A Diesel Is Not Worth It!

[JasonCzerak]

2004. 5 SPORT*UNLAWFUL TINT*SIRIUS*XM*DVD*LOUD STEREO*HID*6" LIFT*TOYO MEATS+20" BLINGS*AEM INTAKE*AMSOILED+AIR*AEROTURBINE*BEDRUG*GOEREND BRO transmission*SRT10HOOD*6061 DRIVELINE*PAGER SECURITY*PLEATHER*BDDL*DR. P 85hp PRESSURE BOX*SOLD THE OVERRATED SMARTY!*TST*X-MONITOR*FASS FUEL PUMP*MISSING ONSTAR!*



Sounds to me like you are trying to build a sport truck out of a working man's truck. I can tell you for sure, that I don't have an ounce of "Bling" on mine. I recommend you go buy one of these..... at least it will get you through the intersection on those yellow lights.



Like my pappy used to say, "don't go buyin' a draft horse, if'n ya want ta go racin'. "

As far as production trucks are concerned, sure, it's fast.



As far as modified Diesel, a few fueling boxes trans/clutch and a slightly bigger turbo, you have a truck faster then the SRT-10.



SRT-10 is not all that impressive after you play with a diesel



And the SRT-10 is still a truck, not a car. They are possibly even WORSE then a corvette/Viper is as far as skill level to drive properly, even for a high 12 second truck. The weight distribution is not exactly friendly.



500HP and 5000# is not for the faint of heart. Tho, anyone with 500 wheel HP and 7000# has a clue and respect for the power I suppose.

 

[Grizzly]

Will my next truck be a Hemi or Vortec?









Okay, have you heard enough good things about the Cummins diesel yet?

 

[AKaiser]

You haven't driven in Michigan lately have you? Merging in traffic often means merging at 90mph

No, but I have driven in TX. Same difference. :-laf

 

[brods]

So what’s not to love about a diesel?



Worrying about fuel cleanness, water contamination and lubricity? (Keep a sharp eye out for those stations that slip 5 micron steel shot into the fuel!)



Adding fuel conditioner at every fill up?



Changing fuel filters, and gallons of oil?



Sitting around waiting for the turbo to cool (but don’t let it idle too long cause that’s bad for it too)?



Mileage that is decent for a heavy truck, but always falls short of the what the salesman said and the claims posted on the internet?



The mpg loss with winter fuel?



The higher cost of diesel fuel which, due to taxes, ulsd and world demand will probably stay high forever?



Concern over warranty denials because diesel repairs cost exponentially more than those for a gas motor?



That diesel exhaust doesn’t even have the great diesel smell anymore?



Or, after reading too many threads here, wondering how a CTD without a second fuel filter (2 micron), aftermarket lift pump, bypass filter, fuel tank modifications, etc, etc can even make it off the dealer lot under its own power?



LOL, before anyone has a stroke, the CTD is awesome. It definitely has a place as a towing monster. Anything less than frequent towing or heavy hauling and it becomes a subjective matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer. Knowing what I know now, I’d have gone with the Power Wagon instead and traded everyday nuisance issues for a couple of major shortcomings.

 

[Jeremiah]

Best engine is why

I have 75,000 miles on my truck and the engine hasn't been touched once for anything. Don't think you can say that about a gasser. I get 20 mph and she weighs out at 8300 lbs with me, a full load of fuel and my two Portuguese water dogs on board. Don't think you can say that about a gasser.



If I wanted to arrive on fumes, I could do 700 miles without stopping to refuel. You can't do that in a gasser.



If I am not buried in this truck first, I plan to drive it 400,000 miles. Don't think you can say that about a gasser. If I have a wreck and there's fuel all over the place, it probably wouldn't catch fire. Don't think you could say that about a gasser.



My 5. 9L diesel w/manual trannie will pull anything I tie onto, and I don't think you can say that about a gasser. Loaded, it will climb hills you wouldn't believe in 6th gear, and I don't think you can say that about a gasser.



For all its cost, the Cummins diesel engine has two fewer but six larger pistons than gasoline-driven trucks, and more torque. True, you have to drive it awhile to get your money back, but you will get it back over the long haul. Did I say you can't do that in a gasser? If I didn't, here it comes again: YOU CAN'T DO THAT IN A GASSER! :-laf

 

[jelag]

I can't help but add my 2 cents worth to this thread... .

I own 3 Dually's, 04, 04. 5, 05... . plus a Jeep, F550, F350 and a Navstar rated at 56K lbs...

