[Ben M.]

The 6.2-6.5 Detroit Diesels (1982-1997 GM) are perfectly fine engines for driving around and towing, but don't expect to do any redneck modifications to belch black smoke or win races. The TH400 behind them is bulletproof unless someone was stupid about maintenance, the TH700-4R\4L60E is something I am not comfortable running due to how many I hear about needing to be rebuilt, and the 4L80E that came in some after 1991 is the one to have.

If you can afford it, the 7.3 is also a very nice engine. I've never been a Dodge fan, so I don't know too much about the Cummins.

[mechanic17]

Is there any auto trans (stock) that came behind either the Powerstroke OR the Cummins that can be trusted? Remember, we're talking '90s vintage.

BTW, I am working my way through the other diesel threads and have read the "tow vehicle" one twice already.

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by Ben M.

The 6.2-6.5 Detroit Diesels (1982-1997 GM) are perfectly fine engines for driving around and towing, but don't expect to do any redneck modifications to belch black smoke or win races. The TH400 behind them is bulletproof unless someone was stupid about maintenance, the TH700-4R\4L60E is something I am not comfortable running due to how many I hear about needing to be rebuilt, and the 4L80E that came in some after 1991 is the one to have.

If you can afford it, the 7.3 is also a very nice engine. I've never been a Dodge fan, so I don't know too much about the Cummins.

I agree, the 6.5 turbo in my 93 K3500 has close to 230,000 miles and the 4L80E is just a T400 with an OD electrically shifted. The engine and the transmission both work fine in my truck.

One other thing about the 6.5 is parts are usually much cheaper and many sources of used parts are available.

That being said I also have a IH with the N/A 7.3 in it that is about the same mileage as the 6.5. Both of mine are mechanically injected so the parts in the injection systems are relatively cheap and easy to work on. They all have advantages and disadvantages, most important thing is how the former owners maintained them, they'll all run good with proper maintenance.

[Ben M.]

Originally Posted by Sirrotica

They all have advantages and disadvantages, most important thing is how the former owners maintained them, they'll all run good with proper maintenance.

This is ultimately the biggest point. Unless it's a Ford 6.0 or an Olds 5.7, there really is very little in the way of terrible problems if they've been maintained and taken care of. And if they haven't you can take care of that and improve it to get them back into service.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by Ben M.

The 6.2-6.5 Detroit Diesels (1982-1997 GM) are perfectly fine engines for driving around and towing, but don't expect to do any redneck modifications to belch black smoke or win races. The TH400 behind them is bulletproof unless someone was stupid about maintenance, the TH700-4R\4L60E is something I am not comfortable running due to how many I hear about needing to be rebuilt, and the 4L80E that came in some after 1991 is the one to have.

If you can afford it, the 7.3 is also a very nice engine. I've never been a Dodge fan, so I don't know too much about the Cummins.

6.9 & 7.3 IDI's are common and you can buy em for about the same price as a 6.2 GM from those years (usually pretty cheap)

However, a 6.2 will beat a 6.9 IDI on fuel economy easily.

[Ben M.]

Originally Posted by 455Grandville

6.9 & 7.3 IDI's are common and you can buy em for about the same price as a 6.2 GM from those years (usually pretty cheap)

Depends on where you live. Where I live, the 6.2 is rare but goes for peanuts. The 7.3 is more common, but the also costs a few grand more just because it's the 7.3. The 6.9 is a bit cheaper, but most of those trucks of that era have had the snot beat out of them.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by Ben M.

Depends on where you live. Where I live, the 6.2 is rare but goes for peanuts. The 7.3 is more common, but the also costs a few grand more just because it's the 7.3. The 6.9 is a bit cheaper, but most of those trucks of that era have had the snot beat out of them.

Some of the Ford guys swear the 6.9 gets better fuel economy. Problem with the 6.2s is if the glow plugs get swelled; you canot get them out and have to yank the heads. Keep that in mind if you're looking. Also it seems around 200K alot of the IDI Fords injection pumps like to retire. Not a hard job to do if you get the truck cheap enough. Also, I've picked up several IDIs for cheap where the glow plug relay went bad; seems commons and it's another easy fix.
Can't give you much sympathy on the area; rust there is nothing. Not bad here like up north, but still bad.

[mechanickeith]

Originally Posted by 455Grandville

Some of the Ford guys swear the 6.9 gets better fuel economy. Problem with the 6.2s is if the glow plugs get swelled; you canot get them out and have to yank the heads. Keep that in mind if you're looking. Also it seems around 200K alot of the IDI Fords injection pumps like to retire. Not a hard job to do if you get the truck cheap enough. Also, I've picked up several IDIs for cheap where the glow plug relay went bad; seems commons and it's another easy fix.
Can't give you much sympathy on the area; rust there is nothing. Not bad here like up north, but still bad.

Dont allways have to pull the heads. Pull the injector & use a pair of angle needle nose pliers to pull the glow plug tip out through the injector hole. Have done this many many times with success. Dont have to worry about dropping the plug tip as it will stay in the combustion cup in the head. Magnet helps a lot also.