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6.5l diesel questions. Tow rig time

NorCal_Chris

NorCal_Chris

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So i have been looking around at a truck to pick up and to drive to work, and tow my junk around. Wanting something with 4 doors and plenty of room for camping, and family etc.

Was originally looking at Dodges, but the lack of 4 doors is a downside. Ford and chevy both have nice crew cab diesels So that is were i am looking. Budget is 8k. Dont really want to spend more than that.

Found a couple of local trucks. Problem Is i know absolutely nothing about diesels. I havnt looked at the trucks in person, just been chair surfing. Opinions? thoughts?


This first one caught my eye with a passon because of the SAS with a d60

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4218117990.html

Dont really want a dually but this one is clean.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4197508175.html

Anyone care to drop some knowledge on the 6.5 motor and steer me in the right direction?
 
cant go wrong with a 94-7 powerstroke with a 5 speed. The tough part is finding one with under 200k.

Some people have good luck with a 6.5 as a towrig.....not me.
 
I'm definitely a Chevy guy but when it comes to diesels, and a Dodge with a cummins is out, the 7.3 Powerstroke is the way to go but go with the F350 so you'll have the 60 front. I've heard the early 6.5s run hot under load. As far as the Ford well the only problem is that it's a Ford haha.
 
DD to work, and towing. I would get a 6.5td and wouldn't think twice about it. For towing a minimum of 4.10 gearing.

Really find something you like, that'll suit your needs. Ferd, Chevy or Dodge. To me a cars a car, a trucks a truck. You buy used it's a can of worms either way. I'd take a cummins with a 5 speed in a heartbeat too but finding your 4 doors...
 
6.5's are good trucks don't be scared of what some people may say. Theres two things you need to do if you do get one. First make sure to get a pmd relocation kit and second make sure to get a set of stainless oil cooler lines. I had a 97 2500 with a 6.5 and would still be driveing it today if the body didn't rot off. They do tend to run hot but just keep and eye on everything. The bad thing is they do like to crack heads.
 
I have a 2500 suburban with a 6.5. I towed a skid steer loader on a heavy duty deck over trailer. Probably around 8k to 10k. It did OK. Forget 4.10 gears with a 6.5 and towing. Peak torque is around 1800rpms and the little turbos are loosing boost around 2500rpms. I have 3.73s and they seem a good compromise.
 
First thing I thought is everyone is gonna tell him to get a powerstroke or cummins.

Russel has a 6.5 in his Tahoe, due to an emergency on our way to Moab one year he had to tow Horton. It towed it like it wasn't even hardly there.

Yes there are problems but lets face it there are with every one of those trucks.

I do know a guy that towed 18k of hay on a regular basis. He switched to a Ford cause everyone said it was so much better, it simply wasn't. He said the Chevy had almost as much power and rode way more comfortable.

Most important thing really is if its been taken care of. 6.5s just like 6.2s require good maintenance
 
the 6.5 in 97 they changed the cooling design to a way more efficient design. there are retrofit kits to upgrade older 6.5s to the new cooling style.
definity get a pmd, thats a must, and anything still running would realistically already have one done.

and becuase we know you chris, its no problem for me to believe you'll slap a hx35 and a dana 60 on a 6.5 rig and be happy happy happy
 
blazinzuk said:
I do know a guy that towed 18k of hay on a regular basis. He switched to a Ford cause everyone said it was so much better, it simply wasn't. He said the Chevy had almost as much power and rode way more comfortable.
Click to expand...

Stock to stock power is pretty similar, although with the powerstrokes there are some that run real good, and some that dont work as good (3.55 vs 4.11 is a big deal in these trucks for heavy towing)

And the chevys ride WAY better that the f350.
 
Smokinthehippies said:
the 6.5 in 97 they changed the cooling design to a way more efficient design. there are retrofit kits to upgrade older 6.5s to the new cooling style.
definity get a pmd, thats a must, and anything still running would realistically already have one done.

and becuase we know you chris, its no problem for me to believe you'll slap a hx35 and a dana 60 on a 6.5 rig and be happy happy happy
Click to expand...

Haha.. too welltit seems.

My buddy actually has a couple hx35s on hos shelf as spares for his car. Now you got me all worked up.
 
Awesome input everyone. I made some calls and should be looking at those two trucks later. I'm gonna keep a look out for more since a dually is super overkill as the max I could see me towing is 10k w/ a gooseneck
 
Also if it tickles your fancy. You can find some 6.5 2500 suburbs out there. That's what I was looking for when I found my 7.4 rig. Hard to find but I've seen a few clean ones out there
 
A burb would be nice. But i miss having a truck and the bed to throw crap in. As well as an easy way to haul quad/dirtbike/etc w/o a trailer.
 
I looked at the 99.

It was super clean like the pics show. Runs great. Tons of power ( granted I'm used to my hamster wheel jeep). Nice interior. Comfy seats. He said it has the pmd relocation on it. It's Defiantly on the short list
 
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