The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: wtr100 on October 24, 2011, 11:54:42 AM
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need to buy a new truck (new to me)
We'll be hauling water , currently we borrow a truck for this - 400 gal tank or 3,200 lbs .
Why the !@#$ is it so hard to find a full size but not hunmonoulous regular cab, 4 wd truck.
Truth or BS - V6 and V8 are pretty much the same gas mileage until you load them down ...
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truth, but often v6 get worse gas milage then thier v8 counterparts.
Its very hard to find a used truck thats worth a damn, I know I looked for years.
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Get the V8. It runs at lower RPMs and will last longer. It will also get out of its own way when you load it down. My advice is a Ford F-150 short bed (if it will fit your tank). If you are towing it, consider getting one with the towing package. It comes a bigger battery (nice for winter) and an oil cooler (good for longevity). It can't be too hard to find one used.
OTH, they make a Dodge Dakota with their big hemi V-8. It will tow as well or better than a full size. Plus it will go like a bat out of hell. ;D
FQ13
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Get the V8. It runs at lower RPMs and will last longer. It will also get out of its own way when you load it down. My advice is a Ford F-150 short bed (if it will fit your tank). If you are towing it, consider getting one with the towing package. It comes a bigger battery (nice for winter) and an oil cooler (good for longevity). It can't be too hard to find one used.
OTH, they make a Dodge Dakota with their big hemi V-8. It will tow as well or better than a full size. Plus it will go like a bat out of hell. ;D
FQ13
But it won't carry 2 tons of water, FQ. My F350 will - and often has. Had a 375gal pickup tank that I used to run water for the stock tank.
It's also for sale - 7.3l diesel and quad cab a well.
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If you don't need it, 4WD will actually reduce your towing capacity due to the additional weight of the trans-axle and front differential.
As to mileage, I have a V6 in my Ranger feather hauler and I've never seen anything better than 22 mpg in it's lifetime. Mostly, it's closer to 16-18.
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But it won't carry 2 tons of water, FQ. My F350 will - and often has. Had a 375gal pickup tank that I used to run water for the stock tank.
It's also for sale - 7.3l diesel and quad cab a well.
I wasn't sure from the OP if he was talking about hauling a trailer tank or having a bed mounted one. You are right, that makes a world of difference in what you can get away with. Ditto with the terrain. With the mud and slush you must deal with on the ranch in Dakota, the dually 350 would be a huge plus with a bed mounted tank.
FQ13
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I have a big V6 in my S10 Xcab and gas milage sucks...usually less than 20 even over the road and a small gas tank! They have is set from the factory to top out at 99 MPH also.
Richard
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If you don't need it, 4WD will actually reduce your towing capacity due to the additional weight of the trans-axle and front differential.
As to mileage, I have a V6 in my Ranger feather hauler and I've never seen anything better than 22 mpg in it's lifetime. Mostly, it's closer to 16-18.
rural IL + winter = 4wd very nice to have
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rural IL + winter = 4wd very nice to have
4WD gas mileage will suck, but you can go any where. I average about 15 with F-150 off road model. BUT, I have AT tires, can go anywhere, have the towing package, and with the big V-8 I don't break 2,000 RPMs at 75mph. The thing is a '98 and still runs like a top. The only repair problems I'm facing are stupid stuff like the power windows breaking. Mechanically, I've had to fix the breaks and I broke a torsion bar early on while it was still in warranty. Bryond that, its been a sweetheart. Way I figure it, I can buy a whole lot of gas for the price of a new truck. I loved it more when gas was a $1.25 a gallon, but I still love it now. The darn thing just goes wherever I want it to and only costs me money at the pump, not the mechanic.
FQ13
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4WD gas mileage will suck, but you can go any where. I average about 15 with F-150 off road model. BUT, I have AT tires, can go anywhere, have the towing package, and with the big V-8 I don't break 2,000 RPMs at 75mph. The thing is a '98 and still runs like a top. The only repair problems I'm facing are stupid stuff like the power windows breaking. Mechanically, I've had to fix the breaks and I broke a torsion bar early on while it was still in warranty. Bryond that, its been a sweetheart. Way I figure it, I can buy a whole lot of gas for the price of a new truck. I loved it more when gas was a $1.25 a gallon, but I still love it now. The darn thing just goes wherever I want it to and only costs me money at the pump, not the mechanic.
