Tow Rig

[flxy_tj]

Ok I know some of you are running tow rigs and was wondering who was and how you like them. I'm looking for info on all types of rigs. I'm looking at getting a 4x4, diesel, w/ a crew cab, 1 ton. I want to get a fifth wheel race car type trailer with the living quaters up front and a place for the jeep in the back. So it is gonna be heavy.
I would like to get a early 90's model diesel. I'm just wondering tech. info if you guys have had any problems and what not with the ones you have also what you would do over if you could. Also what to look out for and what you guys have heard. I would like to save the money on the rig even if I have to do work to it and get a kick ***** trailer.
It will be easier for camping with the family.
Thanks all
Jon Snowden

[Linda]

I am kind of biased towards the Cummins diesels. Our entire fleet is Cummins. '92 Dodge, '94 Dodge, '82 4BT (in a 1980 IH Scout II), '90 4BTA (in a 1954 Willys wagon). If you go with a Dodge, look at the 1st gen (160hp, 1989-1993) and 2nd gen (160 to 215 hp, 1994-1998.5). These are all 12v w/mechanical fuel pumps. Performance modifications are fairly easy on these engines.

Dodge didn't make a crew cab, but people have been replacing the diesels found in Ford and GMC crew cab trucks with the Cummins 6BTA. The last I heard a transplant costs around $10k, probably a little more by now. Sandee and her husband transplanted a Cummins into a Chevy crew cab dually a few years back. This could be a way of getting what you want for the lowest cost. Older Chevy & Ford diesels can be had pretty cheap.

Isuzu is also interesting. Isuzu is the largest manufacturer of small diesel engines (medium trucks) in the world. There is a crew cab 4x4 in the Isuzu NPR line-up that would make a great tow truck/camper/whatever. I think they quit importing these to the U.S. in the early 90s, but I'm not sure. Since the frames are straight, lengthening or shortening the wheelbase is not a problem.

BTW, I spotted a Dodge V10 4x4 this morning for $7000 (west of Stapley & Broadway in Mesa). I think it's a first year model. It looks very clean.

[Woody]

I'd recommend a 94-98 1/2, 12 valve cummins, 5-speed, 1-ton dually dodge. If you can find a 98 12 valve, you're stylin'.

The motor is all mechanical, which makes fueling mods much cheaper than the newer 24 valve motors. It's easy to get nearly 100 HP out of that motor for under $100.

Fuel mileage is great...at least 16 mpg city and 22 mpg hwy.

Stay away from the auto, though, unless your ready to spend $4000 on a performance tranny (which I'm about to do).

Rick

"Have you been diesel bombed lately?"

[Hackle]

It's easy to get nearly 100 HP out of that motor for under $100.

100 HP and you have to mod it to get that???? :D

I drive an F-250 PSD and run with Woody and FlexyXJ. I do have to agree that the 12v Cummins is the best engine but it comes wrapped in a Dodge truck :(

If you look at the Fords do not go back past about 95 the deisel did not have a turbo. And did not put out much power. All autos behind a deisel do not last without major mods, too much torque! I would go with a 5 speed you will still have to add a heavy duty clutch.
Two last items
1) Are you sure you want a 4 wheel drive? More parts to fail and the turning radius sucks. (you do have a Jeep for 4 wheel drive)
2) Install gauges ASAP you need to know your Exhaust temps.
If you need more info on a Ford I can help just PM me.
Jim F.

[Woody]

100 HP and you have to mod it to get that???? :D



You know what I meant!

Heck, 100 hp is all you need to outrun a Powerstroke.

Rick

"got smoke?"

[Hackle]

You know what I meant!

Heck, 100 hp is all you need to outrun a Powerstroke.

Rick

"got smoke?"

:D :D :D
One last item I love my deisel truck it pulls great, fuel milage is well above gas, and they are faster then most people expect :)
Jim F.

[Linda]

Stay away from the auto, though, unless your ready to spend $4000 on a performance tranny (which I'm about to do).


I know what you mean!! I have a '93 518A I am planning on rebuilding for the 4BTA. Desert Diesel (Waddell, Az) came in around $2200 to rebuild + beef up the tranny. The turque converter is a few $$ more. I am going with a manual valve body so it will be a learning curve.

My '94 (auto) has a flaked out ECM which is causing a shake around 42 mph. There's a TSB on this one, but it is a $500 dealer fix since the new ECM has be reprogrammed. It's a nuisance on the streets, but I just go a little faster or slower. I just don't feel like getting it fixed right now.

