Free State Wyoming Forum
Wyoming Research and Information => General Wyoming Living Information => Topic started by: Cyclonesteve on October 17, 2013, 12:03:38 AM
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I've been thinking of getting a new vehicle, probably a diesel pickup, and I was wondering if there are any web-sites to help. The new trucks are really nice & really expensive but I've heard are very susceptible to EMP in everything from getting the engine started to the power steering. I've heard slightly older trucks would need a little help getting started and the OLD trucks aren't effected at all, but they're old & need work & get poor mileage.
Like I said, anyone heard of a good site that talks about different model's, years and such so I can get better informed?
Thanks
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Take a look at this site, Steve. http://ericpetersautos.com/
Here is an article with discussion thread on trucks specifically.
http://ericpetersautos.com/2013/06/22/f-150-or-other/
http://ericpetersautos.com/2012/04/24/2012-chevy-silverado-1500/
http://ericpetersautos.com/2011/12/09/no-more-compact-trucks-for-us/
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Wow...Best Truck discussion in Wyoming. Just go to the local bar and drop that line, that'll start a fight with someone.
That being said, I've got a late 70s (I think 79) Dodge that works pretty darned well. Sure the sun rot has killed the dash and it is on it's sixth seat cover, but what it lacks in style, it makes up in character (like not having a working gas gauge...so I just fill it up about every 250 miles and just use my trip odometer). Plus, the addition of a Tommy Lift (hands down my favorite truck accessory ever) and front and back snow plows makes it a great truck for this area.
By the way, if you're used to those fancy new cars, just remember, when you start it put your foot to the floor and crank her over...it takes a bit. ;D
But good luck on your truck search! Don't be afraid to visit your local salvage yard!
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One thats paid for and still runs
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Mjolnir's right...that's a loaded question!
What do you intend to do with it? Hauling a lot of stuff regularly, or just getting around in the snow? Answering that question should decide you between a pick up or an SUV-style body.
I swear by my 2000 Jeep Cherokees. Mountain goats in the snow and throw on studded tires and there are not many places she can't go! I also put on steel bumper and grill cage - she rednecked up real nice... :-D Seriously though, it's not IF you hit a critter out here - it's WHEN. Get steel bumpers.
Enough room in the back to make a respectable trip to the grocery store and Home Depot - roof rack for tying down supplies that don't fit in back (2x4's, etc.).
Love, love, love it!
YMMV, of course (pun intended)
Kelly
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We have five trucks here on the ranch with all three makers represented. All three have there good points and bad points. The ages of the different trucks span almost 30 years and each one was bought with a specific purpose in mind. We have bought brand new pickups in the past, but that is a mistake never to be repeated. With the way new trucks are set up and all of the nanny state BS incorporated into their design, I wouldn't have one if it was given to me.
I am not a mechanic, but my next truck will be a custom model. I will most likely start off with a 79 Ford 3/4 or 1ton single rear wheel 4x4. After I get done beefing up the suspension and drivelines I plan to drop in a beefed up 12v Cummins along with a new mechanical tranny. There are places to buy aftermarket parts at a reasonable price in order to replace all that is wore out. The plan is to end up with a brand new old truck. Yes, it will cost a little bit, but that cost will not be anywhere near that of a new truck. I will have something that I actually like and is way more reliable than anything being turned out today.
Our newest truck is an 01 model F250 and if it weren't for the job I have, we never would have bought it. Everything being turned out nowadays is so computer dependent, the oldtime shade tree mechanic can't work on it. They are starting to put "Black Boxes" on new vehicles like planes have and the information derived from them is being used against the vehicle owners. It is still being debated on who actually owns the information contained in the black box, but insurance companies are giving discounts to those who willingly sign over the rights to that information. Some states are trying to pass legislation to give the cops that information in the case of vehicle accidents. Just the thought of all this pisses me off. If I buy a vehicle, I sshould own everything associated with that vehicle. The insurance companies, nor the cops should have any access to any of it unless I willingly give it to them. You can't get around or bypass the black box either. The automakers are designing vehicles to be inoperable if the black box is bypassed.
