Wood Hauler questions

[WetBehindtheEar]

Freinds in Firewood,

I used to drive as a part of my job. A lot. 300miles a day in a Corolla. I put 275k on in 4.5 years.

So my wife gave me the carrot of if I get off the road, I can get a truck. I got off the road last Jan. for many reasons but she's really come close to renege'ing on the truck bargain.

Well, she's finally thawing on the kind of truck that I want.

I've been really focused on a 3/4 ton Chevy/GMC duramax diesel crew cab & have done some research to know what to look for and what good years there might be ('04 & up seems to be the way to go)

But I saw a local ad for a 2004 Harley Davidson Edition Ford 1 ton Powerstroke SRW crew cab with 104k on the clock and the price is pretty do-able for me.

I've tried to do a little internet research but don't have much other than some website talking about a group trying to get a class-action lawsuit organized about Powerstroke diesel engine problems in the '03-'07 model years.

Do I run away screaming from this?

I welcome your ideas.

Sharp chains! :greenchainsaw:

 

[Big_Al]

I would find someone that can run an oasis report on the truck for you, its a listing of everytime its been to Ford dealer. If its normal looking for that age of truck you'll be ok. Some of the early 6.0 diesels had problems but usually they show up right away. If this one has had any they'll show on the report, along with any recalls that were done. Most of them were good rigs.

 

[4x4American]

I'm kinda Cummins biased, but from what I've heard, the new ford diesels got some power to em. If you're going with an older duramax you want an LB7 engine model year one. Which I'm not 100% positive which years those ( around the 01-03 time period i believe) are but my allison dirtysnatch liking friends say the LB7 is the best duramax engine made. I think that the new dodge cummins look sweet and I know that the cummins will last. the problem is all this emissions junk on them. EGR and DPF kills these engines and constrict the hell outta them. 07+ are epa'd up engines. If you get an 07 or newer, I would be sure to delete the egr and dpf, it will make the truck get way better mpg, HP, torque, and longevity. I drive a 98.5 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 club cab long bed with a cummins 24v vp44 bosch fuel injection pump. I love the truck with all my heart. I think that it is the perfect pickemup truck made if you can get by the front end problems. guy from work has a 2010 epa'd up dodge cummins and he says it gets 12mpg, another buddy I know had a 2010 dodge cummins and he deleted the egr and dpf and put in a whole lot of mods to it, and he got real good mpgs and that thing did real well at the truck pulls. the ford gm or dodge argument has been around a long time. My advice, build your own- ford frame, cummins engine and allison transmission. That would be a real tough truck.

 

[farmerboybill]

My Stepdad had a Diesel Ford Dually a couple years back. Dunno if it was a Harley Davidson or not, but he liked it. His pickup before it was a Dodge cummins that he hated - lots of tranny troubles. Trouble is, him and mom have what I call "vehicle ADHD" and they traded it when they got bored with it (about two years). Their current pickup is an orange Dodge half ton. They've pry had 10 vehicles in as many years. Owned a Solstace for about 3 months. He works for MG&E, must be paid too much.

As far as the Ford went, it was about the most trouble free vehicle they've owned in the last 10 years.

With a wood hauler, you'd better not fall in love with the beauty of the pickup. A dozen excursions into the woods and it'll start looking worse for the wear right fast. I'm actually considering buying a 1994 Ford one ton baby dump this next week so I stop scratching up my F-150 during trips to the woods.

 

[Locust Cutter]

Don't get burned

Whatever you thing you're after, find a GOOD diesel mechanic and throw him a bit of $$$($100-200) to give it a thorough once-over. The 6.0s (or 6.Ohhhhhhs) can be great engines, once they have head studs installed in pace of the torque-to-yield head bolts, the EGR deleted (or replaced with a better design if you love in a sniffer state) and the oiler cooler replaced with a Air/Oil cooler. You'll also need a programmer for the EGR delete to pacify the computer and a 4" exhaust will help a lot. I know this sounds like a lot (it is) but in return you'll have a pretty good truck as the Super Duty is a hell of a truck. The 5r110's behind the 6.0 is also a hell of a tranny.

I wouldn't be afraid to buy any of the diesel trucks but here's what I would buy: Any Dodge/Cummins '07 or later, any Duramax between '04 and '07, and any Super Duty Powerstroke between '99 an current. The Chevy's have issues with the IFS front suspensions, their transfer cases and the Allison tranny's (above stock power levels). Also before '04 you have to pull the valve covers on the Duramax to replace the injectors:taped:. With '04 and later, you don't have to which save you time and $$$ whether your mechanically inclined or not. The Dodges have issues with the front suspensions, automatic tranny's and sometimes the VP44 fuel pumps. There was also a series of the the Cummins (block code "J" IIRC) that had issues about cracking out prematurely. The Fords have issues with the auto trannies behind the 7.3PSD's, the host of 6.0 issues (mainly due to the T.T.Y. head bolts and the EGR coolers) and the 6.4PSD's had issues sometimes with the radiators and the fuel systems.