The best mileage empty by far are the 1 ton dually's... . and my lowest cost per mile to operate except for the jeep and my wifes car.....

My Fords are close to 500K each, the 04 is at 240K miles etc... . the Dodges replaced a group of Fords... . and have done it at a lower cost per mile...

My engines are all stock... . and I've just ordered a new 5500 with the 6. 7

But mine are all work trucks with exhaust brakes, air bags and air horns... and there dirty most of the time... the 04 has spent the first 220K miles pulling a trailer that weighs 22k lbs...

Maybe ChrisKringle should take all the junk off. . return it to stock... and understand that there is a physic's formula that governs performance and fuel economy to move a mass of metal down the road with a wind resistance... . understanding that formula you'll find that most of the junk used to make the engine go fast, has to balance the scale... and that means to go fast something else have to be given up... and that's fuel economy and life of the engine... .

OH BTW - the 05 is cheaper to run per mile then my 05 Jeep with the Hemi... . mind you not as comfortable but hauls a whole lot more for less.....

Just my 2 cents worth... .

 

[Mhannink]

Cummins = Built to tow.



Use it for what it was designed for. Buy a one year old Ram SRT-10 for the same price as a new Heavy Duty if you want acceleration. The SRT-10 will haul ***. The HD 3500 will haul the SRT-10 and a garage full of spare parts/tools.

something my buddies and i tell all the ricers. we may not be as fast as you but put my truck in your car and see how fast you are and how good your fuel milage. put your car in my truck and ill be just as fast and get the same great fuel milage

 

[Jefff929]

CK has issues :-laf



The neighbors 4runner gets the same mileage my truck gets and I can tow a 5th wheel trailer. This is where I really kick their butt, they can't even pull a travel trailer of any size.



The dodge can do better but I run BioD and see some mpg loss

 

[RHoppe]

In this months Diesel Power magazine, there is an article about buying diesel vehicles, the advantages, and "would I do it again". On average, at todays gas and fuel prices, the typical gasser will spend on average, $7000 more than a diesel owner over 50,000 miles of driving. ENOUGH SAID !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

In this months Diesel Power magazine, there is an article about buying diesel vehicles, the advantages, and "would I do it again". On average, at todays gas and fuel prices, the typical gasser will spend on average, $7000 more than a diesel owner over 50,000 miles of driving. ENOUGH SAID !!!!!!!!!!!!

NO, you are referring purely to fuel prices/operating expense - there are other determining factors involved as well - original purchase price, maintenanace costs, etc. - to be anywhere near valid, you need to compare the WHOLE package - not just the part that places a diesel in it's best light...

 

[DrDiesel]

Will my next truck be a Hemi or Vortec? Ok, so I've had an 03 and an 04. 5. My 03 would get over 20mpg. I loved it. Unfortunately some dick ruined it by not properly installing aftermarket injectors. Read my posts to see who. I remember the day when I could drive over 600 miles on one tank of gas. Now my 04. 5 gets 16 or17. Dodge even took the power lumbar support out of my 04. 5 to save a buck, what cheap *** bureaucrats! Why are we buying diesels? Sure, you can plug in 200 hp in a couple of minutes. Is changing 3 gallons of oil worth it. Or changing my fuel filter every 5000 miles so my high pressure injectors don't fail worth it? How about diesel being the most expensive fuel for the last 3 or 4 years? Not to mention the $5000 upgrade cost when you purchase the diesel over the Hemi. This is definately the most expensive truck I've ever been suckered into. Their accountants have the cost of a vehicle per year on all kinds of graphing software, and I'm sure the diesel is not a winner. What about the turbo lag and drivability? Sure, they're quick, but your not going to leave a Hemi by any means, unless you have a few grand under the hood. Plus I have to add 10 o. z. of fuel additive every time I fill up so my injectors don't fail. A pain in the *** as far as I'm concerned, and gassers are so much more responsive! If I want to make a left hand turn forget it until the light is yellow cause by the time the turbo gets spooled your gonna be broadsided. Anyone else?