Putting my tinfoil hat on here, but I think one of the reasons for the "Cash For Clunkers" was to get as many older vehicles off the road as possible. Look at all of the vehicles now that come standard with a GPS. Who has seen the Chevy commercial where the vehicle is stolen and Onstar shut down the vehicle and the cops catch the thieves? That technology is becoming more and more common. Who can say what potential that ability will have in the future? They don't want the people driving older vehicles for a reason. It is those reasons that makes me want to have nothing other than older vehicles.
Anyhow, I got off topic. If you don't need to pull trailers or haul alot, get a Nissan 4x4. those damn things run forever. If you do need to haul some stuff, get a 3/4ton of any of the top 3 no newer than mid80's. Go to NAPA and buy a spare electronic ignition module and you should be fine.
Tex
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One thats paid for and still runs
The older and more electronic-free the better.
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"What is the best truck for Wyoming"?
I would think any 4x4 truck would be a good truck for Wyoming.
Kelly did point out one thing, What are you going to do with it?
While I may not be in Wyoming right now, I do plan to get there someday, I do have a nice truck.
It is a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. I have a topper on the back, so anything in the bed does stay dry.
It has a 318 engine, and over 270,000 miles under it belt.
With any vehicle, how you take care of it, well tell you how long it will last.
But I also agree with everyone else here about all the BS that is going into new vehicles now.
Being a mechanic, I feel 1998 is about the newest you can get and still be able to work on it yourself, without some form of computer to help you.
also something else to thing about, Fuel, as in what type.
With a diesel, you can also run it on WVO, waste vegetable oil, http://www.goldenfuelsystems.com/
Or with a gas engine, you can convert it to run on wood, http://www.driveonwood.com/
But most of the newer vehicle do not like the conversions.
So in the end, what do you want to do with your truck?
Dawg
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FDD:
So in the end, what do you want to do with your truck?
That is the first question to answer; which will determine size, engine, trans, transfer case, bed length or flatbed or maybe just SUV...commuter, puller, etc.
Next is how many FRN's your willing to part with.
Then what can you find...
Random thoughts:
All of my trucks are 4WD. You may not need it much, but when you do, it can be a lifesaver. You'll likely need it even more in WY. I've gotten around in modest snow with a CRV, but if there were drifts or I slid into a ditch, I'm cooked. AWD is handy, but not enough IMO if you end up living in the country on gravel roads that have iffy snow removal.
I certainly agree that buying a new truck is not the best idea as the initial 1-3 yr depreciation is needless waste of FRNs. Not to mention higher insurance, sales tax, tags. Added complication with electronics will take your DIY skills to a whole new level. More tools, etc. But it can be done. Factory manual and a group of knowledgeable friends.
Like most things in life, it's a compromise.
I drive old stuff. Five trucks at the moment ::), all with various jobs. All over 100K. A gasser over 300K, diesel approaching 200K. Some never leave the property. One is being rebuilt. Doing your own repair work will be important to you in lower population density areas. Yes, some have electronics that are both a help and a curse. ABS on my 2nd generation Dodge is a $%^# curse. I'd gladly keep my electronic ignition and fuel injection on my gassers as starting and running in the winter is improved immeasurably. No long cranking, choke issues, vacuum pull off issues and no need to carry gumout or ether for spritzing the carb. Trying to start a carbureted vehicle in below zero weather can be a serious challenge. Starting a diesel in cold weather requires preheating to get the best results, not to mention being aware of the gel point of your current tankful.
While diesel has it's place for pulling, it costs more to buy and own. In general, parts are more expensive, fuel is more expensive and it takes a little different TLC than a gasser. Diesels are more efficient, but the current D2 to gasoline FRN ratio negates that. They make up that difference with gobs of torque over a gasser of similar displacement. Nice thing about the electronic diesels is that they are easy to hop up with a black box or two. I wouldn't be without mine, but it's not a daily driver as much as it is the designated puller of the group.
Having owned a dually in winter weather, I will tell you it is not as good as a single rear wheel. Tall skinny tires work the best. Big fat wide tires do poorly in snow, particularly heavy slush. Unless you are pulling a large RV or stock trailer, stick with single rear wheel. Cheaper on tires, too. And the way gravel chews up tires prematurely, that can be a significant expense with a dually.
