[cmartin]

I'm thinking about a truck/trailer and would appreciated any leads on a decent ~8yr old Dodge 2500 diesel. I *think* I want a manual trans, other than that A/C is the only other requirement.

Thanks for any leads!

Chris

[APKhaos]

Its not a Dodge, but this IS a great deal:

http://44cup.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=756

Dave runs the 944Cup. I know this truck well!

[cmartin]

Thanks for the lead Tony

[Jase007]

The 6.2 / 6.5 L Diesel is a great motor. Here is some background on the evolution:

Designed as a diesel engine from the ground up by the Detroit Diesel Division of General Motors, the original 6.2L diesel engine was introduced in the 1982 model year GMC and Chevy C/K truck line. Taking this engine design to the next level in the 1992 model year, the new 6.5L diesel engine was an advancement in technology, and was designed for the application of a turbocharger. The 6.2L saw its final year of production in 1993. While the 6.5 was replaced by the Duramax 6600 beginning in the 2001 model year Chevy and GMC vehicle production, the 6.5L diesel engine will be manufactured and sold by AM General for many years to come. AM General is the manufacturer of the civilian H1 Hummer & military HMMWV.

The GM light-truck 6.2L and 6.5L diesel engines were optional in all 1982-2000 C/K series trucks, and in the Suburban, Chevy Tahoe & Blazer, GMC Yukon & Jimmy, vans, and motor homes (RV) in both turbo diesel (TD) and naturally aspirated (NA) versions. In addition, low cost and ready availability have made these engines extremely popular the world over for diesel conversion projects; powering Land Rovers, Land Cruisers, and a host of other foreign and domestic production vehicles.

And a link to the classifieds on Dieselpage.com for 6.2/6.5L.

6.2/6.5 dieselpage.com home page for reference. Tons of info.

Good luck in your search.

Jason

[William Miller]

Not a truck, but I'll be selling my Durango in the near future.
It does have a 5.9 litre engine and pulls like a horse.
Power to weight must be pretty good. It's also a very stable platform.
It pulls my 22' I/O Proline as well as any pickup.

Were selling because we needed more room with the 3 kids growing like weeds. BTW it handles unusually well for an SUV. Huge sway bars help and I thnk it's somewhat lower than most.

We bought a Tahoe last fall, but haven't yet been ready to part with it.
I'm more inclined now that my 911 will be back on the road regularly.

[Chopper Dropper]

I highly recommend the Durango. I have the smaller motor 5.2L, pulls my heeavy steel open trailer with 8 wheels on the rack plus tool box etc at high speed as many will know that I have passed on the interstate. I like the size, its got long wheelbase, is not too big for driving around town and there is decent room in back with the seat down to carry all track junk without having to worry about weather or security within reason.
Dirk

[William Miller]

I just looked at edmunds and kelly.
It looks like my Durango should be worth arround 10K.
BTW The upper ball joints were replaced by the dealer last year!
It was MD inspected last fall, but probably has expired.
I'll update it if your intrested.

[Mike W]

Originally Posted by Chopper Dropper

I highly recommend the Durango. I have the smaller motor 5.2L, pulls my heeavy steel open trailer with 8 wheels on the rack plus tool box etc at high speed as many will know that I have passed on the interstate. I like the size, its got long wheelbase, is not too big for driving around town and there is decent room in back with the seat down to carry all track junk without having to worry about weather or security within reason.
Dirk

I'll second this. Having a GC with the 5.2, the thing pulls. Mopar LA series V-8’s are quite good. Tows very well with plenty of power left. I used to tow things between here and Blacksburg and the thing handled the Mountains quite well with full load. I still didn't loose speed while most cars did. Also, with no tow and the hammer down quite fast for a SUV in its price/age. So translate to 5.9 or Diesel being quite good/better as well. Some Chrysler trucks (Dodge/Jeep) did not have appropriate brakes (maybe most brands don’t) to handle their own weight, let alone towing. Look into that, possibility upgrade (that’s what I did) and you will have no problems.

[markwemple]

Check into the reliability and repair prices on these puppies first! Durangos are notorious for unreliability and american diesel, while their engine are relatively reliable, are extremely expensive to fix (see how much a vacuum pump can cost, or better yet, fuel pump). I'd go with a full size Toyota p-u, or if you are crazy enough, Land Cruiser, circa early '80s (FJ-60). They have a low top speed but could drag your house out of the mud. And, they won't depreciate!! Besides, you gotta love a truck with a pto off the engine!

Remember, you're not looking to tow a whole race set-up, just a car and a few spares, right?

[William Miller]

I beg to differ, Mark. That has not been my experience at all!