FQ13
I know that when I buy a vehicle 4WD is never even considered an option. If it's not 4WD, it's not even considered. I live in the middle of Wyo, and if you don't have 4WD, you don't move in the winter. You can get away with it in the cities and on MOST of the highways. However I have been on I-80 when 4WD was the only way I got home.
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I wasn't sure from the OP if he was talking about hauling a trailer tank or having a bed mounted one. You are right, that makes a world of difference in what you can get away with. Ditto with the terrain. With the mud and slush you must deal with on the ranch in Dakota, the dually 350 would be a huge plus with a bed mounted tank.
FQ13
Who said anything about a dually? Duallys are a pain, more stuff to break. They are best for long-haul trailers, better stability with a loaded trailer, but not for rough or wet conditions, where they actually detract a bit.
I have a permanent 5th wheel ball in the bed, when I hauled water, I had to put the tank on a pallet. Fun with 3500 pound of water on a wooden pallet in a 1-ton truck.
Never had a problem - except for the 1 time where I drove it all the way from town (15+ miles) after filling it up with water, then let ex-GF run it into the pasture as I closed the gate. She ran it past the stock tank, up a small rise, and as she backed it down the tank slid off the pallet and rolled off the tailgate doing a slow-mo somersault over the valve/bung. I hadn't strapped it down, you see, but it even stayed put on the hill away from the water filler.
No damage to the tank, valve or bung, lost all of the water though, only damage was to the tailgate which developed a permanent squared-off U shape. The thin wire straps that held the gate to the pickup did not break, so the metal tailgate bent!
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I know that when I buy a vehicle 4WD is never even considered an option. If it's not 4WD, it's not even considered. I live in the middle of Wyo, and if you don't have 4WD, you don't move in the winter. You can get away with it in the cities and on MOST of the highways. However I have been on I-80 when 4WD was the only way I got home.
Chains help too, as well as many many 60# bags of sand!!!!! ;D
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Chains help too, as well as many many 60# bags of sand!!!!! ;D
I pretty much refuse to use chains unless I have no other choice. I used to use them all the time on hunting trips, but found out that they tend to do a lot of damage to your suspension.
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Don't know what your budget is, but a slightly used F-250 with tow package,...are all over the place.
http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/Ford_F250
Will do everything a F350 will do, gas or diesel,....get the the trans cooler, if you can...If your plan is to haul "water/stuff" get something that won't sweat it..
Type in your zip, and maybe something is there that could help, I scanned in for a few minutes, and hell I'll take one.
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Amen! Snow in Indiana, I bought the kitty litter. Still, I guess chains have their use for those of you who live in the tundra, but I think buying an agressive tire, even if it costs mileage and rides a bit rough is worth the trade off. I've used Bridgestone Dessert Duelers in the past and been happy. I was recently persuaded to try a set of Kuhmo (sp?) Venture ATs and will post a report. They came highly reccomended and have a good bite. Road noise is ok, but I haven't gone out and gotten them really dirty yet.
FQ13
PS, my bad on the F-350 Dually thing. I read into it something you didn't write, but I thought that for the heavy hauling/fifth wheel configurations that that is the way they came.
PPS. Post a price and specs on your truck. The OP might be interested. Hell, I flew one way from Austin to Tulsa to buy my rig due to price and availability. The $99 it cost me to fly one way on SW Airlines was more than made up for by the savings. Plus, the parts girl who picked me up at the airport was very cute. ;D
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rural IL + winter = 4wd very nice to have
Roger that....I'm back in Northern MA but I'll just plow through the crap or stay home...
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Was driving through the Alps in December one year in a VW.....