BB2 has the right idea with 'building your own'. Especially the 12V Cummins. Robust and no electronics. Yeaaaa! Simple is better. The only electrical item is the fuel shut off solenoid. They can be hopped up, but not as easily as adding a black box. At least not as much as a black box, especially with electronic injectors. Some days, I wish my 2nd generation Dodge had the 12V with an in-line fuel pump instead of the 24V and troublesome VP44 injection pump. Arg. Older 7.3 Turbocharged (International) Fords will get it done too and a little quieter than the Cummins. The older GM diesels had some issues until they came out with the completely redesigned Duramax.
FDD, IMHO, your 98 Ram with the 318 is a keeper if it's in good general shape and suited for the Cowboy State. You've done well to get it to 270K. Not everyone is savvy enough to do that. Crate 318's can be had from Chrysler and other sources. You may even be able to upgrade to a warmed up 360 crate motor with minimal effort. Not sure where you are (not being nosy), but keep in mind that Wyoming is 4000ft minimum and it takes proportionally more power to do the same work that would be done at ~sea level. Chances are you'll be hitting much higher elevations from time to time depending on where you settle. Just a consideration.
YMMV
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Take a look at this site, Steve. http://ericpetersautos.com/
Here is an article with discussion thread on trucks specifically.
http://ericpetersautos.com/2013/06/22/f-150-or-other/
http://ericpetersautos.com/2012/04/24/2012-chevy-silverado-1500/
http://ericpetersautos.com/2011/12/09/no-more-compact-trucks-for-us/
That Australian Ford Ranger looks interesting. I wonder how tough it is to import a vehicle? :)
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Take a look at this site, Steve. http://ericpetersautos.com/
Here is an article with discussion thread on trucks specifically.
http://ericpetersautos.com/2013/06/22/f-150-or-other/
http://ericpetersautos.com/2012/04/24/2012-chevy-silverado-1500/
http://ericpetersautos.com/2011/12/09/no-more-compact-trucks-for-us/
That Australian Ford Ranger looks interesting. I wonder how tough it is to import a vehicle? :)
Damned near impossible, or there would be lots of Toyota Hilux 4x4 crew cab diesels running around
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Take a look at this site, Steve. http://ericpetersautos.com/
Here is an article with discussion thread on trucks specifically.
http://ericpetersautos.com/2013/06/22/f-150-or-other/
http://ericpetersautos.com/2012/04/24/2012-chevy-silverado-1500/
http://ericpetersautos.com/2011/12/09/no-more-compact-trucks-for-us/
That Australian Ford Ranger looks interesting. I wonder how tough it is to import a vehicle? :)
Damned near impossible, or there would be lots of Toyota Hilux 4x4 crew cab diesels running around
Amen to that!
It will be interesting to see how the new Cummins LDD (light duty diesel) 5.0L V8 diesel offering will sell in the Nissan Titan half ton pickup. It was originally slated for the Dodge half ton-until Chrysler went bankrupt. Chrysler will be offering a 3.0L VM Motori Diesel in their half ton. Seems a bit small for a Ram, but there it is. Unless it's planned for the Dakota line?
GM is rumored to have a 4.5L four cylinder version of the Duramax for it's truck line. Not sure where that project is.
Fuel economy seems to be the goal vs brute torque for pulling. Other than the premium fuel price of D2, the only downside I see is the complication of the added pollution controls would drive any mechanic or skilled DIY'r to drink. Hope they have the bugs worked out better than Cummins did when they into'd the 6.7L ISB in the Ram...
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I'm just looking for a somewhat affordable, smaller diesel truck that won't die when exposed to a HEMP.
The smallest truck here has an automatic transmission plus all the electronic bells and whistles. :'(
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Isuzu used to make a small truck and Chevy sold the exact same truck under the "Luv" name. These trucks came out with a small diesel. They didn't have a lot of power, but simply as a daily driver or hauling small loads, they were great. The mileage was great and the trucks themselves were damn near indestructable. I have driven a couple different ones that almost 400,000 miles on them. Neither had alot of power, but they were still running good with the original equipment.
