Hi,
Im planning to buy my first truck and I want it to be a diesel. I was looking around to see what things I should look out for when buying a diesel truck but then I realized that there are so many choices when it comes to those trucks and motors. Im looking for some advice to try and narrow down my search for a truck (like year, model, and engine). Right now im doing a lot of yard work but I'm planning on getting into construction. this truck is gonna be my daily driver but I also need it to pull up to 8000 lbs. please help me

 

Buy a gasser for a first truck. It will handle an 8000 trailer just fine. Unless money is no object.
Diesel. FIRST AND FOREMOST.....DO NOT BUY ONE THAT HAS BEEN DELETED OR TUNED. PERIOD.DO YOUR RESEARCH. For a first time owner go with a 2015 or newer unless you can find that unicorn 2003 or older with real low mileage ( parts for those could be hard to find).
2014 and older are starting to show up with a LOT of miles on them And are likely over priced.

 

AS a PS to previous post. If you have experience with other diesel engines, I.E. tractors, construction equipment, big trucks, generators, etc, you will probably be fine with a diesel pickup. If not, and you think you “MUST” have a diesel, look for an old brand “X” with an all mechanical 12 V Cummins. That is about as “bulletproof” of a diesel engine as one can find anywhere. Likely some other problems with that old of truck, but the engine shouldn’t be any trouble. Don’t fall for the idea of a “bulletproof” Ford 6.0 or 6.4. They are only “bulletproof” for the guys that know them and can do their own work on them; they can be made to be good, but only with a good understanding of them.
Good luck.

 

Ive always thought diesels were very cool. I don't know how to work on them. Right now I'm working with a budget of $8000 for my first truck and I'm starting to think that maybe a gas motor is better. Is there a type of motor of a set years of truck i should focus on?

 

look for an old F-250 with a 3v 5.4 gasser. You will probably get the best bang for your buck with that, just because they are probably the least desirable (lowest power) of the Super Duty’s. Good luck.

 

I have multiple 7.3 powerstroke superduty trucks, I work them hard and they are great. BUT I do all my own work on them, and know them very well. I have run cummins, duramax, 6.5 turbo diesels, and a variety of gas trucks.
For a first truck I would say go with a gasser, cheaper to buy, cheaper to own. The most reliable I have ever found are the chevy/gmc 6.0 gassers, they run a long time with very few issues, they have plenty of power, especially with the right gearing, they are easy to find, parts are cheap and plentiful. (Sorry I know its a ford forum, take it easy in me......)

 

are there certain years I should focus on to find a truck with that motor?

 

for the 3v 5.4 gasser, what year truck r u talking about?

 

The 6.0s I have run have been from 2002-2006 I believe

 

Mid 2000’s - 2010

 

Did you ever get the truck you wanted?