I'd never seen mountains before and was awe struck at the sight of them...but all that snow piled up worried me so I bought a set of chains for the bug in Austria en-route to Italy.
They really did a great job...I put them in the back seat and with that extra weight I didn't have any trouble getting to Italy and back.... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I found your truck! Bring money.....Lot's of it. Even the towing eyebolts are chromed!
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twyacht - I owe you a cold malted beverage! I'd been plugging around a bunch of auto sites but www.carsforsale.com was easily the most extensive
I found an 1997 F150 with about 60k miles on it for about 8k - 8-Cylinder 4.6L V8 SOHC 16V it's got an extend cab and short bed but the dimensions look like they'll work with the water tank.
Oddly it's older than the ranger I'm replacing
Going to see a guy about it - anything to look out for?
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Other than the obvious not really. If its been sitting awhile, as it probably has been with that low a mileage you might need to get new tires and maybe change some hoses and belts. But at 8K, figure $1k for good tires and alignment, and a couple of bills to replace the rubber and its still a good deal. I might slide underneath with a flashlight to look for rust. However if my '98 is anything to go by you should be happy with it.. I've got the larger V8 but I doubt that will make much difference in longevity or performance. Good luck.
FQ13
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how'd I do?
ask 7,900
offer 6,000
met at 7,000 - plus they are adding spray on bed liner (buying from small car lot,lot owner has a bed liner company with good reputation around here) and they're going to change the spark plugs, which is supposed to be a royal pain in the arse on these engines - something about not quite enough threads and position of the plugs
there is about a two inch thick wad of receipts that pretty much document every turn of a wrench on it and drop oil fluid in it other than gas
There is a bit of rust underneath but that's to be expected around here other than that it's pretty darn nice
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Sounds good.
I checked the Kelly on that model and 8K was at the absolute top pricing for the truck. Considering the mileage, the bed liner and additional work he's doing, coupled with the documentation of prior work, I think you did fine.
Do get the alignment checked as most trucks, especially 4WD, have been off road at one time or another. Ball joint wear, inner and outer tie rods and the like can be an issue but all are reasonable for a truck of that vintage.
Good luck..
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how'd I do?
ask 7,900
offer 6,000
met at 7,000 - plus they are adding spray on bed liner (buying from small car lot,lot owner has a bed liner company with good reputation around here) and they're going to change the spark plugs, which is supposed to be a royal pain in the arse on these engines - something about not quite enough threads and position of the plugs
there is about a two inch thick wad of receipts that pretty much document every turn of a wrench on it and drop oil fluid in it other than gas
There is a bit of rust underneath but that's to be expected around here other than that it's pretty darn nice
Feh! Real trucks don't use spark plugs!! ;)
Congrats, nice deal too.
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Feh! Real trucks don't use spark plugs!! ;)
Congrats, nice deal too.
true but the price of diesel's OY
I did some fork for Ford - years back and got to go to their test grounds. They had a diesel ford ranger - I think it was a 4-cyl. That thing got like 40 mpg or something crazy like that.
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Now that wtr100's problem was solved, on to mine.
I hate to buy vehicles too...and I need a new one.
Anyone like to give me one?
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twyacht - I owe you a cold malted beverage! I'd been plugging around a bunch of auto sites but www.carsforsale.com was easily the most extensive
I found an 1997 F150 with about 60k miles on it for about 8k - 8-Cylinder 4.6L V8 SOHC 16V it's got an extend cab and short bed but the dimensions look like they'll work with the water tank.
Oddly it's older than the ranger I'm replacing
Going to see a guy about it - anything to look out for?
I have that truck with the off road package. Bought it new in '97. It now has 196,000 miles on it and is still going strong. No major problems, just the usual culprits (starter, alternator) and I did have to replace the brake lines and transmission cooler lines due to all the salt they use around here. The body has held up really well but I'm getting some rust through now. I never was one for regular washing or waxing and it probably hasn't had either for at least 6 yrs. If I had the $$$$ I would buy a new one in a heartbeat.
Feh! Real trucks don't use spark plugs!! ;)
Congrats, nice deal too.