Eventhough some makers are coming out with diesels for their less than beastly models of trucks, I still don't believe I would want a new one. The older diesel engines like the 12v Cummins are still my pic. The 12v Cummins can be beefed up substantially for an amazing amount of power. The Cummins os a very old engine that has been tested in many different aplications and environmenst. Years ago when I was logging, the skidder I drove had the exact same engine as my pickup. The pickup did have a turbo, but that skidder could latch onto several tons of logs and go up the side of a mountain.
The newer an engine or vehicle is, the more electronics there will be to contend with. The old diesel engines are fairly simple to navigate and work on. The new diesels, on the other hand, would be a nightmare for someone who wasn't specifically trained to work on them.
Many times getting a good used diesel engine is as simple as buying an old or wrecked vehicle and then swapping the engine into a vehicle of your choice. I've heard the core charge on a 12v Cummins is around $4k, yet I have seen some old 2wd Dodges for sale really cheap with that engine. The ones I am referring to were for sale here in the Cowboy State. Had the trucks been 4X4, I am sure they would have had a lot bigger asking price, but the seller didn't take into account the value of the engine when listing the vehicle.
To get the "Perfect" Wyoming truck isn't necessarily cheap or easy, but it can be done for way less than the price of a new one. Each maker has a long list of vehicles and they try to convince the buying public that somewhere in their line is the perfect vehicle for everyone. I call BS on that though. Everybody has different interests and different needs, but having the perfect truck for yourself is not an impossibility. Figure out your needs and budget and then determine what extras you want. Aftermarket parts for every truck made in the last few decades are available. If you do decide to go this route, you most likely won't be able to finance it, but that isn't advisable anyhow. Decide what engine you want and then figure out what you want that engine to go into. When that is done spend some money and upgrade the truck and make sure it is all in good working order. It will not be as cheap as going down to a used car lot and simply driving something home, but hey, if you want the perfect Wyoming truck, take your time and do it right.
Tex
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Only problem with those older diesels is that they can't get near the MPG of a newer one with computer controlled direct injection. There are actually some advances sometimes... :)
Maybe the thing to do, if you are worried about EMP, is to get yourself some old cheap beater 2WD diesel truck and set it in the back yard, then buy something more modern for your daily driver. You can tinker on the old one as you have time. If no EMP happens, you haven't lost much (the old truck is still worth what you paid for it) and you've saved fuel money with the new vehicle. If EMP happens, you have your beater to use, better than nothing.
I've been getting 50 MPG from my Passat. This saves a lot of money. :)
http://www.fuelly.com/driver/paulx/passat (http://www.fuelly.com/driver/paulx/passat)
I was thinking of selling my Sprinter van and looked on craigslist. I was shocked at the prices people were getting for these things, and the high mileages too (some at 400k). Mine routinely gets 27mpg these days now that it is broken in.
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Actually Paul, the Cummins 12v is very versatile. From the factory, they were getting better than 20 MPG in a lot of the trucks that historically would get crappy mileage. That particular engine is an old engine that has been used in many different applications. Years ago, I decided to try logging and the log skidder I drove had the same engine as my pickup. Because it is a common engine with a lot of history, their a quite a few different a proven ways in which it can be modified to increase performance as well as economy.
Damn near all of the advances in diesel technology these days is for emissions control. Yes, there have been a few advances in the power department, but those were all made because something had to be done to overcome the power losses due to new emissions requirements. They came out with a good product years ago that had plenty of power and good economy and then the environmentalists stepped in and made their demands. tying to appease them, the power deisels are know for was lost. Then the engine makers figured out a way to regain the performance their product used to have and they try to sell it as something new. Their is very little that a new diesel engine can do today that an older Cummins or International can't do just as well or better, and more often than not, cheaper.
Alot of what goes into a new vehicle these days is something they convince you that you need, when the main purpose is to simply be able to charge you more. I don't need gps, or a urea additive to keep my exhaust clean. I don't have to have a light alerting me to a low tire or a loose gas cap.
