sack1
Kent, WA
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Joined: 08/16/2002
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hotrod4x5, we have an E-350 15-passenger van w/V-10 at work and it uses a quart every 1200 miles. To be fair the van is used all day long in stop n' go driving and rarely gets to stretch its legs. Whatever that may bring to the equation.
I've had some vehicles that use what seems like no oil at all (more of that in a bit) and those that use more than I'd like but still within guidelines for rebuild. The fact is, individual vehicles have different characteristics. It's not just a certain engine or brand, etc.
On zero oil usage, I read a column by a noted auto mechanic and his view was that engines that seemed to use no oil at all could be cause for concern. A certain amount of oil is indeed needed to get past seals in order to lubricate (valve guides, etc.).
Engines not showing any usage at all could in fact be retaining moisture which was replacing lost oil.
The point is, within manufacturer's guidelines, you are either above the bar or below. Just because an engine uses more oil than the next does not mean there is something wrong and needs attention right now.
Our E-350 may continue to use oil at its current rate until laid to rest while others see their oil consumption increase and surpass that as their engines put on miles.
'03 Chevy 2500HD 4x4, LT, Ext. cab, LB
8.1/Allison, 4.10
'03 32' 2955 Montana 5er
XM Radio/OnStar
Valley Hitch
Honda EU1000i
1984 VF700F Interceptor
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Jim Vobrak
Jacksonville Fl usa
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Joined: 03/26/2001
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I have a Silverado 3500HD with the 8.1 engine. I tow a HR Alumalite 33 fiver max trailer gross 14,000. Average tow weight around 12,500 my speed is usually low to mid 60's unless I am in a hurry and this rig can really haul 70/75+ no problem. Towing I average around 8 depending on speed, hills etc. When I got it I wanted the Duramax but just couldn't get one. This truck is great but if you have can get the Duramax.
I just checked the Chevy web site the 2500HD is still avaliable. The 1500HD is not. If I get another one it would be the 2500HD, CrewCab Long bed with the Duramax. You can tow with a short bed and their are hitches that will compensate. But there have been many times I have had the trailer near a 90 backing. It is a bit long though 25 ft.
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hotrod4x5
Southern Calif
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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Quote:I just checked the Chevy web site the 2500HD is still avaliable. The 1500HD is not. The 1500HD has been rebadged as the 2500 for 2004. The 2500HD is basically a 3500 without dual wheels. 1/2 ton: 1500, 3/4 ton:2500 1 ton: 2500HD and 3500.
Rodney 2005 Laredo 29GS 2002 F250 V-10 Hughesnet Satellite Internet
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jthorpe
Raleigh, NC
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Joined: 05/20/2001
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Quote:Quote:Wait for 2nd generation Duramax or 6.0 Ford. Maitanence on first generation for either is not cost effective..
OR GO WITH CUMMINS.
The Cummins is a great engine but, it is in a mopar product.
Why would you say that Cummins is a great engine, but it's a mopar product? I'm not sure what you mean by that. Anyways, Cummins is not a mopar product, it's a Cummins product that is installed in a Dodge truck. There is quite a difference there.
Quote:The Dodge Guys have no clue how to raise horsepower or torque in the Cummins without wipping out the the mopar automatic transmission.
This is completely incorrect. I personally had a 99 that had more than 350 hp and 750 lbs of tq to the rear wheels. My truck had an auto, and it was fine because the VB, TC and other parts were upgraded. It was quite the ride. Granted, the stock auto is nothing to write home about but that's irrelevent. You said that the Dodge folks don't know how to up the power and keep an auto alive. That is incorrect. If you don't believe me, then go to http://www.dieseltrans.com and http://www.atsdiesel.com, or even http://www.suncoastconverters.com
Quote:The only way to get a factory high horsepower/torque motor is to couple it to a six speed manual transmission.
Again, not true, but the manual IS better for high hp. Even then, you still have to change out the clutch.
Quote:Dodge brakes have also been a subject of concern in the past. Be informed before You buy.
I went 75000 miles on my first set and towed heavy trailers quite frequently. Never had a problem on my 99 and the 03 and up Dodge trucks have the beefiest brakes of all the brands.
Yes, be informed before you buy, but make sure you have accurate information.
____________________________________________
Webmaster - www.dieseltruckresource.com
A great site for Dodge / Cummins owners! wiki.dieseltruckresource.com Good diesel tech info
2007 Dodge Ram 3500 - Cummins Turbo Diesel
Dually, Black, 6 spd auto
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Road Schooner
Port Ludlow, WA
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Joined: 07/25/2003
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The problem is, its a DODGE truck, weak truck and tranny. Direct quote from Dick Diesel.
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jbrodie
marysville wa usa
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Joined: 07/09/2003
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Ford has had some teething problems with the 6.0, no surprise there. The newer 6.0's from the factory have been much more reliable. Do some research and be sure to check out manufacture dates of the engines. Go ahead and check out all of the diesel rigs as well. They are all great tow rigs.
2004 Trail Bay 27DS 2001 F250 PSD
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Total Guy
St. Paul, MN
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Joined: 02/01/2003
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Paul-
I think the only name change was to the 1500HD being renamed to 2500. I own a 2004 2500HD so that remains the same. I've heard that a srw 3500 is due to be released later this year but thats just speculation until we actually see it on the dealer lot. Personally I don't see any great advantage of a 3500 srw vs. a 2500HD...
2005 Chev HD2500 Duramax/Allision Quad Cab 4WD
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jthorpe
Raleigh, NC
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Joined: 05/20/2001
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Quote:The problem is, its a DODGE truck, weak truck and tranny. Direct quote from Dick Diesel.
hmm, that makes me wonder why my Ford fell apart and my Dodges haven't. Maybe they're dumb and don't realize that they are weak trucks. I guess I better tell them.
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hsum
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 09/02/2003
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The 3500 srw has a gvw of 9800, rather than 9200.
2003 Silverado 1500HD, LT, 4x4, 4.10, locker, Tekonsha Prodigy, Linex, Raider Canopy, Hidden Hitch Front Receiver
2002 Komfort 25TBS
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