Neither do cars. I have a VW TDI. I love my truck but I love 40mpg better. ;D
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how'd I do?
ask 7,900
offer 6,000
met at 7,000 - plus they are adding spray on bed liner (buying from small car lot,lot owner has a bed liner company with good reputation around here) and they're going to change the spark plugs, which is supposed to be a royal pain in the arse on these engines - something about not quite enough threads and position of the plugs
there is about a two inch thick wad of receipts that pretty much document every turn of a wrench on it and drop oil fluid in it other than gas
There is a bit of rust underneath but that's to be expected around here other than that it's pretty darn nice
I think you did real good. Bummer about the rust. I had mine ziebarted when I lived in the land of salt, and if there is an outfit around you I would highly recommend calling them and seeing what they can do. As far as the truck goes, I love mine and hope to keep it a lot longer than the 13 years I've owned it. Honestly if I won the Power Ball tomorrow, I'd buy a lot of stuff, but a new truck would not be among the purchases. It runs great and I love it. Ford did very well with the new model F-150s.
FQ13
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Now that wtr100's problem was solved, on to mine.
I hate to buy vehicles too...and I need a new one.
Anyone like to give me one?
Been waiting on an opportunity to foist this on someone yet again:
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Been waiting on an opportunity to foist this on someone yet again:
hmmm....do you have the complete maintenance record for it?
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hmmm....do you have the complete maintenance record for it?
Show him the Car Fax!
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Show him the Car Fax!
Or the "Haz Fax"..........
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There is a piece of trim missing from the driver's door.
Do you happen to still have that?
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There is a piece of trim missing from the driver's door.
Do you happen to still have that?
Yes, but I can't find it since the last time I beat the kids. :o :o :o :o
(JUST KIDDING....I never beat my kids with automotive trim.................I used water hose) WHAT? :o :o :o
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Hey wtr, glad something worked out for you, and sounds like a good deal.
A co-worker, who hates buying vehicles, and won't buy new, turned me onto this site. My 2002 X-Terra, is paid for, and my son will be graduating HS next year. :-\
Soooooo,....Since it runs fine, has no issues, I'll be in the market next year as well. Probably something pre-1978, because when the EMP goes off, any vehicle with an ECM, or on board computer, won't work.... :P
Thinking maybe an old K5 Blazer. ::) It has to hold lots of tin foil.... ;)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/tinfoilhat.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/looksstupid.jpg)
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Now that wtr100's problem was solved, on to mine.
I hate to buy vehicles too...and I need a new one.
Anyone like to give me one?
I've got a 73 fiat spider that can be yorus for $500.
Its a fun little car and comes with a truck load of parts. I want to restore it, but I don't have the time.
hell I'm on the phone right now for work trying to get some supplys dropshippped.
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I've got a 73 fiat spider that can be yorus for $500.
Its a fun little car and comes with a truck load of parts. I want to restore it, but I don't have the time.
hell I'm on the phone right now for work trying to get some supplys dropshippped.
driving a 2000 Camaro and I'm getting to the age where I want some thing I climb up into and down out of...
Spider would be fun. Had two 240Zx...a '70 new and later a used '72. Similar size, but the Zs would be a bit peppier, but all three would be fun to drive.
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its like driving a go cart its not real fast, but boy does it feel like you are hualling ass, then you look at the speedo and your doing 45 ;D
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its like driving a go cart its not real fast, but boy does it feel like you are hualling ass, then you look at the speedo and your doing 45 ;D
They are also very nimble with the light weight and low center of gravity.
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They are also very nimble with the light weight and low center of gravity.
I've been thinking about picking one up myself, probably not a Fiat though. I'm a bit more of the British Motor car type like a Spitfire or MGB. They can be had in pretty good condition for decent money. Granted, it's a labor of love to keep one running but then, that's the type of mechanic work I enjoy. My brother just recently peddled off his TR6, he offered it to me for short money but being 6'1" and 260 it was a tight fit.
