selecting a used diesel pickup
Date: 12 Jan 2002
I'm interested in buying a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel pickup to haul a camper. I'm looking at pickups from the 80 and early 90's. Can you direct me to a good resource to help identify which makes, models and years are the most durable and what to look out for?

Re: selecting a used diesel pickup
Date: 13 Jan 2002
Hi in the late eighties and early nineties I would say the Cummins in the Dodge diesel is the 1rst choice. It was the first to have a turbo and intercooler. Second choice would be the 7.3L diesel in the Ford. In those years I would stay away from the automatic in ether of them. Have the water checked. Early diesels had a problem with cracks in the water jackets. The web has several good message boards out under "search". Hopefully we will hear some experiences here. Good Truck'n. MT

Dodge transmission
Date: 06 Jan 2002
I recently bought a used 96 dodge with the Cummings diesel and I have loved the truck since I bought it! But i have had some problems with the tranny lately? Q: It seems like the clutch is slipping and the motor reves but I don't seem to move until the clutch seems to grab again. i went to adjust the clutch but found that it is all in closed and you can't adjust it. can some one give me a hint on what to do or if they might know what is wrong with it?

Re: Dodge transmission
Date: 06 Jan 2002
Hi, with hydraulic clutches that the newer trucks have and all diesel pickups have them, you don't have adjustable free play anymore. This makes it hard to know how much wear is left on the clutch discs. You could have the master slave valve out. Or it's possible you have a oil leak somewhere, which is soaking the disc plates. Do you see any leaking around the tranny? If the rear main seal on the engine was leaking or the clutch slave valve, it could cause slipping. Sounds like surgery. Let me know what you find. Good Fix'n. MT

Dodge Dakota purchase?
Date: 06 Jan 2002
I am looking for a truck that will get decent gas mileage, over 20 highway. But be able to pull a 2-horse trailer (6,000# max). I am looking at the 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab. Will this get the job done or would I need to go full-size? I put quite a few miles on for work and would like to get the best gas mileage I can but still be able to pull the trailer. Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Dodge Dakota purchase?
Date: 06 Jan 2002
Hi, the Dakota with the 5.9.L V-8 the 5.2L V-8 or the new 4.7L V-8 will pull the trailer. With the 5.2L V-8 you could get 20 mpg with a 2-wheel drive on the hi-way when you're not pulling a trailer. The issues I have with the Dakota besides how badly they rate with Consumer Reports, is they cost so close to a full size pickup. For gas mileage the Chevy, GMC, 1500 with the 4.3L V-6 Vortec is the best I've seen in a full size gas engine. But under a load like 6000#'s the 4.3L V-6 tends to overheat... I just looked at the EPA's gas mileage booklet for 2002 and the GM 4.3L V-6 still shows the best mileage in a 1/2 ton. So if you can afford it get the new Chevy or GMC 1500 with the 4.3L V-6 automatic, ( you have to go auto tranny to get the best tow capacity until you get to the 3/4 tons.) Get the heavy-duty auxiliary auto tranny cooling, heavy-duty trailer tow equipment and a 3.73 rear end. Today I'm adding a link to the EPA gas mileage ratings. Go to home or my front page and look on the left gray column next to the "Rebates, Recalls and Rates." Let me know what you decide and you experience so we all can learn. Anybody else have opinions on the right truck for pulling and gas mileage? Good Truck'n. MT

Re: Dodge Dakota purchase?
Date: 06 Jan 2002
Hi, again if you are pulling your trailer in the mountains, the V-6 won't cut it, you will have to go up to a larger V-8. The Chevy or GMC with the 4.3L V-6 Vortec auto and 3.73 rear axle ratio has a 10,000 # combined gross vehicle weight. If you get a Chevy or GMC crew cab to give you the room of the Dakota Quad cab you may be over the 10,000#'s. So part of this equation envolves which cab configuration you need. I know I'm as clear as mud but I do want to see you get the right truck. Good Truck'n. MT