Re-geared and free-spinned the 3500 4x4 diesel

[skyking]

with the current 5th wheel I will be in 5th probably 30% of the time, due to load. As load approaches 80~90% the stress on the 6th gear shaft is getting a bit excessive for my tastes.
That is one of the impressive outputs you get on the torque app from OBD, calculated load as well as instant and average MPG. The MPG was very accurate. My trip was 24.27, and going down the road the torque app was hovering around 24.6 . All the while the factory overhead was declining, eventually settling down in the mid-22's.
You could SEE the effects of a passing truck or tiny up or downhills, and also modify driving style on the fly.

[Hersbird]

I'm still on the hunt for a 03-04.0 6 speed QC 4x4. I have a line on one coming up at auction in Spokane my dealer friend thinks I might be able to get for around $11k with about 275k on it. That has a 6 day warranty as well which is uncommon for that age and mileage at the auction. There was another one here with only 65k on it but it went for $25k pretty quickly. Most are modified with giant bumpers, racks, lights, and tires.

[skyking]

that would be a nice truck for a Montana guy. One of those states where 4WD is very handy.

[Hersbird]

I don't want to hijack your thread but I was ready to go with a 2wd but besides being as rare as hen's teeth around here, my wife pointed out even while towing I'm going to want to unhitch and go up exploring old ghost towns and such. I tried to talk her into a side by side we could put in the bed but at $10,000 or more each we would be better with just paying a bit more for a 4x4 truck and the fuel it uses. My longterm plan still is in a few years get an Ecodiesel once thier reliability is proven (or not) and the prices come down. If the 5.9 proves to be consistently over 20 empty and about 15 towing then maybe I'll keep it. If not spending under $15,000 on a 3rd Gen I should get most of it back.

[skyking]

I think you will get the 20 in average driving in Montana, so long as you keep it under 65 on the highway. Not too much stop and go in that state
The autos have a higher OD at 0.69, so the RPM is down in the favorable range.
Free spin kit is 1500, now all that separates it from a 2wd is lack of independent front axle, a little bit of weight and about 4" of height/frontal area.
With a free spin and everything else equal, I think a 2wd will have a 2 MPG advantage in the long haul.
Way cheaper and handier than a side by side for basic exploring, and the ability to take your trailer into different spots. My 2wd would get stuck on wet grass in the wrong conditions, and it was limited slip.

[Hersbird]

well the 2004 goes up tomorrow morning, I said $10,000 would be good, but I would go as high as $12,000. There is about $1000 in fees, transportation, and some profit for my buddy so worst case I'll be $13,000 in it. The estimated price by the auction company was under $6000 but he says the don't differentiate between gas and diesel in their sales, DOH! Still he said diesel trucks haven't sold as well here since the Bakken has slowed down. Wish me luck!

[skyking]

will he get to listen to it run?

[gumby79]

Have the buyer hook a obd2 scanner/ dongle and check for major problems.

[Hersbird]

Sight unseen buying online with a 7 day driveline warranty. The front end could be toast but it has no body or interior damage. He will know a little more when it comes up.

[Hersbird]

Well no sale, the bid went to $10,500 and they had some reserve on it. We think they even had someone running it up to that point so we offered them $10500 after the sale but they haven't responded. Sorry, I'll stop hijacking your thread now, if an when I get one I'll start my own LOL!