Which to get?
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Amateur
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Which to get?
Hey. Im looking to get a ram. I want a diesel but my mom is currently saying no due to higher fuel prices. i drive to and from school (500 miles total) about twice a month the rest is all suburb driving with some pretty steep hills. Id like to get an extended cab short bed 2nd gen ram. 4x4. 5 or 6 speed but im not sure if i should get diesel or gas. i dont do any towing its just going to be a dd. im looking for which ever (gas or diesel) would get the best fuel mileage. Thank you to all who reply.
Champion
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 2
From: Skagit County, WA
5.2 and 5.9 gas engines are fuel hogs. A hughes engines intake manifold can help a lot, but I doubt you'd see over about 15 on the highway. A diesel will get upwards of 22 on the highway if you're smart, but the price of admission and maintenance is higher.
Champion
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 2
From: Skagit County, WA
Pretty much any of the 1st gen or 2nd gen trucks should hit low to mid 20's on the highway. A buddy of mine is running an edge programmer only on his 24 valve and he gets right around 20-22 average. Manual transmissions will get better than autos.
All Star
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming
Fuel mileage king is the VE-pumped 12v 1st gen trucks (89-93). Followed by the p-pumped 12v (94-98) and closely followed by the 24v (98.5-02). Then you have the 03/early 04 Common Rails, which get really pretty damn good mileage.
If I were you, I would look for a 96-98 manual 12v. You have the insane reliability of the P7100, coupled to the manual trans, and it's a dead reliable/easy to maintain engine. 215hp factory rating. Pretty much the only wires underhood are for AC, alternator, fuel shut off solenoid, and starter. And more power is a screwdriver away (i.e. free).
Or with the 24v, the VP44 is known to have some reliability issues. However, an aftermarket liftpump will work wonders in supplying the fuel to help the VP live a long life. And ANY sort of increased power absolutely requires a liftpump. The AirDog Raptor is a direct swap in the stock location, or you can get a framerail mounted unit along with filtration to.
IMO, the increased fuel costs are more than made up for with the power, fuel mileage, and durability that comes with owning a diesel.
As an aside, my 07 is easily in the 500hp range at the tires, and gets an honest 20mpg on the highway. IF I can stay out of the pedal. And it'll walk the vast majority of vehicles on the road
If I were you, I would look for a 96-98 manual 12v. You have the insane reliability of the P7100, coupled to the manual trans, and it's a dead reliable/easy to maintain engine. 215hp factory rating. Pretty much the only wires underhood are for AC, alternator, fuel shut off solenoid, and starter. And more power is a screwdriver away (i.e. free).
Or with the 24v, the VP44 is known to have some reliability issues. However, an aftermarket liftpump will work wonders in supplying the fuel to help the VP live a long life. And ANY sort of increased power absolutely requires a liftpump. The AirDog Raptor is a direct swap in the stock location, or you can get a framerail mounted unit along with filtration to.
IMO, the increased fuel costs are more than made up for with the power, fuel mileage, and durability that comes with owning a diesel.
As an aside, my 07 is easily in the 500hp range at the tires, and gets an honest 20mpg on the highway. IF I can stay out of the pedal. And it'll walk the vast majority of vehicles on the road