My '94 gets 20mpg in the city. That's with Michelin commercial truck tires that are one size larger than stock. I still haven't calculated highway since I have been pulling my little Venturcraft behind it on most trips.

[flxy_tj]

100 HP and you have to mod it to get that???? :D

I drive an F-250 PSD and run with Woody and FlexyXJ. I do have to agree that the 12v Cummins is the best engine but it comes wrapped in a Dodge truck :(

If you look at the Fords do not go back past about 95 the deisel did not have a turbo. And did not put out much power. All autos behind a deisel do not last without major mods, too much torque! I would go with a 5 speed you will still have to add a heavy duty clutch.
Two last items
1) Are you sure you want a 4 wheel drive? More parts to fail and the turning radius sucks. (you do have a Jeep for 4 wheel drive)
2) Install gauges ASAP you need to know your Exhaust temps.
If you need more info on a Ford I can help just PM me.
Jim F.

I have been thinking about not getting 4x4 but I'm also gonna use it for camping with the family and would like to have the option if we want to go into the snow..... maybe.
That is the reason I'm asking people for their help so I can make me an edumacted descision. :D

[Qman]

I purchased a 04.5 Dodge with the Cummins 600 2wd Quad Cab ,AT. I had a Dakota 318 prior to this that i towed my Jeep All over the Midwest and out here and to Moab once... although it ate up 4 trannies in the 130K i put on it the Motor was unstopable the entire time i owned the dodge i was dead set on Purchasing a new SD powerstroke but in my Mind i have always loved the Cummins. Just didn't really care for Dodge to much of course 4 trannies made it real easy to sway me towards the SD. I had been wanting, shopping, studying everything about the two trucks since about 99 when the SD came out.. i test drove each of them probably 10 times. Always liked the Dodge loved the power but didn't like the Body so much. Well in 02 when Dodge released the new Body i was sold. something to think about FORD has never been happy with the powerstroke that is why it changes everyother year. The Cummins 6cyl Diesel was designed in 1919 was redeveloped in 1929 stayed pretty much the same till 1954 when they added fuel injection. In 1970 when the US government started Emmissons requirments on Autos the Cummins was the only motor to pass without ANY engine modifications, and has stayed pretty much the same to Present with that many years of proven performance i don't know how you can honestly Purchase a $40k , 400 gas engine block converted to a Diesel. Ford makes a nice looking Truck but thats about it...i Don't want to BASH any of you FORD owners But the FACTS stand Cummins is a proven PERFORMER FOR OVER 85 years

[Woody]

I know what you mean!! I have a '93 518A I am planning on rebuilding for the 4BTA. Desert Diesel (Waddell, Az) came in around $2200 to rebuild + beef up the tranny. The turque converter is a few $$ more. I am going with a manual valve body so it will be a learning curve.

My '94 (auto) has a flaked out ECM which is causing a shake around 42 mph. There's a TSB on this one, but it is a $500 dealer fix since the new ECM has be reprogrammed. It's a nuisance on the streets, but I just go a little faster or slower. I just don't feel like getting it fixed right now.

My '94 gets 20mpg in the city. That's with Michelin commercial truck tires that are one size larger than stock. I still haven't calculated highway since I have been pulling my little Venturcraft behind it on most trips.

Desert Diesel....that's Fred Swanson, right?? He's going to be the one rebuilding my 160,000 mile 47RE with all DTT parts. New convertor, valve body and everything else they install to make that tranny hold up to somethin' like 600 HP. It will also be getting a #8 fuel plate and a 3K governor spring kit. Man, I can't wait!!

Rick

[flxy_tj]

I would love to get a cummins but in the later year dodges did not come with a full crew cab door. I don't want a ext. cab with a modified door I had one of those and did not enjoy it.
I'm not knocking anyones input I just can't swing the big money for a 35 to 40 dollar truck. I want to save the money on the truck and get a nice trailer. :D

[Woody]

I would love to get a cummins but in the later year dodges did not come with a full crew cab door. I don't want a ext. cab with a modified door I had one of those and did not enjoy it.
I'm not knocking anyones input I just can't swing the big money for a 35 to 40 dollar truck. I want to save the money on the truck and get a nice trailer. :D

I guess if your criteria comes down to whether or not your truck has 4 full doors, then you must be a powerstroke guy. Good Luck ;)

Rick
"I'd rather be cummin' than strokin' it"

[Linda]

I would love to get a cummins but in the later year dodges did not come with a full crew cab door. I don't want a ext. cab with a modified door I had one of those and did not enjoy it.
I'm not knocking anyones input I just can't swing the big money for a 35 to 40 dollar truck. I want to save the money on the truck and get a nice trailer. :D


Check into a repower. If you buy a $6000 truck and spend $10,000 on a repower you are still ahead of the game. Early 90s & late 80s 1-ton crew cab duallies are not that expensive, but they are popular with the landscaping companies. You could also look for a crew cab work truck for a repower.