There are lots of options when it comes to trucks and none of them are wrong. A person just need to decide what their reasons are for wanting a truck and not buy into all the hoopla that is out there. With the prices they charge for new trucks today, They ought to come with a Swedish hooker and an alibi. I can't see the sense in paying so damned much for the trucks they are putting out these days.
Tex
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If I was in the truck buying realm...
(http://www.benzworld.org/forums/attachments/sale-wanted-trade-giveaway/333275d1285448862-sale-76-unimog-doka-unimogsmall..jpg)
Unimog Doka.
Here's one I wish we could get in the US:
The Brazilian "Troller" - Diesel 4x4
(http://worldcarslist.com/images/troller/troller-4x4-diesel/troller-4x4-diesel-03.jpg)
Watch it swim: (about 2/3 the way into the Brazilian news clip...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDsxbUpaQ0k (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDsxbUpaQ0k) >:D
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Hey Tex I hear ya. When we had that hay farm up in Deaver, the farmer who came to cut my hay had one of those Cummins 12v engines running the mower IIRC.
And yeah, it's largely true about the emissions stuff. But I wouldn't sneer about the urea. At least it is better than the emissions technology it replaced, EGR (it's a pain in the rear to take your intake manifold off every 50k miles or so to clean the grunge out).
Make sure you run some biodiesel in those old engines with injection pumps that depend on sulfur for lubricity...
To be honest, I like running a clean diesel for my everyday driver. But I know it won't survive EMP. What do you think of my idea for 2 vehicles, with the old diesel truck held in reserve?
Another idea is just to get a 2WD truck and put a winch on the bumper for pulling you out of trouble. I think more people have 4WD than really need one. I've never felt the need to pay that weight and MPG and initial cost penalty to get 4WD. If 2WD trucks with the old Cummins are all that are available for a reasonable price, get that.
BTW I do love those Cummins engines. We had a Dodge with the 24v version for the ranch, it was something else. Definitely prefer it to the V8 diesels.
BTW what's the last year for the 12v without computer? All this talk has me looking in craigslist!
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98 1/2 was when they came out with the 24v. I do not know when the last year for the noncomputerized 12v is. One thing I do not like about a 2wd with a diesel is the excess weight of the engine and no way to help pull itself out of a mudhole. Growing up in Texas, the 4x4 didn't really get popular until recently. When diesels started becoming popular and showing their worth, alot of people would buy one in a 2wd. The weight of that heavy engine would insure that you got stuck if the ground was wet.
We have a 99 Dodge 3/4ton 4x4 with the 24v and we have a 96 F350 4x4 with the International. Both trucks are is serious need of upgrades, but they will get that before we buy a new truck. Occasionally a patient person can find a 1st generation Dodge with a 12v Cummins in a 2wd model. I have actually seen these trucks for sale for less than the core charge on the Cummins. When the time comes, I will be looking for one of these. I'll pull the motor and scrap the truck. I will be fixing the 96 F350 into another welding truck within the next few weeks. The next truck though will probably be a mid80's Chevy 4x4 dually with a beefed up 12v dropped in it. I have an old 79 F350 that was my late uncle's last rig truck and the plan is to build that thing from the ground up the way he would have if he were doing it today. That truck will also have a 12v in it.
As I said before, there is no one correct answer. If having two trucks works, I say stick with that. We have five different trucks here on the ranch and it seems they all have a different purpose. I saw a biodiesel refining set up for sale on craigslist that I wish I could afford. With some of those older diesels there are options when it comes to what one can use for fuel. There may come a day where I do get a newer truck for meeting clients and checking on jobsites, but for the actual work, I hope to stick with the older diesels. There are a lot of options available for someone willing to take the time to get exactly what they want and need.
Tex
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Looking on the Portland craigslist I find lots more 4WD than 2WD and lots more auto trans than manuals. I don't think the gearboxes were mentioned yet on this thread. Here is one example:
http://portland.craigslist.org/nco/cto/4157524369.html
The gassers are much more numerous and cheaper than the diesels especially around this age. When you do find 2WD trucks they are very often duallys...