Ha. Your not worthy of the Diesel. You stick with a Hemi or Vortec... Happy Motoring. :{

 

[jltcasper3]

Will my next truck be a Hemi or Vortec? Ok, so I've had an 03 and an 04. 5. My 03 would get over 20mpg. I loved it. Unfortunately some dick ruined it by not properly installing aftermarket injectors. Read my posts to see who. I remember the day when I could drive over 600 miles on one tank of gas. Now my 04. 5 gets 16 or17. Dodge even took the power lumbar support out of my 04. 5 to save a buck, what cheap *** bureaucrats! Why are we buying diesels? Sure, you can plug in 200 hp in a couple of minutes. Is changing 3 gallons of oil worth it. Or changing my fuel filter every 5000 miles so my high pressure injectors don't fail worth it? How about diesel being the most expensive fuel for the last 3 or 4 years? Not to mention the $5000 upgrade cost when you purchase the diesel over the Hemi. This is definately the most expensive truck I've ever been suckered into. Their accountants have the cost of a vehicle per year on all kinds of graphing software, and I'm sure the diesel is not a winner. What about the turbo lag and drivability? Sure, they're quick, but your not going to leave a Hemi by any means, unless you have a few grand under the hood. Plus I have to add 10 o. z. of fuel additive every time I fill up so my injectors don't fail. A pain in the *** as far as I'm concerned, and gassers are so much more responsive! If I want to make a left hand turn forget it until the light is yellow cause by the time the turbo gets spooled your gonna be broadsided. Anyone else?

-

-If u want awsome throttle respose, get a smarty and load wild torque management, it will put u back in ur seat so fast, and turbo lag thats a thing of the past if u have a stock turbo.

-These trucks can be like a sportscar if u want and u still get better fuel milage and can haul alomost anything.

 

[y-knot]

I don't know where you guys are getting all these huge mileage figures, I think it's like telling a fishing story, the mileage just grows every time you talk about it. It's been pretty well documented that the new trucks are getting very low mileage figures. I've had my truck since new and I have never gotten over 20 MPG, in fact I only regularly get 14-15 MPG mixed driving and 9-11MPG towing. I have had several gas trucks and while I never had a 1 ton dually gas truck, the other did get about the same mileage. The big difference is the city driving and the idling times. Rush hour traffic use to kill my gasser, if I got lucky and traveled the same road which happened to have an accident on it, I could almost watch the gas needle move. Towing, while I never enjoyed as much power, the mileage was pretty close.

But I do love the diesel truck, I'm not that found of the new ones, but I do love the 12Valvers. I just like the sound of them, they sound like real trucks. The newer ones lost that feeling, some I can't even tell are diesel till I see the exhaust tip or read the fender markings. Those are not diesels, at least not the diesels I like.

Yes changing 3-1/2 gallons of oil and two by-pass filters at a time will knock a hole in the wallet, I think it comes to over $200. 00 a shot with Amsoil. But that is also the very thing I like about it, maybe I'm sick, sniffed to many diesel fumes, but thats the way it is. I love the power of a diesel, and the shear rawness it possesses. Before all these guppy office cubical types caught on to the diesel or even truck world, thats just how trucks were. Rough, noisy and just to work. I like most of that, and I kind of wish the truck went back a little closer to it's roots. if they did, there sure wouldn't be those 40-50K dollar price tags on them like there is now. I suppose if you really don't need a big heavy duty truck, then buy did you buy one???? To impress someone?? I thought those people bought HUMMERS ??



You make some good points, but at the same time you make yourself look foolish too. If you are tired of the diesel way of life, trade it off for a gasser and be done with it. Why do we need to hear about your mistakes??

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I might consider any of several good alternatives, IF I wasn't regularly towing an RV - but as long as I am, it will never be anything BUT a diesel doing the pulling! :-laf

 

[AKaiser]

-

-If u want awsome throttle respose, get a smarty and load wild torque management, it will put u back in ur seat so fast, and turbo lag thats a thing of the past if u have a stock turbo.

-These trucks can be like a sportscar if u want and u still get better fuel milage and can haul alomost anything.

Amen, and it's less than a grand. I put mine on SW5 today, and unless I put my foot in it, it doesn't smoke much, maybe a little.

 

[Matt400]

Will my next truck be a Hemi or Vortec?

Either way just to be fair. . jack the gasser 6" and put the same meats under it and see how she runs.

I am surprised you feel 17 is bad with that lift, big tires, BDDL, DR. P & TST.

Is changing 3 gallons of oil worth it. Or changing my fuel filter every 5000 miles so my high pressure injectors don't fail worth it?

The Hemi is just 5 qts less and you should change it twice as often if you want the engine to go 1/3rd as far as the CTD. I do FF every 15K and there are plenty of others in our area that wait till 30K. Its no wonder you don't like it.

