# Older diesel trucks **URL:** \ **Category:** Power/Fuel\ **Tags:** diesel, trucks, gmc\ **Created:** [July 22, 2009, 10:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-diesel-trucks/33819 "2009-07-22T22:37:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mttdye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@mttdye](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mttdye)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2009, 10:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-diesel-trucks/33819/1 "2009-07-22T22:37:26Z")
I am looking for an affordable, larger work truck so I can use it to tow a heavy 26ft fishing boat around. I would like a diesel I think because of power, life expectancy and fuel consumption issues. I heard that the mid 90’s dodge with 230hp cummins are a good place to start. I know from boats that a cummins is a reliable engine. I am wondering if there are any other options (chevy, GMC)that may be a better choice. Also, are there any problems that I should look out for with trucks of this type? ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2009, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-diesel-trucks/33819/2 "2009-07-22T23:20:13Z")
If you’re looking for a diesel, Cummins is the best there is. They’ve been a primary source of diesel engines (and drivetrains) in heavy duty construction equipment for a very long time, well before Dodge tapped them for their pickups. ---
**Author:** ![pistazie](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/pistazie/32/1275_2.png) [@pistazie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pistazie)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2009, 2:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-diesel-trucks/33819/3 "2009-07-23T02:32:18Z")
I’m an unabashed Cummins fan so I’m quite biased, that being said there is a listing of common problems in the 1994-1995.5 Dodges on the Turbo Diesel Register site. > **[RAM Cummins Diesel Forum at Turbo Diesel Register](https://www.turbodieselregister.com/content/518-buyers-guides)** > > The Turbo Diesel Register. Dodge diesel owners, you have found the number one resource for Dodge Cummins trucks! They also have a Buyers Guide with TSBs etc. > **[BuyersGuide2009.pdf](https://www.turbodieselregister.com/Issues/BuyersGuide2009.pdf)** > > 2.22 MB Good luck finding the right truck!! ---
**Author:** ![mttdye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@mttdye](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mttdye)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2009, 8:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-diesel-trucks/33819/4 "2009-07-23T08:03:00Z")
Thanks for the input guys, That link is pretty useful. I think cummins is a definite first choice, but living in hawaii we don’t really have as many older trucks to choose from. So could be hard to find. . .I have heard that I should stay away from ford diesels, but I haven’t heard much about older diesel chev trucks. . .any opinion on these or any other trucks and engines to keep my eyes open for. I am not worried about looks or extras so older trucks and engines are also a definite option. thanks again for the responses. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2009, 7:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-diesel-trucks/33819/5 "2009-07-24T19:38:52Z")
Avoid the old Chevy diesels. It was not one of their best efforts. It belongs way in the past, long forgotten. ---
**Author:** ![chipchap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6f9a4e/32.png) [@chipchap](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chipchap)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2009, 1:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-diesel-trucks/33819/6 "2009-09-08T13:16:28Z")
How old of a chevy diesel are you referring to? I am looking at a 1997 GMC turbo with 55000 miles in a GMC Sevana Van. ---
**Author:** ![FoDaddy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/fodaddy/32/717_2.png) [@FoDaddy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FoDaddy)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2009, 2:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-diesel-trucks/33819/7 "2009-09-08T14:23:30Z")
My vote goes for the old 7.3L Powerstroke Fords. IMO the trucks themselves were more robustly constructed than the Dodge’s of the same vintage.