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I've been thinking about picking one up myself, probably not a Fiat though. I'm a bit more of the British Motor car type like a Spitfire or MGB. They can be had in pretty good condition for decent money. Granted, it's a labor of love to keep one running but then, that's the type of mechanic work I enjoy. My brother just recently peddled off his TR6, he offered it to me for short money but being 6'1" and 260 it was a tight fit.
That was one of the things I liked about the Zs. At 6'2" and 250, I could adjust the seat so I could not reach the pedals and only put fingertips on the steering wheel without leaning forward.
I saw a Spitfire in a local garage once and was impressed with the access to the engine. With the hood tilting forward, lifting from the windshield, and the entire wheel well raising up out of the way with it, you could sit on the top of one of the tires with your feet and legs in the engine compartment and work on about everything.
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need to buy a new truck (new to me)
We'll be hauling water , currently we borrow a truck for this - 400 gal tank or 3,200 lbs .
Why the !@#$ is it so hard to find a full size but not hunmonoulous regular cab, 4 wd truck.
Truth or BS - V6 and V8 are pretty much the same gas mileage until you load them down ...
Shouldn't be that hard. My dad did that very thing about 3 weeks ago. Got a new 2011 V8 Chevy Silverado 4x4 for a real good price. You're right, the MPG between the V6's and V8's isn't much if anything plus you get the extra torque from the 8.
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I've been thinking about picking one up myself, probably not a Fiat though. I'm a bit more of the British Motor car type like a Spitfire or MGB. They can be had in pretty good condition for decent money. Granted, it's a labor of love to keep one running but then, that's the type of mechanic work I enjoy. My brother just recently peddled off his TR6, he offered it to me for short money but being 6'1" and 260 it was a tight fit.
there are 2 kinds of english car owners, those that have electrical issues and those that have replace every inch of wire due to electrical issues.
Its even more funny becuase its true. ;D
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My brother just recently peddled off his TR6, he offered it to me for short money but being 6'1" and 260 it was a tight fit.
I'm 6'2", my wife would chime in here and say 6'1 3/4", and 255. A TR6 wouldn't show up on any list of vehicles for me. I went looking for one after a 17 year-old girl pulled out in front of me and I totalled my wife's birthday present from her dad, a 2007 Element-still had the new car smell and just 12,000 miles. I really wanted a Jeep, didn't fit in a Cherokee (looked right at the visor all the way down), or a new Wrangler (hit my head on the cage). So we got another Elment >:(, that I don't drive...
I'll be in the market for a new vehicle in the next year or two, and will be looking for a diesel truck.
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Lucas Zider diaode a Triumph specialty.
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I'm 6'2", my wife would chime in here and say 6'1 3/4", and 255. A TR6 wouldn't show up on any list of vehicles for me. I went looking for one after a 17 year-old girl pulled out in front of me and I totalled my wife's birthday present from her dad, a 2007 Element-still had the new car smell and just 12,000 miles. I really wanted a Jeep, didn't fit in a Cherokee (looked right at the visor all the way down), or a new Wrangler (hit my head on the cage). So we got another Elment >:(, that I don't drive...
I'll be in the market for a new vehicle in the next year or two, and will be looking for a diesel truck.
intrestingly enough, being 5'11" with a 33" inseam, my knees don't hit the steering wheel in my fiat when I shift, 1st car I've ever been in that they don't( several trucks, but thats a diffrent animal) I have to turn my leg side ways to shift my wifes 69 fast back.
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there are 2 kinds of english car owners, those that have electrical issues and those that have replace every inch of wire due to electrical issues.
Its even more funny becuase its true. ;D
That could be said for nearly every car over 30 years old. Don't get me started on those guido cars like Fiat and Alpha Romeo!
When your talking European cars from Great Britain, Italy or anywhere else, your not buying a car, your buying a hobby. It's a labor of love, not work!
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we got a Chev ( Holden) Cruze a few months ago
Big fan, still missing 4 cylinders but goes hard enough for what the mrs likes
Uk cars,
Land Rover: Putting oil back in the ground since 1948! ;)