2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission I'm no longer a diesel truck owner

[Silver Bullet Ram]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped, answered questions. My truck left today for a new home... . now this means diesel fuel prices will drop... lol



Gary

 

[Grizzly]

Well that's got to be a sad day in Arcanum, Ohio. Are you going to be okay without your diesel? I'd have a hard time parting with my diesel and woodworking shop.

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

It is sad, actually felt like crying a couple of times, but I know she went to a good home. I will survive. The truck needed driven and worked, but it spent most of the time in my sitting in the garage. $90/fillup is insane and diesel fuel costs more is stupid.

 

[champspa]

What are you driving now. How do you run a business without a truck?

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

I have a Dakota to drive back and forth to work. I didn't have a business, but I do have a small gentleman's farm.

 

[Tractorat]

With oil now at almost $100, (and its not going back down thanks to the speculators on Wall Street), I wonder how many of us will have to make the same decision in the coming months and year.



I saw diesel today in Seattle at $3. 70. I expect to see $4. 00 before too long. And when they see they can get $4. 00, it will spike to $5 and even $6 faster than you can say Jack Robinson.



TRat

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

Makes me wonder if someday 30 years from now that truck would have been worth as much as a Hemi Cuda because those were dumped for the same reason. Personally I think everyone of us should file lawsuits against those oil speculators on Wall Street.

 

[AMink]

Sorry to hear your truck is gone. I still haven't got a GOOD answer as to why diesel is so high. It's more than premium around here. Absolute BS. Cheaper to refine etc. GRRR!#@$%!

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

The only thing I can assume is that it is tied to heating oil. However less homes heat with heating oil today than they did in the 70s.

I emailed Speedway once, asked them the same question and their response was because oil per barrell is higher and strong demand from China... duh. To me that was a generic answer.

One time when the price of oil went down they raised gas prices and I called and asked them why? They said its against the law to discuss gas prices. To me it is taxation without representation. Anyrate don't mean to depart from the thread here, but yes the truck will be missed.



Gary

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'm blessed with a job that leases my truck from me for $750/mo and pays for all my fuel... thankfully my financial situation is such that I would LIKE to think that I would keep my trucks if I didn't have this job, but man, with the price of fuel? not sure about that

 

[MMeier]

Still going to hang out with us here, correct?

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

My subscription is paid up for another year, so I will probably lurk around from time to time. The guy who bought it from me asked if I was going to get another diesel. I said I really have no use for a diesel, but it was neat. I said I will probably get a gasser or consider building my own truck with the possibility of a 3. 9 4bt for fuel economy. I think if a 4bt can move a potato chip truck, it should be able to move a Ram 2500 with a slide in pop up camper. Sadly though the truck was lucky to see 3000 miles a year in the last year or 2 because of high diesel fuel prices. It really took a hit to my wallet when I took a job an hour away and that was my only mode of transportation at the time. I was spending a 1000/month in fuel. If the truck would have been a 6 speed that would have helped because I can shift early and pop it into neutral and coast. I've been doing that on my Dakota, it really helped the fuel mileage.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

the thing about building a 4BT truck is it costs a lot more time and money than it's worth if you only drive a couple thousand miles a year...



better off buying a nice little 12v truck for $4-5k

 

[Ragain]

Tractorat... . Seattle fuel $3. 70? I can bet that the brokers are still moving eastbound loads (48,000 lbs. and 8' drop tarped loads) for $1. 00 a mile!!! I took my last northwest run in early summer and bounced home to KS empty just to help put a stop to that practice.

BOYCOTT NORTHWEST FREIGHT!!! Lets work together and put a stop to the practice of offering $2. 50 per mile freight for a $1. 00!!!

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

the thing about building a 4BT truck is it costs a lot more time and money than it's worth if you only drive a couple thousand miles a year...



better off buying a nice little 12v truck for $4-5k

If it would be easier on gas, I would drive it more. I tried looking for a 12 valve, most of them are wore out or beaten badly or they want too much for them.



Gary

 

[AFoulk]

These days, I think the only way it actually pays to go with a diesel is one of those little diesel Jetta's or Golfs. Its hard to argue with 50mpg on the highway. I almost wish I woulda kept my jeep. I don't think it would cost me anymore to fill that thing up every week than it cost me to fill my truck up every 3weeks.

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

I wouldn't touch a Jetta. The have alot of issues and more maintenance than the Cummins. For example a timing belt and a aluminum head. After working for Chrysler and going through the Mercedes nigtmare then having our plant sold to another German outfit, I would not touch a German car. A Chain saw different story.

 

[tony597fitter]

silver bullet ram,

Is it any cheaper to run your Dakota?

I used to have a 02 quad dakota 4x4 and it only got 12-14 miles to the gallon.

I also had a 99 dakota ex. cab 2wd and that truck only got 16-18 miles to the gallon.

 

[Silver Bullet Ram]

My Dakota is a v-6 5 speed 2wd. I get about 24 with a light foot, gas is cheaper, insurance and repairs are cheaper.

 

[tony597fitter]

Mine was a 99 v-6 5 speed 2wd.

The fuel milage sticker on it even said it was 16 city and 19 highway. I kept it and just went and looked at it.

It was close.

OH well, I still get 20 mpg on the highway with my Cummins. And I can haul alot.

I think you will regret selling your truck, especially when it snows.