Long rant short, they all have their issues, but there are still plenty of good ones out there. Like anything else, try to find one that's been obviously cared for (at least mechanically as "pretty" doesn't pull a trailer) preferably with a main't history. The PSD's are very picky about timely oil changes as the injectors are driven via engine oil boosted to very high pressure which can cause "oil shear" effectively ruining the higher viscosity oil. By-pass filters can help, but they still have to have timely oil changes. If you put the time, money and req'd main't in, you'll be rewarded with a good truck which will last a long time. If you buy someone else's problem child though, lookout. A couple hundred dollars to save you from possibly making a multiple thousand dollar mistake is a bargain in my book.

 

[struggle]

I would not touch a 6.0 Ford diesel if they were giving it away. They are absolute money pits. Every person I know that has owned them have paid through the roof in repairs beyond belief. There is a very good reason the 6.0s are priced low.

Ye be warned

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

 

[KyleOh]

I own 3 ford diesels, 7.3s, and a ford escape. Do NOT buy a 6.0 please. I am tired of working on them lol, and this is from a diehard ford guy.

 

[WetBehindtheEar]

Thanks, all.

Good points to consider. I knew about the D'Max injector problems on '03s. I read some things about the 6.0 PowerStrokes but didn't have a good sense of what the 'common' issues with them were.

I posed this question to a single person before but, anybody know a reputable diesel mechanic in the Madison, WI area?

 

[struggle]

For what my neighbor has spent on their one truck with the 6.0 they could have bought two new trucks for what they have in it now. They have gone through multiple injector sets, turbos and finally a replacement engine and various multiple other things have gone wrong on that truck. He finally took my advice and his next truck they bought for the business was a Dodge cummins 2011and they couldn't be happier with it.

From what I understand some of the cummins have some bad years in their now as well.

A gasser might use more fuel but depending on how you are going to use it could end up being cheaper in to own.

One thing I will throw out to you is have you considered a half ton truck and buy a dump trailer? I'm using a 10K GVW rated dump trailer behind my Chevy Tahoe and couldn't be happier with it. You can throw wood all day at the trailer and not worry about scratching it and yet we can use the Tahoe as a family vehicle. Best of both worlds for me. Also a selling a dump trailer if need be is a lot easier than a used truck to sell plus a dump trailer can save your back.

 

[WetBehindtheEar]

Good points on the gasser - I've had several friends say that it would be silly (stupid as ****, to be quite blunt) for me to buy a diesel-powered truck as it would sit for many days at a time without being run(I ride my bicycle to work now that I'm not travelling all over the state) - and I would only be hauling trailers full of wood a couple times per year.

Ahhh crap. It WOULD be a lot cheaper to get a gas-powered truck. And I really do want the quad cab with having kids to carry around. I'm sick of getting kicked in the back while we're going somewhere. I've been living frugally for 10+ years with my vehicles. I think I'd like some more space.

I really want to stick with the 3/4 ton frame though. I get projects where I need to haul a monster pile of lumber around on occasion - I drove a 1/2 ton van around in college picking up construction supplies for my maintenance job - I hated that flippin' thing. Little 6-banger, bottomed-out suspension, horrendous steering... But I digress.

 

[struggle]

2500 suburban and pick up a dump trailer. Look no further. I don't miss having a truck one bit. I use my Tahoe for stump grinding business and tree work as well. I can keep everything locked in the vehicle and out of the weather and empty the vehicle and still go on a family vacation with it.

I leave the trailer full of wood this time of year in the garage and just pull wood at as I need it. No need to fill and re-dump it. Saves one more step in the process when not using the trailer for work.

 

[Steve NW WI]

Got a great diesel shop right there in Madtown, Diesel Injection Service. My local independent farm mechanic sends all his injector and pump work down there, never has trouble with em. I believe that despite the name they're a full service diesel shop.

On the Ford, reread Locust Cutter's post. Once the EGR has been updated or preferably removed all together, and a good set of ARP head studs put in in place of the head bolts, they're fairly trouble free, except for maybe popping a turbo, but some run forever with the stocker, so I wouldn't worry if it hasn't been replaced.

To do the head gaskets, the cab has to come off the truck, as the motor's tucked back in there pretty good. $$$ if you gotta get into it.

Sounds like you're thinking better now though, diesel costs more to buy, fuel's more expensive, oil changes are 2-3x as much, yadayadayada...If you're not pulling all the time a gasser is a better option. If I was in your shoes, I'd be looking for a crew cab 2500HD with a 6.0, the much maligned GM IFS front will ride nice while hauling the rugrats around and isn't really a problem unless you're really pounding on it off road, the GM 6.0 gasser is a solid motor, I'd be looking for one with 3.73 axles vs the 4.10s just for a little better mileage, although it's not gonna be great either way. There are some 01-04 3/4 and 1 tons out there with the 8.1L and an Allison behind it, but that's single digit mileage territory and not really necessary. Might be a bargain there though if you can stomach the fuel bills...