Not to mention the $5000 upgrade cost when you purchase the diesel over the Hemi.

There is allot of analyzing here on payback but for a huge majority and probably the sector DC markets to most is the towing ability so you pay more to accomplish more, the better MPG is just icing on the cake, after-all it will get the same mpg towing as the Hemi does unloaded.

What about the turbo lag and drivability? Sure, they're quick, but your not going to leave a Hemi by any means, unless you have a few grand under the hood.

Are you sure about that? It takes allot of TQ to move a big truck quickly especially with lift kits and big tires.

Plus I have to add 10 o. z. of fuel additive every time I fill up so my injectors don't fail.

Are they not Cummins injectors? Cummins don't recommend it and these trucks wear out before th engine so why bother?

gassers are so much more responsive! If I want to make a left hand turn forget it until the light is yellow cause by the time the turbo gets spooled your gonna be broadsided.

Time to take some of that junk off your truck that is holding it back, sounds like your 3 way stack has things all goofed up.

 

[Giachino]

How about diesel being the most expensive fuel for the last 3 or 4 years?

--OK, but it's not now... ... 20 cents per gal less in phx



What about the turbo lag and drivability? Sure, they're quick, but your not going to leave a Hemi by any means, unless you have a few grand under the hood.

-- Beat a QC 1500 Hemi a week ago..... by 3 car lengths to 60mph..... i have a smarty $700 (DTT isnt installed yet)



and gassers are so much more responsive! If I want to make a left hand turn forget it until the light is yellow cause by the time the turbo gets spooled your gonna be broadsided.

-- Your truck has issues then..... with a stock turbo and smarty lag does not exist



-- I dont really need a diesel... as i dont tow or haul anything more than a max of 4 230lb dirtbikes in the bed... . love the diesel, great fun, and i know it will last until i decide to get rid of it.....



In the end, only you can decide... if you get a gasser, at least look at a yota 5. 7l..... my wifes sequoia has the 4. 7l... . it's a good motor, and down 100hp from the 5. 7... .

 

[BHolm]

I thought I could live with a Hemi myself. I needed to cut some costs and even used the price difference is substantial, so I got a nice clean Hemi 2500 for a low price. I really like the truck, the Hemi sounds awesome and you can definately tell the truck has lost 500+ lbs off the front axle. My well broken in '06 Mega (deisel) was getting 20 mpg, no fish story, just lots of heavy towing to get it broken in. New it was getting 13-14, so if you work it, the mpg will come up. The Hemi gets 15mpg where the Mega was getting 20.



I just couldn't do it though. I had to go back to a Cummins and my wife drives the Hemi now. My replacement for the Hemi is an '06 (best year 3rd gen IMO) QC LB G56 and it is my favorite so far. I get about 18mpg on the same roads as the other trucks, but I run this one pretty hard to listen to the straight pipe:-laf It is probably capable of 19 or so, which for a truck like this is awesome. There is no way to get the power AND the economy except to go Cummins. There is also NO comparison when towing, heck the Hemi with 3. 73s is only rated to pull about 9k lbs, the Cummins is good for 14,500 or so.



If a car is what you want, go down to the GM store and get one of them Vortec truck/car things. It'll never be a REAL truck in my book though, just a car with a pick-up box.

 

[Mhannink]

gassers are faster unless you have several grand under the hood?



one night 4 of us decided to pile into my 95 regular cab lon box 4x4 5 speed. we come up to a light and see a hemi next to us. well for whatever reason he wants to race us. since we are 4 in the cab i cant reach the shift all that easily so my buddy sitting in the third spot shifted and i keep my shift hand on the girl next to me(sry had to throw that in there so i dont sound gay w/ 4 in the cab) anyways he puts in it second gear(3. 54 rear) and i launch no reving just let it out and hammer down. i let off and my buddy speed shifts w/o me touching the clutch and we toasted that little single cab short bed. now all i had done to the truck at the time was some gov springs $125 a custom fuel plate $free and a c clamp on the waste gate $2. 50. now i wont deny that hemi is fast but im faster.



in all you dont need a ton of money invested to make your truck fast just got to know how to set it up. lose those big tires and you'll see a difference

 

[Palmtree]

I use mine for hauling my trailer. . I pass gassers doing the same in the mountains all the time. Yep. . , diesels are maintenaince but do it yourself and its not much effort. I wouldn't trade my diesel for anything. My mileage isn't great either, but , power to spare when I really need it... hauling up mountain ranges for hours at a time. But that's just me!