pallets of tile, cement backer board, 50lb bags of mortar. the more i can carry, the less trips, the less time, the more monies

finding diesel pumps isnt a problem, this is the country, everyone has a diesel pump



looking at getting an 04-06 model year. would prefer a chevy to keep my fleet matching, but im not ruling any trucks out.
the allison tranny is a big plus for me, im concerned about dodge's trannies being shit. it has to be an automatic, so that any idiot that works for me can drive it if need be.

the cummins doesnt strike me as necessary, as i wont be doing any mods at all. mechanically bone stock.
will probably throw a winch on it for when i go minor off-roading/camping, but thats about it.

what years was the 7.3l international made? im not opposed to getting an older truck either

The international 7.3IDI (Indirect injection) was used from 88-94, (In 93 they released a turbo model of the IDI)

In mid 94 they released the Powerstroke, which was a HEUI (Hydraulic actuated electronic unit injection) turbocharged variant of the old 7.3, the HEUI Powerstrokes ran until the 97 model year, in 98 they switched to a framerail mounted electric fuelpump direct injection system, the HEUI system runs a cam driven pump.

2003 1/2 + had the 6.0, and it was plauged with EGR carbon deposits, high EGT's, cylinder head failure's, hydrolocks, etc.

Basically if you're going ford, anything pre 2003 will be your 7.3, which is a great motor.

would personally prefer the 8.1 liter I don't like having to depend on a turbo to make decent power

Although I wouldn't count out the 496 as a great choice for his needs, the Ford 7.3 or a Duramax would get better mileage, with the ability to haul more, and have more longevity in the long run.

It's all up to personal preference I suppose, most people are more comfortable working with gas engines, whereas i'm a heavy diesel mechanic and i'm very confident in my knowledge of them.

Parts costs always will be in favor of the gas engine, and the 8.1 is a monster, but in terms of longevity and reliablity under working conditions, the diesel will always win.

The 6.0's made after the summer of 05 are great trucks. The 6.4 is also an amazing motor, people just put it down because it sucks on fuel... What other truck can you put under a grand into and run 13's in the 1/4'th with a dually?

could easily be done with a cummins or Dmax dually as well.

yeah who wants a more reliable motor that pulls loads easier right? you act like the turbo might blow up at any time lol.

Lets see the proof.

Could make all 3 of the big name diesels run into the high 11's - low 12's easily with a proper tune and a whole bunch of nitrous injection, for under 1000 bucks.