Truck time

You have the right truck, but wrong engine. Swap a cummins.

However that doesn't solve the rust issue. I suggest moving.

Vigo wrote:

The weak point in this era Dodge is supposed to be the tranny, though I haven't had any trouble with that, yet.

Also dashboards and that blend door thing.

Yeah, forgot about the dash cap. Mostly since I threw a cover over it and it doesn't enter my conciousness any more. Rumor is that Mercedes (who owned Chrysler at the time) used the same bio-degradable Green Party mollifying crap plastic that bedevils the 90's early 2000's tri-star cars.

im going to suggest the 05ish ram 3500 like my dads. weve pulled bulldozers with that thing. 150k, no problems other than the blend doors and the bcm circuit that controls the backup lights.

nice truck.

ill also offer up the charlotte nc area for you to look, dave. ill go drive and inspect (remember im desiel stupid, but i knbow a guy) before you fly and drive.

The problems with the 6.0 are blown out of proportion. Take a look at this, and call that shop and talk to them for a bit.

http://www.littlepowershop.com/ford-6-0-diesel-complete-problem-solver-kit-18mm/

Hey I like the 6.0. It makes good power and gets good fuel economy. I just don't know how to work on diesels and don't have a diesel mechanic.

No duallys because they're just too damn wide. That trailer may be big, but it's all aluminum. Very light for what it is and it damn well better be since it cost more than the truck did. The horses get all the good stuff. I haul my RX7 on a $500 trailer.

You know, given that your other options arent really upgrades in any way other than reliability (given that you are just fine with the truck you have anyway), i would consider just spending money to fix the 6.0 issues and keeping it.

That has been the big struggle. I really like the truck. It's hard to find crew cab trucks with an 8' bed and it has the options I like (heated mirrors, LSD, 3.73 gears) without the stuff I don't want (leather). It also started up no problem in 5 degree temps today without the block heater.

I'll have to have a convo with SWMBO and see what she thinks. I think a brake upgrade and some airbags in the back will make her feel more confident.

DaveEstey wrote: Hey I like the 6.0. It makes good power and gets good fuel economy. I just don't know how to work on diesels and don't have a diesel mechanic.

Diesels are NOT any different to work on as a gasser. They just work differently and are ballbustingly heavy.

I didn't start out being a diesel mechanic, but as I have learned more about them, the easier they are to fix.

My garage isn't complete and this is something I want done and over with before the show season.

In reply to DaveEstey:

What is this garage you speak of? I work on mine in the driveway, carport, front yard.... Lol

Did you get 20" of snow over night haha

If 6.7L fords are getting in that price range, dont hesitate to buy one. Dad just added a '13 with the 6.7 to the fleet this fall. Amazingly quiet, and even being just an xlt, its nicer inside than his '99 7.3L lariat.

Fwiw, a lot of people who used to do truck pulls locally are abandoning the cummins trucks for the 6.4 powerstroke for whatever reason.

6.7 is out of the price range, but I know what you're talking about. Damn near silent.

Guys are switching to the 6.4 because it can make good power with just bolt ons and a tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoEQGai3KMw

As a general rule it is always cheaper to fix what you have than get something new. A buddy of mine worked for Delphi as a warranty quality engineer deep in the egr issues on the 6.0. He said it was a great engine when you fixed the issues, studs and egr.

As someone who knows a thing or two about the injectors in your 6.0..make sure you keep the oil changed and water out of your fuel . That being said a bulldog tune sure makes them fun to drive, if you can afford to fix them.

I do oil changes every 3,000 miles and fuel filter changes every other oil change.

Need to change the coolant out.

I can't believe I'm about to say this..I vote you keep your truck and save up for the things that will need fixing. Unless you're buying new you may be getting someone's trouble. You've taken care of your truck..they may not have.Todays new fuel systems demand you take care of them or pay the price.

I'd suggest a 06-07 Silverado/Sierra. They have the excellent Allison transmission (06 was the first year for the 6 speed). The Duramax is excellent! Earlier models had issues with injectors, but the 06-07 is the 3rd generation of engine development (LBZ, and some 06 carry the LLY designation, but are the same engine as the LBZ with different computer tuning) and those issues largely disappeared. My truck has 447k miles with stock injectors, and many are the same. Also they don't have any of the DPF, or DEF emissions equipment. The ride according to all reviews is much better than the Ford or Dodge models (though I don't have personal experience with either of those). Some people gripe about not having a solid front axle, but if you aren't doing sled pulling that doesn't matter to you. There are lots of examples out there in your price range with various equipment packages (and yes mine has heated mirrors).

If you want something newer the 07.5+ Duramax is also a good option, but you will have more emissions equipment.

I second the thought of fly/drive. I bought my truck in Texas, not a spec of rust. $130 ticket from Harrisburg, PA to Dallas ($200 return ticket meant a very cheap escape if needed), and I had the seller send pictures and videos before I made the trip.

Here is mine