[jensend]

Looks like we'll be trying to find a used late model (2006- on) truck in order to be able to take my '02 Z28 off the road and make it a dedicated track car. The truck would need to be able to tow the car and an open trailer safely at highway speeds. Would prefer a club or crew cab for the extra space an longer wheelbase. Right now I'm thinking gas as opposed to diesel since the truck will get limited use other than for track events and few camping trips annually. It will also be available to my two grown sons as needed. Want the space of an 8' bed so I can carry plywood, etc., when needed. Durarbility and reliability are major requirement. Capable of doing most maintenance and repairs on my own on a gas powered vehicle, but I'd like to have something that was practical to use and maintain. Looking for recommendations on what to buy/avoid, average real world mpg figures, etc.. Thanks in advance for your input.

[jensend]

Really appreciate all the advice, tech and "real world" data. Seems like the choice is far from a simple one- personal preferences notwithstanding. Finding a trustworthy deisel fuel source locally might be an issue in my area ( small town jersey Shore). While I'm close to NJMP, most of my track events are out of state with the bulk being at WGI. So, most of the time, I'll be towing at least 3-4 hours each way. Wondering if this will be an excessive burden on a 2500 series gas burner. I'm used to bare bones in most of my vehicles (standard trans, few if any options) so I'm looking for practical rather than posh. I guess I'm going to have to compromise on a used truck - gas or otherwise. Have never owned 4wd and am not anxious to start now especially with the added weight and maintenance issues. So far I'm guessing I'm looking for something between 2005 and 2007 based on the responses thus far. Thanks again. Any further info is also welcomed.

This post has been edited by jensend: Jul 9 2011, 03:50 PM

[Steve91T]

Really appreciate all the advice, tech and "real world" data. Seems like the choice is far from a simple one- personal preferences notwithstanding. Finding a trustworthy deisel fuel source locally might be an issue in my area ( small town jersey Shore). While I'm close to NJMP, most of my track events are out of state with the bulk being at WGI. So, most of the time, I'll be towing at least 3-4 hours each way. Wondering if this will be an excessive burden on a 2500 series gas burner. I'm used to bare bones in most of my vehicles (standard trans, few if any options) so I'm looking for practical rather than posh. I guess I'm going to have to compromise on a used truck - gas or otherwise. Have never owned 4wd and am not anxious to start now especially with the added weight and maintenance issues. So far I'm guessing I'm looking for something between 2005 and 2007 based on the responses thus far. Thanks again. Any further info is also welcomed.

I felt the same way, it was difficult to find a diesel station. But honestly, it's 2nd nature to find a diesel pump now. I fill up at the Kroger which has those fuel points that add up over the course of a month. Last month I got $0.50 off per gallon. That was nice! When traveling, any truck stop is fine. I've never had a problem with water in the fuel. Just don't fill up while the tanker is filling the underground tanks.

With the F250 at least, you get a larger fuel tank with the long bed than the short bed.

I highly recommend 4x4. I'm like you, electric door locks and power windows is about it. I HATE (with a passion) auto trannies. I also don't like auto locking hubs, transfer cases, and anything else that is expensive when it doesn't work.

With the manual tranny, you get granny gear which is awesome. Also, with manual locking hubs, I shift to 4x4 low, and use granny gear, and my truck will literally crawl at idle. It's great because without the front wheels locked, I am in 2x4 and can still maneuver.

One thing to also consider is how much weight is over the front axle, and how little weight is over the rear. My engine alone weighs over 1000lbs. Sometimes I park my truck in the grass next to my driveway. I have been stuck trying to back out of my LEVEL yard. This has happened several times to me when the ground is wet. Also, I've needed 4x4 when pulling my boat out of the water. It's just a 20ft bowrider, but sometimes the ramp is pretty slick.

I know in NJ you guys get a lot of snow. My truck is absolutely useless in the snow. But, in 4x4, I have never even come close to getting stuck. I usually go around pulling people out of the ditch and I have yet to find a stuck car that has even made my tires spin while pulling them out. Even just in the wet in 3rd gear, if I get into the boost too hard, I can light up the tires, especially while towing. I've also needed 4x4 trying to maneuver an empty truck in deep gravel.

The only examples I have are here:


This is the entrance to our neighborhood. This is a very steep hill. The people in our neighborhood who don't have 4x4 don't leave the house. If they can make it down, they'd never make it back up. There was ice below the snow.

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Steve91T/Snow%2009/th_MVI_3368.jpg)

And of course, dounuts! This thing does great donuts.

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Steve91T/Snow%20Day/th_MVI_1958.jpg)


I have done absolutely nothing to my 4x4 as far as maintenance. I'm planning on just changing fluids and greasing the hubs, maybe change some wheel bearings, but other than that, it's been rock solid.

I'm telling ya, Diesel, 4x4, longbed.....you won't be happier. Then add an intake, exhaust, and a tune, and you'll have a serious towing machine. I know a lot of people have just 2wd, and to be honest, I don't know how people live without it. To me, a truck isn't a truck unless it's 4x4.

Steve

This post has been edited by Steve91T: Jul 9 2011, 05:52 PM