Love my Ram 3500 Dually 6.7 Cummins and BMW 335d twin turbo diesel. Torque is king.
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Diesel Pickups gain in popularity
- Thread starter 4006990
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They were invented...
They were invented use cheaper, less refined fuel. When I go to the pumps I feel sorry for the truckers who have to pay through the nose for the dirty stuff.
They were invented use cheaper, less refined fuel. When I go to the pumps I feel sorry for the truckers who have to pay through the nose for the dirty stuff.
they had to go to diesels for pulling or hauling when the companies quit making real gas engines. you know the ones that had displacement that started with a 4. back then the most popular vehicle for towing was a 3/4 ton suburban with a 454 engine.
Fishinfool
Member
My take on diesels is they are great for hauling heavy loads - lots of torque, and better gas mileage, especially under load, than a big gas motor.
Problem with diesels is they may last longer than a gas motor, but repairs will be higher in price, as will operating costs and maintenance. And while the motors last, the rest of the trucks moving parts (front ends, transmission, water pump / cooling system, brakes, etc.) still wear out about the same as a gas truck.
Factor in the much higher purchase cost for the diesel option, along with fuel being about 75 cents more a gallon around here, and you have to drive a lot of miles to even break even. And don't forget the inconvenience of having to "plug in" in really cold climates if you want the truck to start in the morning..
Larry
Problem with diesels is they may last longer than a gas motor, but repairs will be higher in price, as will operating costs and maintenance. And while the motors last, the rest of the trucks moving parts (front ends, transmission, water pump / cooling system, brakes, etc.) still wear out about the same as a gas truck.
Factor in the much higher purchase cost for the diesel option, along with fuel being about 75 cents more a gallon around here, and you have to drive a lot of miles to even break even. And don't forget the inconvenience of having to "plug in" in really cold climates if you want the truck to start in the morning..
Larry
JJEH
Member
Like I said. They do have a use if hauling is involved.
Point is that they are not as clean as manufacturers say they are. Diesel particles are more dangerous to your health. They stink. And last but not least, the better mileage comes at a hefty price.
If you like it, buy it. It's just like pistol A vs. pistol B.
OP
4006990
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"All functions in a modern engine are controlled by the ECM communicating with an elaborate set of sensors measuring everything from R.P.M. to engine coolant and oil temperatures and even engine position (i.e. T.D.C.). Glow plugs are rarely used today on larger engines. The ECM senses ambient air temperature and retards the timing of the engine in cold weather so the injector sprays the fuel at a later time. The air in the cylinder is compressed more, creating more heat, which aids in starting.
Smaller engines and engines that do not have such advanced computer control use glow plugs to solve the cold-starting problem."
Diesel Fuel Injection - HowStuffWorks
Grayfox
US Veteran
That Cummins engine is the only thing keeping Dodge alive. JMHO, Dodge is a verb.
And there lies the problem. In today's diesels there are very few mechanical problems. However, electrical/electronic malfunctions abound. You can thank the EPA for that.
absolutevil
Member
And there lies the problem. In today's diesels there are very few mechanical problems. However, electrical/electronic malfunctions abound. You can thank the EPA for that.
That actually sums it up pretty well.
THE PILGRIM
Member
OK. How bout a comparison of limited slip diff to locking differentials?
Does any manufacturer offer a locking differential?
ChattanoogaPhil
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Toyota is supposed to be putting a Cummins in the Tundra starting 2016. If sales are decent they may start their own Diesel engine project.
Supposedly my 97 Tahoe has a locking differential, it was a $350 option. The option was listed as 'locking', not 'limited slip', but I've seen both terms used somewhat loosely and I'm not sure what the difference is. It was part of a towing package.
Supposedly mine has an internal clutch that that unlocks when turning corners to allow the wheels to turn at different rates, then locks again when straight.
Did some searching, my Tahoe has an Eaton G80 locker. According to the article I found, GM never used limited slip in their trucks, only in cars. It looks like it only locks at less than 25 mph and if there is more than 100 rpm difference in the wheels.
Interesting, I'd be about due to trade my Tundra in 3-4 years.
I checked my glovebox, it has the G80 code. I'm pretty sure it is a Eaton unit, I'm not sure where I saw that though. It doesn't say in the manual. When I googled, the results indicated that it is Eaton. Apparently it isn't the most robust design.
I also saw some comments about a G86, which is more of a limited-slip unit. I didn't really look to see what it was used in.
When turning corners the tires don't chirp, so it probably isn't a true locker. But when it detects slippage and locks, it does lock 100%.
That's what GM did. They built a plant with Isuzu for the Duramax engine. Isuzu was the worlds largest mfg of medium and light commercial diesel engines in the world at the time (2001). I have an 07 Duramax and no drive train issues yet with 100K.
Toyota should have got into that market 10 years ago. Actually they did market a small diesel pick-up here in the 80's that was a pretty good vehicle. We had one at work.
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Fishinfool
Member
Used to run prisoners up to the Canadian border once in a while to exchange their bad guys for ours. We would house them at the federal prison in Raybrook, NY. Below zero weather is not uncommon during the winter. A lot of the boys up there drove diesel p/u's, and they ALL plugged em in during the winter. The staff parking lot had about 25 spaces with electric plugs for that use. If not, the fuel would gel, turning to syrup. Most all trucks had block and fuel tank heaters.
To add to the locking rear end conversation, I think I read Toyota offers it on their FJ Landcrusier, as does Land Rover on certain models.
Larry
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Interesting...
I just filled the tank this afternoon on my '99 F-250SD, 20mpg with 467,000 on the clock. Original transmission, been through 2 alternators, one water pump, and a set of glow plugs. I fully expect to hit 500K without a problem. Since I commute about 90 miles a day, on major routes with 18 wheelers and tandem rigs, I feel less "under-gunned"
.
As to fuel costs, which do you think draws the most ire from the public - gas or diesel? Of course gas does - but the public is paying the cost of the increased diesel price at the grocery store or through other shipping; they just don't realize it. It's the squeaky (gasoline) wheel gets the grease, price-wise.
I just filled the tank this afternoon on my '99 F-250SD, 20mpg with 467,000 on the clock. Original transmission, been through 2 alternators, one water pump, and a set of glow plugs. I fully expect to hit 500K without a problem. Since I commute about 90 miles a day, on major routes with 18 wheelers and tandem rigs, I feel less "under-gunned"
.As to fuel costs, which do you think draws the most ire from the public - gas or diesel? Of course gas does - but the public is paying the cost of the increased diesel price at the grocery store or through other shipping; they just don't realize it. It's the squeaky (gasoline) wheel gets the grease, price-wise.
One significant factor for diesel costing more is the fuel tax is higher. If .gov was earnest about wanting people to drive more efficient vehicles, they would lower the diesel tax. In Europe, diesel is less expensive than gasoline.
Efficiency aside, I still prefer my vehicle to be gasoline.
Efficiency aside, I still prefer my vehicle to be gasoline.
