000-2010 has decent pulling power in a gasser?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

6.8

 

[rusty ol ranger]

My buddys got an 02 6.0.

It wont yank like my 460 but tows his 6000lb 5ver pretty good.

If you want a Ford get the V10.

Personally id save some money and find a nice 460 OBS. The 460 is much cheaper/eaiser to wrench on.

 

[Craig0320]

I've read both good and bad on the 2v/3v v10's. Some say the 3v's are crap others say the 2v is crap. I did notice once the spark plug issue got fixed along with cam phasers they were pretty reliable. Some reported up to 15 hwy with a tune and 9 towing. Hell my 5.3 1500 only gets 17 hwy and 11 towing.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, I have a friend with a '02 F250 or F350 with a V10, he's had some trouble but most of it is figured out...

The 6.0L is a good engine, I think most of them are rated at around 360hp, they get the job done, we use a lot of them at work that end up in jetboats, don't have too many problems with them...

Just to throw it out there my '97 F350 crew cab long bed with 7.3L gets 17ish MPG unloaded and around 10 mpg towing with around 18000 pound combined weight... it won't get there fast but it will do about anything...

 

[Craig0320]

I was stuck on getting a diesel for the last year. I recently thought I put maybe 3500 miles a year on my 1/2 ton now and pull my 5500 pound camper with it. But there has been several times I wanted to get my uncles 30 ft fifth wheel and load it down with mostly everything to get the hunting camp ready. Usually around 11-12k. No way am I trying that with my 1/2 ton. Finally I thought for the mileage I drive it a year I might as well get a gas. When injectors and pump do go I am in a 3-5k hole depending on which diesel I buy. I spoke to one of my vendors today who has an 05 2500 6.0 and he is very happy with it.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

11-12k is gonna be rough on a 6.0.

The 6.8 is what id be looking at. Or, a 8.1.

If you do get a diesel, id bite the bullet and go cummins.

 

[Shran]

I would not have a problem with a 6.0 truck... or an 8.1 for that matter... the drivetrain is fine, the rest of the truck is shit. Typical fall-apart GM product.

Ford V10 would be my preference. The 3V V10s are incredibly stout. Common issues are broken spark plugs (not blow outs like the 2V though,) broken exhaust manifold studs, occasional coil pack failure. Nothing major. They do NOT have cam phasers like the 5.4's do and do not suffer from most of the common 3V 5.4 issues. Unfortunately very little aftermarket support other than headers.

2V V10s are also stout engines and have slightly better aftermarket support but do have the spark plug issue and make about 50-60hp less than a 3V engine. Supposedly later 2V engines with "PI" heads are the ones to get since they make more power than the really early ones.

I wouldn't pass up a Dodge V10 truck either if I was looking. The automatics are a little weak but can be built to do whatever you want.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

If you go old enough for a dodge V10 id take a close look at the 460 OBS trucks.

I get 13 outta mine (hwy empty) and 8-9 towing my 32ft 7000lb travel trailer.

The 11-12k would work it, but it rips my 7000lb camper with authority. I wouldnt be scared to hook 12 on it all day.

 

[Craig0320]

I hate dodge. They fall apart quickly. Good luck finding an old one in decent shape

 

[stsalvage]

Bang for your dollar

The 1971-72 chevy trucks are potable be your best bed You can pick up a nice one for 2500 to 8000.00 Good thing about the Chevy trucks they have grate resale value

 

[stsalvage]

here are a few trucks in the chevy line to look for

1971 1972 1968 1965

 

[Craig0320]

I am staying above the 2000 mark on this one. If I am going to spend 8 to 10k for towing and running the family around it better be fuel injected and tuneable.

 

[Craig0320]

I have my mind made up. I want a 01-07 silverado/sierra 2500hd with the 8.1(496). Been researching them and not going diesel I think it is a good option.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have my mind made up. I want a 01-07 silverado/sierra 2500hd with the 8.1(496). Been researching them and not going diesel I think it is a good option.

My cousin's husband really likes his. A lot better (according to him) than his previous 6.0 2500 gas.

V10 especially a 3v is a good engine too.

Dad's old '96 with a 460 could be fun too. Need to get tires on it to see how she does with the gooseneck yet. Darns spry for a 22yo fleet truck with 200k on it though.