Hello again... Good CL deal on IDI?

[vt951]

Hey guys, I will soon be in the market again for a truck. If you don't remember, I had an 86 IDI that I was unable to get running, and sold it to a fellow oil burner a couple months ago (to swap in a running IDI).

This time, I'm considering some options other than IDI's, but wanted to see what you all thought about this one: http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/1528017941.html

I'm also looking at some F-150's with the 300 straight 6 and 351W. The straight 6 seems to be a really good motor from what I've read.

And, I'm sure this will bring some flames, but I am looking at a '96 Ram 1500 with the 360 (5.9L gas v8). I know everyone will say it's junk . But, I can buy this truck with only 115k miles and a 4 year full coverage warranty for about $3k, which would eliminate most of my concerns about buying a Dodge.

I know you guys are all into IDI's for a reason, and I'm all ears.

 

[DragRag]

Gas engine? What's that? Stick with the diesel, and start making your own black diesel from used motor oil, the truck will pay for its self in no time like that. No need to pay for an extended warranty that way, you are paying for it btw with the purchase of the gas dodge. Personally I would not buy a gas anything to keep. A flipper maybe, a parts truck for sure, but not a driver. Those damn trucks will eat you out of house and home, they are worse then having a fat kid that eats to much.

 

[IH_444]

The truck seems ok, I'd try to talk him down a bit. I bought my very similar '88 for $1000 and it needs about $500 spent in it to get it up to *****.
If you get a gas truck, the 300 six is the only way to go. That is the only gas ford truck I would own and ONLY with a stick. 300 automatics are

 

[jhnlennon]

Gas engine? What's that? Stick with the diesel, and start making your own black diesel from used motor oil, the truck will pay for its self in no time like that. No need to pay for an extended warranty that way, you are paying for it btw with the purchase of the gas dodge. Personally I would not buy a gas anything to keep. A flipper maybe, a parts truck for sure, but not a driver. Those damn trucks will eat you out of house and home, they are worse then having a fat kid that eats to much.

I wouldnt say that, Im not averaging any better fuel economy with my f250 diesel then I was with my half ton ford 300 six 5 speed. In fact I average less and I pay more for fuel.

The whole burning waste oil thing can be a catch 22, works for some and not others. If you arent comfortable doing major fuel system repairs then I wouldnt recommend doing it since shop rates at diesel specialists are outragous.

Unless you absolutely need a 3/4 or 1 ton truck and power there really isnt any reason to own one. The cost of ownership with diesel vs gas has been beat to death and in the end it usually comes out even if not in favor of the gasser. If your in the market for a diesel than I definately recommend an IDI, they are the cheapest to own in terms of diesel trucks. But are they cheaper to own and operate then a gasser, not in my opinion. I can buy a reman long block ford 302 cheaper then I could pay a shop to redo just the fuel system on my diesel.

I would recommend an injected 300 straight six half ton ford if ya want reliable and cheap. I have seen many many with over 200k and nothing major done to them, and with proper tune will average 18-20 mpg pretty easy and they WILL ALWAYS START in the cold times. If you want diesel than I recommend late 85 up ford idi. Cheapest to work on as far as replacement parts go. I wouldnt recommend GM diesels as they dont have a strong baseline motor to go with. They are fairly cheap to work on but you will be working on them. And if you arent comfortable doing your own major maechanical repairs then I would stay away from a diesel as most small ma and pa garages wont do them, so again you will be off to the diesel specialists with a jar of vasoline. It all depends on what your after, food for thought I guess. Just my 12 or so years of being in the automotive business 2 cents worth.

 

[vt951]

Thank you all for the replies and advice. I'm looking for something to daily drive 3-4 days per week, 50 miles per day. And I want to be able to tow my car to the track (less than 5000 lb car and trailer) with it. And, of course, use it for the odd errand to pick up mulch or lumber, etc.

 

[gonecrazyi]

I had an 80 f100 with a 300 inline and c6 tranny. With over 300k it was still running strong and ran through the gears effortlessly. I believe it had a 2bl carb that I never adjusted. On average on got around 16-18 mpg with it and ran it around like a race car. Ended up scraping it when all the body mounts rusted away and it was to dangerous to drive. Up until the end it would run 80 mph down the highway with no problem at all.

My buddy had a 96 f150 with the fuel injected sraight 6 and that thing was a dog. I got better milage in an old f350 diesel with the c6 trans and 4.11 gears then he got with that truck and an e4od. I personally would rather have a carbed motor than all that fancy efi crap any day.

 

[65sixbanger]

My first truck was a 1998 Dodge Ram 5.9l and that thing was great, never left me stranded. However there is a big difference from the 96 to the 98... When I sold my dodge it had 200,000 with factory everything and still ran like new. It was my first truck and I am in high school so you can imagine waht it went through

 

[vt951]

My first truck was a 1998 Dodge Ram 5.9l and that thing was great, never left me stranded. However there is a big difference from the 96 to the 98... When I sold my dodge it had 200,000 with factory everything and still ran like new. It was my first truck and I am in high school so you can imagine waht it went through

What are the big differences from 96 to 98... you mean the 5.9L engine changed? The trucks look the same.

 

[65sixbanger]

the engine is a bit different and there is a lot more electronics, and the interior is a lot different. I think it all changed in '98...