Who makes the best gasser?

[Rogue Ram]

This is bound to start a war... ... but, I may be forced to revert to a gasser for awhile.



Any and all opinions requested on mechanical reliability of fullsize gasser 4x4s. Dodge? Chevy? Phord? May tow up to 5k on rare occasions, but that is not a major concern. MPG more of an issue, but I'm sure they all suck eggs in that department.



Thinking of half or 3/4 ton Dodge or Phord, but haven't kept up on the mechanical end of things.



Ok, let 'er fly... .

 

[drawson]

Right now I think GM has the lead just alittle over the others. The 6. 0L and the 8. 1 are very strong runners for gassers.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

Too bad about having to revert to a gasser. I have driven the ford v-10 quite a bit, and i feel it lacks bottom end. it downshifts constantly on hills, where as my 10 almost never even unlocks the converter. the 8. 1 is a strong engine, but it gets worse mileaage than the 10. The 6. 0 seems to be a decent enginge, but i personally haven't had any seat time with it. STAY AWAY from the dodge 318 and 360 if you value your sanity. Visit Fritz's site and check out the pinging issues with these engines. While I know that other makes have pinging issues, dodge seems to be the worst.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

GM's got some pretty good gassers, if the 8. 1 proves reliable, it's definately the one to get.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have had a lot of succsess with GM engines, but eveything else seems to be bad with them, then again, i am have just had lots of lemons. My 95 Tahoe which i bought new in one year and 60k miles had all sorts of problems, front axle seal, master cylinder, power window motor, the radio died 3 times and a water pump leak.

 

[FATCAT]

Why not think about a Tundra V8. If the Tundra is built with the same quality as the Tacoma, you can't miss. If milage is #1 and power is #2, then the 245hp 14/18mph Tundra V8, 7,000 lb. towing capacity ain't bad. I've got to assume that the Chevy 6. 0 and 8. 1 get a lot worse mileage than the Tundra. Only drawback is you can only get it in an automatic. May be worth a look.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I agree with Fatcat. The Toyota Tundra is probably the best all around gas PU.

 

[RichB59]

toyota

I would consider a Tundra. But I think I'll keep driveing my 92 Dakota (136000 miles) into the ground it runs good burns no oil. The 318 put out 220 hp new "who knows what now" but I still like the truck. Fixing can be cheaper than payments.



Rich

 

[work2muchplay2little]

The 350 cid in the 2000 Tahoe we have has 50K on it and runs perfectly. No problems with anything on this vehicle. Gets 19-20 mpg on highway 15-16 with pure in town driving. Came with Class IV hitch, and tow package. Great vehicle, just slow compared to the Dodge CTD

 

[Rogue Ram]

Thanks guys. I am in very bad straights right now..... I hate to sell this rig, but may well have to. Only to turn around and buy something cheaper. I am debating (and looking) to see if I can maybe grab an older Ram with the CTD, maybe in an "ST" or something. Don't know that I'll be that fortunate... ... ...

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Originally posted by Rogue Ram

Thanks guys. I am in very bad straights right now..... I hate to sell this rig, but may well have to. Only to turn around and buy something cheaper. I am debating (and looking) to see if I can maybe grab an older Ram with the CTD, maybe in an "ST" or something. Don't know that I'll be that fortunate... ... ...

Rogue Ram, try posting a request in one of the forums and the classifieds to find you a good used CTD in the price range you want. A couple of months ago, a TDR member (sorry, forgot the name) did the same thing looking for a truck for his Dad. Found a good one in a few days. Those first generation and the 12V second generation are excellent trucks. My Dad's 96 still goes like stink and looks like new too. Good luck.

 

[Max Wedge]

If you ask from strickly an engineering point, the Chrysler LA (273-360) have been the best (durable) small block engine. Chryslers have always oiled the Camshaft first, as it is the heart of the engine. The 340 has the best rod ratio of any of them. The 360 is pretty close.



The pinging noise refered to above is usually caused by a faulty intake gasket or EGR valve or both. If not repaired it will destroy 1 or manyu pistons--experince here.



I know I will start a war here, but I wouldn't use a small block chevy for a baot anchor. Same goes with the Ford--to many mid year, quarter year, monthly changes.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

Unfortunately, the pinging issue stems from a few issues such as intake gaskets, egr, TB gaskets, warped intakes. DC is now reflashing the ecm to retard the timing 4 degrees... . all at the expense of power and economy. unfortunately, the underlying problem is not fixed, just covered. I had looked at the tundra also. While it is a fine piece of equipment, if you are a large person, you probably won't fit very well. i know this from a first hand test fit

 

[Rogue Ram]

Work2much: despite what you see next to my name, I have hundreds of postings here, I just changed my "handle" and I do in fact recall that posting you speak of. I shall most likely do the same..... I hate to do this... . a year ago, everything was fine. Then, well, something very bad happened, and it isn't going to get fixed, unfortunately... ... . so, the Ram may well have to go shortly.



I am kinda big, and love Toyota products, but won't be able to get anything new, certainly not a tundra. I will look for a 12v of sorts.