Yep! Fred Swanson, Desert Diesel. He came with high recommendations. I checked with other auto tranny rebuilders. Most wanted to do a soft rebuild or didn't want to tell me what they did for a rebuild. I didn't like that. He's also a regular on the TDR.

[Linda]

Oh heck! Just buy something like this and start from the ground up!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2485181870&category=31846

[Qman]

That is what i would love to have but of course would still want all the modern, suspension ,AC, brakes. it would have to be a total ground up but of course a CTD would be the Heart and SOUL

[FlexyXJ]

Desert Diesel....that's Fred Swanson, right?? He's going to be the one rebuilding my 160,000 mile 47RE with all DTT parts. New convertor, valve body and everything else they install to make that tranny hold up to somethin' like 600 HP. It will also be getting a #8 fuel plate and a 3K governor spring kit. Man, I can't wait!!

Rick

Yeah, you will STILL get spanked by ole "brownie"...:) As for hackle...well he has a Ferd and we dont have to worry bout that auto based diesel engine with IDI, besides Real motors are inline and dont need a computer to control fuel flow. It really must suck to not be able to "bomb" I guess woody and I will have to post some "Diesel Bomb" pics for all of the Computer controlled people to be jealous of. I have worked on waaaaaay to many "P" pump motors to even think of buying an ISB motor.....:) Right now mine has a #10 plate and its a 98 12 valve, 215HP pump with a NV4500 and a South Bend "Con OF" Clutch. I just ordered a #8 Plate, 16cm2 turbine housing, 3K GSK and 4" Exhaust. Not only do I plan on SPANKING Frogs 6.0 PSD (Again :D ) But god forbid id Woody were to beat me in the "3/4 ton diesel nationals" Nope, just cant have that happen...AND right now I get about 14-16 towing my JUNK, and 22 driving back and forth to the shop. BUY A DODGE!!!!


Joe P.S....I attatched a fuel plate listing to help you make your decision on mechanical pump vs. Electronics.....:) And these plates cost about 225.00 :eek:

[Woody]

Yeah, you will STILL get spanked by ole "brownie"...:)

But god forbid id Woody were to beat me in the "3/4 ton diesel nationals" Nope, just cant have that happen...


This....is gonna be good :D

Woody

"I like to eat brownies"

[FlexyXJ]

AND>>> If you were to buy an AUTO truck, and wanted to play....here are some prices to play....Enjoy :D Rick is......(edited....too long....) plan on spending 4 Grand!!!!!


Joe

[flxy_tj]

Thanks for all the info all. So when you guys were all out getting your rigs what was just way to many miles for a used rig be it ford or dodge.... Just wondering some of the more common things that need replaced like around 100,000 or so.
Say you found a high milage chasis (like 250,000 +) with a new engine and tranny would you buy it? Just to make people happy will say it is a dodge. :)
I'm just trying to get ideas so I know what type of things to look for.
I'm impressed with all of the info I did not know about the cummins and the 12 valves. I like to keep my stuff simple.
I'm still toying with full crew cab or not now!!!! I had to ride in the back of a small cab when I was kid!!! He just might also. :D
Well keep all the info coming it is a big time help.
Thanks for the prices and info Joe.
Later Jon Snowden

[Linda]

Thanks for all the info all. So when you guys were all out getting your rigs what was just way to many miles for a used rig be it ford or dodge.... Just wondering some of the more common things that need replaced like around 100,000 or so.
Say you found a high milage chasis (like 250,000 +) with a new engine and tranny would you buy it? Just to make people happy will say it is a dodge. :)
I'm just trying to get ideas so I know what type of things to look for.

Sure!

The only thing I have replaced has been the fuel shutoff solenoid (160,000 miles) -- and the original shocks (Brazilian Carhop shocks). The transmission on my truck is ready for a rebuild. The POs were snowbirds and hauled a big trailer with the truck between Quartzsite and Montana, and most likely other places too, for several years. The tranny rebuild was anticipated in the purchase price.