Fuel injection is also better for places with mountains than carburetors since it compensates for altitude, at least in motorcycles (true for trucks as well?)
One other factor is a good support website. I've been very lucky with the VW marque which has tdiclub.com. Knowledge about what to do for maintenance is half the battle. Some folks go to ridiculous lengths to show how to do a job with lots of photos. BTW this is why I am less concerned about electronics (outside of the EMP problem). A good website handles such issues. Maybe it doesn't hurt that I spent half my life troubleshooting electronics though! Most electrical problems are corrosion or other problems with connectors, and corrosion is not so bad in a dry place like Wyoming.
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Having lived off-highway on a horribly-maintained county gravel road and 1.25 mile long private driveway for 24 years, here's what I've found to work (and not), from best to worst...
Mercedes Unimogs - unrealistic for on-highway travel, but unstoppable off-road. (It's not just their slogan...) Most retired military vehicles are robust enough for an off-highway life. I have four Unimogs, and they all do very well so long as you don't pound too much pavement with them. For the ranch, THE BEST, most capable, most reliable, hands down. (But you gotta love working on stuff, you can't mind waiting for the occasional part, and it's nice to have a lathe around...)
Toyota Land Cruisers - also very robust and capable. I have three of these remaining (a '75 FJ-40, '85 FJ-60, and '85 HJ-75) and they're built to handle the tough roads and bentonite mud we have around here.
Mid 1970's Chevy 2500 pickup - fed my cattle for 20 years, and mostly survived. The weak spot was the front axle, which was always needing some love.
2000 Ford F-350 Diesel - I've been pleasantly surprised. The body and chassis have held up well, but the plastic-riden clutch system is a joke. When the 7.3 "PowerStroke" wears out, she's getting a 12-valve Cummins with NO computer, and metal clutch parts, if I have to make them myself.
I'll throw in Subaru, tho' not a "truck" at all. TOTAL JUNK off-highway. I had bought a new '03 Outback for my wife. It was designed in such a way that virtually ALL the mud coming from inside the front tires wound up packed up above the exhaust heat shield and around the reap prop-shaft. That mud nearly cut that prop-shaft in half, and White's in Casper told me they would not honor the warranty at 3,500 miles because the wagon "showed signs of abuse from atypical use" - from that mud. It was 100% design-flaw. And abuse? For driving on a muddy road? Have you SEEN their commercials?
My biggest complaint is that virtually nothing today can take the mud here. As with Subaru, engineers don't plan on it. It rips the fender liners out, cuts prop-shafts, and destroys just about everything that's the norm for modern-day vehicles, which seem to be, to quote Frank Zappa, "A little bit cheesy, but nicely displayed."
Older stuff is, hands down, MUCH better, IMHO. I just bought a 2012 4x4 Tacoma to cap and use for a dog-hauler... I am not impressed, and it will be my last Toyota, ever. Ride is nice on and off-highway, but the fuel mileage is a joke - 18.5mpg is the best I can do, even keeping interstate speeds to 65mph - and the mud's pulling the fender liners off already. At 6,500 miles, the seats and dash rattle horribly, and worst of all, the exhaust runs UNDER the transfer case, unprotected, so not only is there a serious crush-risk, but if I take it off a maintained road, I'm gonna light the ranch grass afire.
One dear friend spent 30 years in the coal industry in Thunder Basin. He had multiple Fords that suffered terribly running in dirt and coal. He ended his career with two Toyota Tundras, and they did fare far better than the Fords. The weak spot for the Ford F-150s was the rear disk brakes...The coal dust would seize the calipers every year (or less). The trouble with the Tundra came in the air pump (emissions), which was over $3K to replace - TWICE in 100,000 miles, on his last one. His factory extended warranty DID cover it, tho'.
- Darrin (be back in six months... ;D )
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To Hell with all this nonsense about macho trucks. I've found the vehicle that is ME:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8)
Well, maybe this one instead:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJfSS0ZXYdo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJfSS0ZXYdo)
There will always be an England... :D
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To Hell with all this nonsense about macho trucks. I've found the vehicle that is ME:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8)
Well, maybe this one instead:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8)
There will always be an England... :D
? They are the same link?
