Trucks

0neoldfart

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2008
Messages
1,385
Reaction score
2,630
Location
Thorsby
I know this diiscussion has happened before but... I'm looking to switch up my tow rig for the seaon. Currently running a tacoma with a 2 place and does the trick but in crappy weather definitely can be under powered. Debating a 3/4 ton with a deck. Should I go diesel or gas? Factors to consider I live in Calgary and this will be my daily driver, I have a limited budget about 24k, I know absolutely nothing about diesel trucks, I never tow anything, and typical get out 2 weekends a month, usually within 3 hours on occassion 6. What do other similar gas rigs get running to the mountains (with deck and sleds), I was leaning towards diesel but can't find a decent one in my budget, so am back to gas. Thanks
To the original poster: A 3/4 or 1 ton gasser should fit the bill nicely. Won't be as fuel efficient as a half ton, won't have the torque of a diesel. But do your homework, as some 3/4 tons don't offer a lot more payload capacity then a heavy half. A diesel is nice if you can find one, but cost of repair and ownership is considerably higher - personally I wouldn't own a used aluminum head diesel without warranty (duramax).
 

C of Red

Active VIP Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2008
Messages
501
Reaction score
918
Location
Calgary, AB
You want details? Pfft I'm a CFO, I don't wear a hard hat to work.

So you’re a CFO, who the F cares. Do you think that gives you some sort of credibility or is this supposed to impress someone? This isn’t some oxygen bar in TO where you are hitting on underage girls drinking wheat grass martinis. You’re still full of sh!t on your price.

I don’t wear a hard hat either, but the people I know who do are some of the hardest working folks on the planet.
 

acesup800

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2008
Messages
1,444
Reaction score
2,636
Location
BC
To the original poster: A 3/4 or 1 ton gasser should fit the bill nicely. Won't be as fuel efficient as a half ton, won't have the torque of a diesel. But do your homework, as some 3/4 tons don't offer a lot more payload capacity then a heavy half. A diesel is nice if you can find one, but cost of repair and ownership is considerably higher - personally I wouldn't own a used aluminum head diesel without warranty (duramax).
Can't recall an issue with heads on a duramax. Sure, some fail like everything, but to think it is a timebomb is a little overreacting. Yes, diesel engines cost more to repair, but the cost of ownership is not considerably higher. I generally put 200k on my diesels before I sell them and not once have a had a major repair. Yes, of course some parts fail, but statistically they do not. So, if you fall into the statistically good truck, the cost to operate is only marginally more than a gasser. A few more litres of oil per change and an extra fuel filter every 40,000km. Not a real biggy.
 

0neoldfart

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2008
Messages
1,385
Reaction score
2,630
Location
Thorsby
Can't recall an issue with heads on a duramax. Sure, some fail like everything, but to think it is a timebomb is a little overreacting. Yes, diesel engines cost more to repair, but the cost of ownership is not considerably higher. I generally put 200k on my diesels before I sell them and not once have a had a major repair. Yes, of course some parts fail, but statistically they do not. So, if you fall into the statistically good truck, the cost to operate is only marginally more than a gasser. A few more litres of oil per change and an extra fuel filter every 40,000km. Not a real biggy.
Diesels can be very efficient to operate, and if properly cared for (warmed up, regular maintenance, etc) they will outlive a gasser tenfold. BUT, the OP was asking about a used diesel for 25k (ish). In alberta, you aren’t likely to find one in good condition with under 200k ( which is where you sell yours at...any reason? ) I’m not attempting to scare anyone, but buyer beware on ANY used vehicles. As a interprovincial red seal journeyman mechanic, I’ve fixed my share of poorly maintained vehicles, some without much time on the odometer. I’m not saying the duramax is junk, but I will tell you that they are more susceptible to head gasket issues when not warmed up properly, as iron and aluminum metals expand at different rates, period. Have a nice day.
 

tex78

Active VIP Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Messages
17,540
Reaction score
16,950
Location
DA Moose B.C
Diesels can be very efficient to operate, and if properly cared for (warmed up, regular maintenance, etc) they will outlive a gasser tenfold. BUT, the OP was asking about a used diesel for 25k (ish). In alberta, you aren’t likely to find one in good condition with under 200k ( which is where you sell yours at...any reason? ) I’m not attempting to scare anyone, but buyer beware on ANY used vehicles. As a interprovincial red seal journeyman mechanic, I’ve fixed my share of poorly maintained vehicles, some without much time on the odometer. I’m not saying the duramax is junk, but I will tell you that they are more susceptible to head gasket issues when not warmed up properly, as iron and aluminum metals expand at different rates, period. Have a nice day.
Ford's are aluminum head too and would be same with a long list if you were right , I'm also a red seal tech (diesel tech also at a g. M dealer)

Only ever seen - had heads of a duramax once, and it was driving around with out coolant, so was over heated many times


In stock form, no issues with heads - gaskets and not chipped or overheated

Unless a lly, some did have bad cheap gaskets

Also driving around with a half plugged rad on a hot summer day pulling a trailer, isn't good either, clean it good and screen the front In
 
Last edited:

0neoldfart

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2008
Messages
1,385
Reaction score
2,630
Location
Thorsby
I’ll take your word for it on the Ford. Other then the new 6-7 or the old 7.3, I wouldn’t run out with my hard earned cash to buy a used one, either. My apologies if I upset any GM owners. All I was trying to point out to the OP is that an old diesel with a bunch of mileage likely isn’t the best choice for her application and budget. Personally, I’m quite leery of used vehicles unless I know it, have a good service history, or if it’s just super clean, maybe the nice old couples snowbird hauler. Some people do upgrade every few years (its part of my contract actually), but most get rid of their used vehicle when it starts costing them money...
 

j335

Active VIP Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2007
Messages
1,873
Reaction score
1,821
Location
AB
As per a diesel mechanic he told me Duramax 06.5 to 10 were the best head gaskets.
11 were bad as well for LML and I can attest to that
 
Top Bottom