Need Advice on Buying a Dump Truck

InvisibleOne

InvisibleOne

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Ok Guys, Please give me some advice. I'm looking at replacing my 1965 F350 dump truck. It has served me well. But, I want something newer, with better brakes, that I can use to haul a tandem trailer with my kubota tractor on it.

I'm leaning towards another Ford F350, probably 2000-2010 model. Either gas or diesel. Four wheel drive.

Tell me what you think. What motor? Auto or stick? Are there certain models or motors/trans to avoid? What year did they start using the fuel additive tank for diesel?

Also, if you think I should look at Dodge or GM, tell me why. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions!
 
Diesel, straight drive, though I'd not back away from an automatic, and I'd look at the 2011-2013s for the 6.7 engine. The 7.3 was great but the 6.0 and 6.4 were dogs! The 6.4 was very much a fuel hog! They started using exhaust additive in 2011.
 
My father in law does utility bores for a living. They had a new F350 4x4 2011 ish Diesel. They quickly found that motor sucked, they replaced the injectors 4 times and at 75,000 miles traded it off. Got a Chevy Gas burner and haven't had a single issue with it, now over 100k Miles. They also bought a international that does the heavy towing and of course the lowboy.
 
If’n It were me, I’d look for an ‘05 - ‘07 3500 Dodge Ram with a Cummins.

I love my ‘08 F450 (pulls and stops great), but having to drop 16K in a new engine at 120K miles pretty much soured me on Fords.

2011 6.7’s have problems. If you go with a 6.7 get 2013 or newer.
 
I second the Chevys. Sorry I almost forgot you wanted reasons behind the opinions. I have 31 years experience wrenching and I know what I end up fixing more than anything else. If you like paying large repair bills then get a Ford we work on them all the time for the grading company next door and some of the local landscapers. Now do not get me wrong all trucks have their problems no matter the brand but the major bills usually go to the ford owners. I repair chevys and dodges too but the repairs are usually for smaller things like steering and suspesion components, alternators and windows. The cab off motor jobs always go fords wzy though. We replaced a 7.3 ford last week , the replacement engine that was customer provided was over 16 grand just for a rebuilt motor, now add in the small parts fluids and labor to pull a cab and do the swap = a big hurt on the check book.
 
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If you’re gonna look early 2000
Short Fuse said:
I second the Chevys. Sorry I almost forgot you wanted reasons behind the opinions. I have 31 years experience wrenching and I know what I end up fixing more than anything else. If you like paying large repair bills then get a Ford we work on them all the time for the grading company next door and some of the local landscapers. Now do not get me wrong all trucks have their problems no matter the brand but the major bills usually go to the ford owners. I repair chevys and dodges too but the repairs are usually for smaller things like steering and suspesion components, alternators and windows. The cab off motor jobs always go fords wzy though. We replaced a 7.3 ford last week , the replacement engine that was customer provided was over 16 grand just for a rebuilt motor, now add in the small parts fluids and labor to pull a cab and do the swap = a big hurt on the check book.
Click to expand...
In 7 years, the company I used to work for, spent roughly $40,000 between 2 6.4 F550’s. Both were purchased new in 08.
 
You can find a f-450 or bigger with a Cummins or a Cat motor in it. Don’t know how large you want to go.
 
With the weight you’ll be moving I’d look at a 2013 or newer f450 with a 6.7 motor. Auto or straight won’t matter.

Yes that will put you in def but you can have it deleted.
 
For what my opinion is worth, I feel like if you can stomach the massive fuel bill a gasoline engine will give you less headaches and cost you less money in maintenance, especially if it's going to sit for long periods.

By massive fuel bill I mean single digit fuel mileage for a 460 or 454 ci engine.

As far as Ford diesels go, the 7.3 is underpowered but if the previous owner(s) didn't fiddle with it they're mostly bulletproof. The 6.0 has some well known and totally fixable problems that add to the upfront cost but bring reliability up to par with the 7.3 and improve the power. The 6.4 was a total miss that I would avoid personally; it's problems aren't as predictable as the 6.0. The 6.7 as far as I have heard is an excellent engine after EGR and DEF deletes.

The 12 valve Cummins has an outstanding reputation, I would only question the transmission on a Chrysler. And the silly vacuum operated 4WD.
 
Great suggestions! Thank you! I knew you guys would help.
I guess Ford's claim to being the King of trucks has lost it's shine. I'm hearing more negative about them than I expected.
Ok, so now I'm leaning towards a Dodge with Cummins diesel, with Chevy still in the running. Any additional help is still appreciated!
The search continues.... :)
 
InvisibleOne said:
Great suggestions! Thank you! I knew you guys would help.
I guess Ford's claim to being the King of trucks has lost it's shine. I'm hearing more negative about them than I expected.
Ok, so now I'm leaning towards a Dodge with Cummins diesel, with Chevy still in the running. Any additional help is still appreciated!
The search continues.... :)
Click to expand...
I'm here to tell you that every tech that works for me drives a for powerstroke (ad do I) 7.3's are fine if you can get the trans to hold together, 6.0's are great just delete the egr and stud the heads, 6.4's delete the aftermarket stuff and your good to go. If you do go with a cummins get one that is mechanical injection and a manual trans, if not you will wish you had. IMHO diesel is the way to go if you are wanting to move anything worth while. Also keep.in mind that ford just started producing it's own diesle engine and it's still an international design. Up till the 6.7 they were all made by International. We work on more red engines (cummins) then I care to count, but then again we are talking big trucks. If you can find a older f650 it could have come with a cummins, cat, or international, if you can find a f650 with a manual trans and a cat you will pay for it, but it will be worth it.
 
Dodge cummins anything up threw 07 is solid engine wise if its been maintained. Manual tranny would be my choice for towing in the dodge line up for longevity but the autos will last if engine was left stock and truck has been maintained. Cummins up threw 07 is pretty easy to work on yourself as well. Mechanical injecton 12v stopped in 97 98 Moved to the vp44 injection pump in 98-02 its ok if the fuel pressure to pump is consistant above 12psi from lift pump. Problem was engine mounted lift pumps didnt last well from vibration but plenty of aftermarket options to fix the issue not a hard or terrible price for upgrade. 03 they went to commonrail and they became much quieter. There is a reason you see the cummins engines still bringing good money with 400k+ on them. 08 and up cummins started adding the emissions stuff (egr) and finally adding def fluid to them in 13 still good engines just more electronics to have problems with.
 
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