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Oops, my bad. I fixed it.
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There is a REASON that even Mr. Bean takes exception to the Robin...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II1U-85lzkQ
(This became a running Gag in the Show...)
>:D
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Fuel injection is also better for places with mountains than carburetors since it compensates for altitude, at least in motorcycles (true for trucks as well?)
No question that a computerized engine with a closed loop system is superior on naturally aspirated gassers, Paul. And if a guy goes diesel and is at altitude, a turbocharged version is absolutely necessary, particularly with an older diesel with a mechanical pump. -And it'll still smoke... Gotta get pretty old to find a truck minus a turbo.
Even with computers compensating for lower pressure, and turbos/aftercoolers on diesels, there is a significant loss in power, especially as you get above 7K and 8K ft. Just not enough O2 available for adequate power output.
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EMP may not be as much of an issue as thought:
http://www.futurescience.com/emp/vehicles.html
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EMP may not be as much of an issue as thought:
http://www.futurescience.com/emp/vehicles.html
Another great, but inconclusive article. :)
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Sounds pretty conclusive to me:
The EMP may have been as high as 10,000 volts per meter in un-monitored areas of Kazakhstan, but not any higher. We know that it is possible to rather easily generate 50,000 volts per meter with an old second-generation nuclear weapon of the proper design.
In other words, we are all screwed. Keeping an old truck going when there is no fuel in the face of this sort of attack seems pretty pointless. An optimist might keep a few totes filled with diesel fuel and enough biodiesel to lend lubricity, as well as biocide to keep the bugs out. Mount them high enough to use gravity feed into the truck filler necks. And cycle through this fuel to use it before it goes bad. Good luck.
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How about a steam powered vehicle? ;D They used to be all the rage (in the 20's!)
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How about a steam powered vehicle? ;D They used to be all the rage (in the 20's!)
How about a hay powered apparatus? I have quite a few of those and I could be talked out of a few fairly cheap. They too were all the rage at different times in history. Should something catastrophic ever happen, I expect they will be all the rage again.
Tex
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How about a steam powered vehicle? ;D They used to be all the rage (in the 20's!)
How about a hay powered apparatus? I have quite a few of those and I could be talked out of a few fairly cheap. They too were all the rage at different times in history. Should something catastrophic ever happen, I expect they will be all the rage again.
Tex
And the advantage to utilizing hay powered equipment is the output. Good for the garden or most anything that likes sunshine... Sure beats buying triple12. Sorta like recycling, the old-fashioned way. Heh.
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Hey Tex I hear ya. When we had that hay farm up in Deaver, the farmer who came to cut my hay had one of those Cummins 12v engines running the mower IIRC.
And yeah, it's largely true about the emissions stuff. But I wouldn't sneer about the urea. At least it is better than the emissions technology it replaced, EGR (it's a pain in the rear to take your intake manifold off every 50k miles or so to clean the grunge out).
Make sure you run some biodiesel in those old engines with injection pumps that depend on sulfur for lubricity...
To be honest, I like running a clean diesel for my everyday driver. But I know it won't survive EMP. What do you think of my idea for 2 vehicles, with the old diesel truck held in reserve?
Another idea is just to get a 2WD truck and put a winch on the bumper for pulling you out of trouble. I think more people have 4WD than really need one. I've never felt the need to pay that weight and MPG and initial cost penalty to get 4WD. If 2WD trucks with the old Cummins are all that are available for a reasonable price, get that.
BTW I do love those Cummins engines. We had a Dodge with the 24v version for the ranch, it was something else. Definitely prefer it to the V8 diesels.
BTW what's the last year for the 12v without computer? All this talk has me looking in craigslist!
89' to 93' had bosch ve44 pump.
94' to 98' had bosch p7100 pump.
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79 F250 400 automatic 4x4 with a winch
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Get a FORD!
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Lately, I have been wishing that I could buy an Isuzu diesel 4x4, sold in the US as the "Chevy Luv". My wife's light Toyota pickup is decent, but I could really go for 4wd and diesel.