 

[lly_duramax]

I would pass on the 6.NO. If you are planning on leaving the truck stock I would get an 06 or an 07 Classic 2500HD Chevy. The LBZ engine is the best running one I have driven stock. It will run with my LLY on the 70HP tune. I'm not aware of any issues with them either. I have about 150,000 trouble free miles on my 04 LLY Duramax.

 

[blades]

I have had ford trucks long time. Loved my 85 6.9 f350, hated to get rid of it but there was nothing left of the body and frame. It not that I am a die hard ford fan, had my issues, but all brands do. I would not go diesel in your particular case. It is not worth the extra expenses and certainly not from a fuel standpoint any more. They are great at heavy hauling, towing and such if doing this on a day in -day out basis. I recently got a F250 06 5.4l 3valve gas extra cab short box very nice truck maybe a bit under powered by some standards But I am not out to run it in pulling contests or be the first one to the next light ( heck I have a 99 v10 350 also it will smoke the tires right off the rims stock if your into that sort of thing) got the 4 speed auto+od. F250 and 350 share same frame and a lot of other components I can fill the bed up to cab height with red oak or rock maple and it hardly squats plus tow a 4x8 trailer stacked full as well with no complaints. 3.7x ratio so about 14mph around town which is better than most of the diesels stock. Be aware that the EPA has attacked diesel fuel as well now by requiring most of the sulfur to be removed (sulfur is/was a lubricant in the fuel) so now you need to add lubrication back into your fuel. I would go gas ( ya I know no status symbol there) slightly cheaper fuel, oil changes cheaper, NO RE-EDUCATION OF WIFE as to which pump to use at fuel station ( diesels just do not run well on gas, ya it happens a bunch) so that's my inflated pennys worth.

 

[bootboy]

The cummins engine has sold A LOT of mediocre trucks over the years. I think it was said above but my truck would be a ford chassis, cummins engine, Chevy interior with an Alison transmission.

I wish caterpillar would partner with someone to build a pickup. Dream on I guess...

 

[beerbelly]

My thought...get a really cool late 50's-early 60's Ford, or GM. 4wd it. Find a Detroit 6 or 8V71. It will cost you the farm to build, it will be loud as h**l, it will leak oil everywhere, and you will never, ever get your money out of it. But...It will be the coolest truck around. It will sound like a dream (I love the Detroits), It will pull the stumps out of the ground when you are done cutting, and no one else will have one. And....it is a 2 stroke diesel. Goes with the chainsaw theme!!:msp_biggrin:

I have spoken!

 

[Streblerm]

The Super Duty Fords are great trucks. I have had several of them. I have also heard to stay away from the 6.0.

Unless you want a diesel "just because" then I would stay away from them. From a fleet maintenance standpoint taking into consideration mileage (+), fuel costs(-)and maintenance (-)' you will never get your money back. The modular Ford engines, while not totally trouble free, have a good reputation as long lived workhorses.

 

[blades]

Well for the diehards, There are kits available to put a Cummins in the ford chassis with the Allison tranny, You are on your own as to a chevy interior though.

 

[mybowtie]

The "oil burners" are nice...Had a few of 'em. For what you are looking to do, get a gasser. Now, be prepaired to get crappy milage with a 3/4 ton gasser. I get 12 mpg's around town...Put a load of wood on the back, and that drops fast...But the cost difference between the two is big, and around here diesel is .60c a gal more. If you really want a diesel, a 04 to 07 Gm dmax is the one id grab. There were two modles in 07.
The Classic without emmision crap, and the NBS(new body style) with the emmisions. Good luck in your search...:msp_thumbup:

 

[4x4American]

...With a wood hauler, you'd better not fall in love with the beauty of the pickup. A dozen excursions into the woods and it'll start looking worse for the wear right fast...

He right about that, when I got my truck it was pristine. Fairly new paint job on it, I put money into having the rockers done and some other cancer spots, I made it spotless...I work out of my truck everyday though, during the work week at the construction company I have lots of tools loaded onto my truck and I drive to jobsites to make repairs and when at the yard I park in front of the shop and go get tools from my truck or work on the tailgate. On weekends at the farm I use it to haul wood from the sawmill to the kiln or to customers or I have it loaded up with saws when we're cutting wood out on the woodlot...my truck has just been going downhill on it's looks...it doesn't help that the truck I had before was a 1989 dodge cummins 4x4 single cab long bed 4500 axles, heavy duty truck. well I rhino lined that whole truck and it made it very scratch resistant, so I didn't give a crap about hitting it with tools or working on stuff right on the hood or beatin on it through tight trails in the woods, little things like that wouldn't hurt it. Now I got a truck with an actual paint job on it, it's tough I try to be careful but...well its a work truck!