[Hackle]

Yeah, . BUY A DODGE!!!!
Yada yada yada

225.00 :eek:

:rolleyes:

Joe are you available to go with everyone to make sure they get a tow rig up to your personal specs??
I am sure they should all be brown also as I am sure they are faster or you would not have bought a brown one. We all know that anything you own is the best :D .
Jim F.
BTW I am sure everyone that wants a tow rig has a good deisel bomb as a number one high priority.

[azrocksyj93]

Just so happens that the NEW Off-road adventures has an article about Diesels. Go figure!!!!!!!

[FlexyXJ]

:rolleyes:

Joe are you available to go with everyone to make sure they get a tow rig up to your personal specs??
I am sure they should all be brown also as I am sure they are faster or you would not have bought a brown one. We all know that anything you own is the best :D .
Jim F.
BTW I am sure everyone that wants a tow rig has a good deisel bomb as a number one high priority. I will adress this one point at a time....

1) Yes, I will be available. You got a smokin deal didnt you??? :D
2) Yes, Brown is UGLY!!! But both of our trucks are brown & faster than a silver truck, right??? :D
3) I am glad you finally see it.... :D :p Just kidding....just trying to get some action on this forum....
4) Yes, Having a Good BOMB is a HIGH priority.....it keeps the tailgaters @ bay.....:)


Joe

[Hackle]

:D :D ;)

[danno]

For those of us that have not yet joined the oil burning tow rig club....


What is a BOMB?

[Woody]

Imagine....an old, coal burning freight train.

Imagine....an Iraqi oil field on fire.

Imagine....smoke so thick from the tailpipe of Flexy's tow rig, that it blocks out the sun for a brief moment.

Imagine....shooting a nice thick diesel bomb straight out the tailpipe and into the open window of the punk kid next to you, who cut you off in traffic at the last light.

Imagine....the thrill of leaving Flexy and Hackle choking in the remnants of my diesel bomb as I merge onto the freeway a good 300 yards in front of them.

Rick

[weasel_ugs]

For those of us that have not yet joined the oil burning tow rig club....


What is a BOMB?

I have been wondering that same thing :confused: . Don
P.S. I guess I was too slow to post this.

[FlexyXJ]

Imagine....an old, coal burning freight train.

Imagine....an Iraqi oil field on fire.

Imagine....smoke so thick from the tailpipe of Flexy's tow rig, that it blocks out the sun for a brief moment.

Imagine....shooting a nice thick diesel bomb straight out the tailpipe and into the open window of the punk kid next to you, who cut you off in traffic at the last light.

Imagine....the thrill of leaving Flexy and Hackle choking in the remnants of my diesel bomb as I merge onto the freeway a good 300 yards in front of them.

Rick


ROFLMFAO!!! Ok, we will have to post pictures tomorrow night......:) However, one thing DOES bother my thought process.....The fact that you have to "IMAGINE" the thrill of beating a old, brown 8800# 4x4 truck with a 5 speed.....Imagine.....thats all that will happen, my friend. :D

http://www.dieseldynamics.com/videos/mm02/1020-keith.mpg
Joe

[Hunter]

A Bomb?? Is that what you called it by blowing the hellish spwan of a cloud into my shop??? :mad:



Well, now I know.

[FlexyXJ]

http://www.dieseldynamics.com/videos/mm02/keith-jim.mpg


and they say diesels are slow....Well Rick's is...... :D


Joe

[FlexyXJ]

A Bomb?? Is that what you called it by blowing the hellish spwan of a cloud into my shop??? :mad:



Well, now I know.


:p

Joe

[flxy_tj]

Man do I wish I had some cash ready.........
*
http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/8/0/74422980.htm
*
After all responces on the thread right now I would be very happy with this truck. What do you guys think?
I know it does not have the full crew doors and 4x4 but I think it is the best of both worlds..... If I have to make compramises. :D

[FlexyXJ]

Hey JamesT....this ones for you......and that "girly starbucks cruizer" :D

http://www.dieseldynamics.com/videos/1339-donald.mpg


Joe

[FlexyXJ]

Man do I wish I had some cash ready.........
*
http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/8/0/74422980.htm
*
After all responces on the thread right now I would be very happy with this truck. What do you guys think?
I know it does not have the full crew doors and 4x4 but I think it is the best of both worlds..... If I have to make compramises. :D


YUK...Noisey, clattering 24 Valve.....Nice truck, just overvalved...:)


Joe

[weasel_ugs]

So Joe,your tow rig is also your race car..er truck now? :D .Scary thought,my Jeep is also my tow rig :( . Don