Cascade Crew

Red Bird · Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:16 pm Post subject: Cheap tow rig?

hey guys, so im in the market for a cheap tow rig. I dont have much experience with trucks. Ive been looking at TBI suburbans and trucks because i have the same injection on my bird and im familiar with all the parts, and modifications for more power. But, id also be intersted in a diesel for their reliabilty torque and fuel mileage. as far as i know ford is known for their diesel trucks, but im pretty sure they are more expensive than an older gas gm truck. anyone have any tips on what to look for in an older tow rig? what do you think would be the best choice for a budget of around 2-3 grand.

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:22 pm Post subject:

Biggest question is whether or not you want a 4x4. If not, you'll find plenty of 2wd IDI Furds and older Cummins around for that price.

Just don't buy a 6.2 Chev. Beat the dead horse some more why don't ya

Beat the dead horse some more why don't ya

Red Bird · Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:34 pm Post subject:

I'd prefer a 4wd that way when im not using it for towing in the fall spring and summer, i could use it for bad weather commuting. but if i found a super good deal on a 2wd i might take it just because i have a perfectly good winter beater, and the truck would be used primarily to tow my firebird in good weather.

RSFreak · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:37 am Post subject:

aaron_sK · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 1:46 am Post subject:

91RSVert · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:55 am Post subject:

I have a 97 6.5TD. It is great for around town towing stuff. But getting it to 70mph on the interstate takes some work and its wound out good. but being a 3500 dually, it takes the trailer WAY better then my friends 04 f250 single.

I did some research before buying. Fords motor after the IDI is more powerful then chevy or cummings. As for reliability, well, on a used motor thats more going to depend on how it was treated and maintained.

dlp · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:54 pm Post subject:

If your budget is 2 - 3k, dont by a diesel. For this price range you will be looking at early to mid 90's trucks with lots of miles on them. The Vortec GM engines had decent power and so did the early 90's 460 fords. The ford overdrive auto transmissions were garbage though. I worked at a boat shop in the early 90's. They had a 90 chevy and a 91 ford cc dually.
The ford out pulled the chevy but ate 6 transmission in one year and two more before the truck was bought back. One of them went out without ever towing anything, in the driveway of the shop, 25 miles after being replaced again.