I asked this in the Diesel section too, but I want some more opinions...
I'm looking to either buy a 97-00 Ram 1500, or a 96-2000 Ram 2500 diesel, (last deal fell through, dealer is a @#!*#!^~$. I've never owned a diesel before, so I don't know exactly what I could be getting myself into. I know they have more power, get better fuel economy, and typically last longer. On the other hand, I've heard they don't start well in cold weather, and I live in Wisconsin... Other than that, I don't know too much. I would be using this as a daily driver, and as an off road warrior every other weekend or so (nothing to serious, snow/mud, no water)...
If you could tell me your experiences, both positive and negative, it would help me make this decision!

 

Ok, on a gas truck you have the following benefits: maintenance is usually cheaper, If something breaks the parts and labor costs are significantly cheaper, and fuel is cheaper. There are some drawbacks on the 1500: Tranny (If its an automatic), Plenum Gasket, and lets face it... Its a gas motor only designed to last 200,000 miles before major problems start occuring.

Yes, diesels get better gas mileage, but at the current cost of gas and diesel around my part of the country, gas is still cheaper to run. You can always count on a diesel engine to take more abuse than a gasser, but when you do break something on it be prepared to shell out more in repair compared to a gas motor. Cold weather starts on a diesel are a little tricky and require some extra effort to ensure smooth cold morning starts.
1. Engine block heater
2. Anit gelling additive in the diesel

I prefer Diesel over a gas motor any day. I still regret letting my Grandfather sell our company flat bed 3500 dually. That truck had major potential.
I still drive a gas truck now because of fuel costs, and with having two other one ton dually trucks around I really dont need another towing machine. Towing brings another topic to mind... Do you tow much?
IMO I cant see buying a diesel for a daily driver right now. It really blows my mind when I compare gas to diesel, and see that diesel is higher than gas. It makes no sense to me when diesel is actually a byproduct of gas production, but those tanks in Iraq don't run on air do they???

 

I pretty much agree with every point in Laramie's post. I just wanted to add that when he says the diesel will cost more to fix if it breaks, it will cost a ton more usually. They break less often then gassers, but cost twice to three times more to fix, from my experience.

That being said, my grandfather has a 1990-1992 (can't remember exactly now) Dodge Ram with the diesel. Its a manual and has almost 400,000 miles, and the only major problems I recall him ever having were a few A/C problems. He used to do a lot of towing with it.

 

I can tell you this is true...the company I used to work for had a diesel work truck and it was a money pit when it came to repairs. The injectors for that thing were almost $400 each! The mechanic told us that the normal "tune-up" for those things can be $1,000+...granted, it doesn't have to be done very often. But there is a reason why diesel mechanics (around here at least) make really good money...they charge you.

 

I don't really do any towing, maybe a trailer full of branches from time to time, nothing I couldn't pull with my 91 cherokee. Wow, it's looking like a good thing I asked this before jumping in and buying a diesel truck... I'm a college student, and I'm not sure paying $400 for injecters would be too feasible! Thanks guys, and I look forward to hearing more!

 

I was just doing a quick little search, and I found some 50 hp injectors for $485 for the whole bunch, it claims to add 50hp and 2-3 MPG depending on driving style:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dynomite-Diesel-50-HP-injectors-94-98-Dodge-Cummins-12V_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33554QQihZ017QQitem Z270312143715QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

And something else I should consider is: gas prices will most likely be rising again, and when it does, would buying a diesel have made more sense? I plan on modifying either truck I get, 3-5" lift, tires no bigger than 33s, exhaust, intake... From what I've seen, the 1500s with those setups are lucky to push 11-13 mpg highway. I'm really good with maintainence on my vehicles, and my local mechanic/friend is willing to teach me to work on my vehicles, which could also really save me some $$$.

If you can't tell, I'm really leaning towards diesel, but I need you guys to negate my tendency to rush into things unprepared!

 

I don't want to dissuade your opinion away from the truck you want. I was just giving you worst-case information. I love diesel trucks and hope to own one someday myself. But keep in mind that if gas goes back up, diesel probably will, too. When we were paying around $3.50/gal for gas, diesel was around $4/gal. Just something to consider. Have the truck checked out thoroughly by a good mechanic before buying, and make sure you don't drive off in something that will fail you down the road. If you REALLY want a diesel, buying a gas is going to be nothing but a waste of time and money and you won't be happy. Chances are you may never have any problems. There are a lot of 2500 CTD's still chugging along perfectly. No doubt they are tough and dependable trucks. Just make sure you get a good one and post pics when you do.

Also: You would be lucky to get around 13 hwy with the lift and 33's on a 1500. I have no lift and 265's and I get about 14 hwy...

 

I really appreciate the time you're taking to explain you opinions, it's better than "diesel is junk, buy gas." I think that even if diesel is more expensive, the difference in MPGs would make up for it, and like you said, I think I would regret not buying a Diesel. I have the rest of my life to make up for the mistakes I make today. Whenever I buy a vehicle I always have it inspected first, I don't trust my own judgement when it comes to these things, I want it so bad I would buy it regardless! I'm thinking of buying one I found on Ebay, it's in Vegas, and I'm in WI. Luckily my brother lives in Vegas so I could stay there and check it out before dropping $$$ on it.
I'll definately post up some pics of before and after I get my hands on it

 

the diesels are super tough trucks, with heavier dana 60 and 70 axles, which offer more options. the diesel engine also offers numerous chips for higher performance. they're great for towing, better mpg, longer life, etc.

however, they cost more up font, cost more to maintain, fuel costs more, and the pumps and turbos and pipes and stuff are all just a little more complex to maintain. they're also nosier and smellier than gas.

just make sure you can afford it up front, and afford some maintenance down the road. my brother in law has a 97 or 99? dodge CTD 3500 cab and chassis. he pulls the world with that thing. but - every year or two something happens and he takes it to a shop for repair and its almost always well over $1000. all the parts are just bigger, heavier, and more expensive.

if you do go diesel, look up some of the diesel forums similar to this one. also research the "53" block, and avoid it. the diesel people are always complaining about it cracking - major, major expense.

 

Well I kinda get used to buying parts for ours below cost... I love our local oreily's!