Posts: 136
Location: Dane Country | Being a cross country mover (truck driver)and Hot rodder. I have over 2 million miles just in a semi- rig. I think I know a few things about trucks. You asked about DEF fluid. This fluid is used for EPA purposes. You must also factor that cost with your fuel cost. I have a 1997 Ford F250 Super cab, 2wd. 460,auto and 3:55 limited slip rear. I have never had a problem at any ramp, with ice and snow or towing my boat. The original owner towed a 10,000lb. boat with this truck for 14 years before I got it. I love my gas pickup.12- 13mpg local, 16mpg highway. I drive between 55-60mph. Towing my boat 11-12 local and 14-15 highway.
That being said my son owns White's Diesel Performance in FLA. He LOVES diesels and builds hi performance pick ups. Each person has a preference. I live in Wi. Things to consider with diesels
1-must plug in during winter or really hard starts on the motor
2-need fuel additives to prevent water or gelling for fuel
3-Maintance is a lot more than gas
4- repairs and parts cost more
5-diesel is not cheaper than gas
Things about gas
1- not great mpg
2-Maintance cheap and easy (changed everything on the 460 @ 100k, everything was original)
3-gas is cheaper
4-repairs and parts are cheaper
5-motor weighs less and that increases pay load
It really depends if you tow a 5th wheel thru the mountains a lot and a super heavy boat than get a diesel. If you just pull on the weekends than I would go gas.
You also pay a 6-8k more for a diesel and you can buy a lot of gas with that money. Avoid Ford's 6.0 unless it has been bullet proofed,great motor just needs to be fixed from original form. Buy a Dodge get an extra tranny and if you buy a Chevy it's an Isuzui motor. One more thing, there are quite a few 460 and V-10 motors with 300-400k on them. It all depends on how they are taken care of. Good luck with your pick.
Edited by Scooter70 1/12/2013 8:45 PM
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